Electricians work in many settings, including homes, offices and factories. However, industrial electrician focuses on more complex equipment and machinery.
To become an industrial electrician, you need a high school diploma or GED certificate and an apprenticeship program that includes classes in electrical theory, technical drawings and safety and first-aid training. You must also pass an exam and obtain a license.
As a licensed industrial electrician, you install and repair electrical systems in factories, plants, or other production facilities. This requires a lot of knowledge about the different types of machinery, and it is critical to adhere to local, state, and national codes. If you make even a small mistake, it can have huge consequences. You also work to troubleshoot equipment when it stops working. This includes running tests to figure out what is causing the issue, and then you work to correct it.
Industrial electricians must be able to read blueprints, technical drawings, and schematics in order to properly maintain the equipment they are working with. They also use a wide range of electrician tools and may need to run conduit to place wire in the proper locations. This type of job is very detail-oriented and requires a high school diploma or equivalent experience. Many industrial electricians undergo a trade school program or an apprenticeship to gain the necessary skills.
These professionals must be able to work as part of a team, but they often find themselves working alone for long periods of time. The work can be physically demanding, as you must stand or move around equipment for extended periods of time while working on high-voltage systems.
Because industrial settings rely on so much machinery to get the job done, any failure in this equipment can mean major production delays or losses. Industrial electricians are tasked with keeping the machinery in good condition, and they are usually on hand to diagnose and resolve any electrical issues as they arise.
This is a highly-skilled role, and it takes a great deal of training to become an industrial electrician. If you are interested in this career path, you should speak with Hill Electric to learn more about the requirements and opportunities that are available to you. We can provide you with all of the information that you need to decide if this is the right choice for you. We also offer a number of other electrical services for both residential and commercial properties, including the installation of generators.
Troubleshooting Electrical Issues
A large part of the job of an industrial electrician involves troubleshooting. They use various electrical tools to help identify problems and determine the best solutions. Some examples of this include using multimeters to find out how much power a circuit is consuming and using circuit diagrams to identify potential problem areas.
They also troubleshoot when a light switch or outlet malfunctions. Typically, these issues stem from a deeper problem behind the scenes. This could mean the wiring is outdated, the equipment has been damaged, or it may simply be a matter of faulty electrical outlets. In any case, an industrial electrician can determine what is causing the problem and make the necessary repairs to resolve it.
Another common electrical problem occurs when a breaker trips. If your industrial building experiences an issue like this, the area’s lights might become incredibly bright for a short period of time, or the switches and outlets might stop working altogether. This is most likely an indication that a ground fault leakage problem exists on the circuit protected by the GFCI breaker. A skilled industrial electrician can easily diagnose this by isolating each component in the circuit, examining them for their preferred input and output signal values, and determining which one is malfunctioning.
When an industrial electrician is attempting to fix or replace a malfunctioning electrical fixture, they must be careful to follow all applicable safety standards. They must understand their organization’s rules regarding lockout/tagout procedures and testing procedures before they begin working on the equipment. They must also wear personal protective equipment to ensure their safety.
A final example of troubleshooting involves the power factor of a machine. The power factor of a machine is how efficient it uses electricity. This is an important factor for an industrial setting, as every piece of machinery must work together to create a final product. Industrial electricians can help businesses with this by determining the ideal power factor for their systems.
The role of an industrial electrician is a vital one in any business. They install, repair and maintain the electrical systems in industrial settings, making sure the equipment is functioning properly. They can also read and interpret blueprints and schematics, and they must be able to troubleshoot when something goes wrong with the machinery. By keeping up with the latest electrical standards and best practices, an industrial electrician can reduce costly downtime and ensure a safe workplace.
Reading Blueprints and Schematics
When an industrial electrician works on a construction site, they must be able to read blueprints and schematics. These technical documents contain information about electrical wiring, components and connections in a building. Usually, these are presented using a combination of symbols and text. It is important for industrial electricians to be able to interpret these diagrams because if they do not, they could make mistakes that result in loss of property or injury.
Some electrical blueprints include a table of abbreviations that helps explain the meanings of symbols. The table also explains the various types of switches, panels and other devices. A set of electrical blueprints may also contain a comprehensive manual, which contains detailed information about how the system operates and what materials are needed for it to function properly.
The first step in interpreting an electrical blueprint is looking for the power lines. These will be depicted as thick lines that carry electric current throughout the facility. Next, the industrial electrician must look for circuits that contain motors and control panels. These components convert electrical energy to mechanical energy and provide a centralized location for monitoring and controlling functions of the system. They will be represented by symbols and connected to the rest of the system via wiring lines.
Lastly, it is important for the industrial electrician to note any grounding and bonding. This ensures that any electrical shocks will not cause damage to the building or its occupants. In some cases, these systems may be located in basements or other lower level of a structure, so it is important that the industrial electrician is familiar with the methods used to protect these areas.
As an industrial electrician, you will also be required to work with a wide range of parts and equipment. This includes motors, transformers, control panels, lighting fixtures and more. Having a strong working knowledge of these different types of machines can help you troubleshoot problems and repair them effectively.
Finally, because an industrial electrician often works on larger facilities, they must be able to communicate with supervisors and other workers. This means being able to listen and understand instructions, as well as give feedback when appropriate. In addition, many industrial electricians will need to have administrative skills for preparing reports and maintenance schedules for machinery.
Working with a Wide Range of Parts
In this field, you’ll work with various types of electrical equipment and systems. Some examples include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), variable speed drives, motors, and robotics. Your ability to install and repair these advanced systems is important for ensuring that all industrial processes remain efficient.
Interviewers ask about your experience with these kinds of systems to ensure that you have the skills necessary to handle the technical aspects of this position. It’s also helpful for them to know if you can troubleshoot problems with these systems and make adjustments when necessary.
Electrical issues can interfere with production at industrial facilities and significantly reduce productivity. This is why many industrial settings depend on the expertise of skilled industrial electricians. By repairing and installing electrical components, you can help prevent downtime and increase efficiency at these facilities.
As an industrial electrician, you’ll frequently use power tools to complete your duties. This could include drills, lower-voltage cordless models, and multipurpose tools that hammer and drill as needed. In addition to these common tools, you’ll need to be familiar with safety equipment like fire extinguishers and specialized electrical gloves.
Depending on the industry in which you work, you may need to obtain several health and safety certifications. These certifications include electrical safety, first aid, and fire safety protocols. Having these qualifications will help you avoid potential hazards in the workplace, which can lead to dangerous situations for yourself and others around you.
The growing trend towards renewable energy has led to an increased demand for qualified industrial electricians. Many companies are looking to replace old systems with new ones that utilize green technology. This can not only boost a company’s green image, but it can also increase its competitiveness in the market by improving productivity.
A successful career as an industrial electrician can offer lucrative opportunities. The type of salary you receive depends on the amount of time and effort you put into your job as well as your level of education and qualifications. For example, apprentices typically earn the lowest wages while master electricians can negotiate higher salaries. You can also earn additional income through overtime rates.