Building Trades Electrical Program Frequently Asked Questions

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Building Trades Electrical Program Frequently Asked Questions"

Allan Shelton
8 years ago
Views:

1 Working as an Electrician: Building Trades Electrical Program Frequently Asked Questions Q: What do electricians do? A: Electricians install and maintain electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. The day to day task includes: Reading blueprints or technical diagrams Installing and maintaining wiring, control, and lighting systems Inspecting electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers Identifying electrical problems with a variety of testing devices Repairing or replacing wiring, equipment, or fixtures using hand tools and power tools The following are examples of types of electricians: Residential electricians: Install wiring and troubleshoot electrical problems in peoples homes. Those who work in new-home construction install outlets and provide access to power where needed. Those who work in maintenance and remodeling typically repair and replace faulty equipment. For example, if a circuit breaker repeatedly trips after being reset, electricians determine the reason and fix it. Most residential electricians will perform both new and remodel work. Commercial electricians: Commercial electricians may plan and diagram electrical systems, including the conduits of tubing or pipe often required by local electrical codes. Or, the electrician may work from blueprints provided by the general contractor. Whether designing the system or working from blueprints, the electrician installs the conduits and runs the electrical wiring. These wires are usually terminated at switches, circuit breaker panels and relays. Commercial electricians wire instruments that control the power, lighting and heating units in buildings.

The day to day task includes: Reading blueprints or technical diagrams Installing and maintaining wiring, control, and lighting systems Inspecting electrical components, such as transformers and

2 Industrial electricians: An industrial electrician installs, services and repairs wiring, conduits, fixtures and other electrical devices and systems in an industrial setting, such as a power planet. Industrial electricians may work in different industries. They often work primarily either in maintenance or in construction, and their specific duties may depend on the employer. They often work or higher voltages than other electricians. Q: Where do Electricians work? A: Most electricians work in the commercial and residential construction industry. Q: What are the working conditions? A: Electricians work indoors and outdoors; in homes, businesses, factories, and construction sites. Because electricians must travel to different worksites, local or long distance commuting is often required. On the jobsite, they occasionally work in cramped spaces, and constant standing and kneeling can be tiring. Those who work in factories are often subject to noisy machinery. As a result, hearing protection must be worn to protect workers from excess noise. Many electricians work alone, but sometimes they collaborate with others. At larger companies, electricians are more likely to work as part of a crew; they may direct helpers and apprentices to complete jobs. Q: Do I need a license to be an electrician? A: You do not need a license to be a helper or even a job foreman for most companies. In order to work on your own, or manage large crews, you will need to be licensed. Requirements vary from county to county and state to state. Maryland To qualify to take the examination for a master electrician's license, the applicant must have been engaged or employed regularly and principally in providing electrical services for all types of electrical equipment and apparatus for at least seven years under the direction and supervision of: A master electrician; or A similarly qualified employee of a governmental unit. The State Board may allow an applicant up to three years of credit towards the required experience with proof that the applicant has completed a formal course of study or professional training in electrical installation comparable to the required experience. The Board also issues licenses, through reciprocity to individuals, who hold a current Master Electrician's license in one of the Maryland counties or Baltimore City.

They often work or higher voltages than other electricians. Q: Where do Electricians work? A: Most electricians work in the commercial and residential construction industry.

3 You are required to have General Liability Insurance in the amount of at least $300,000 and Property Damage Insurance in the amount of at least $100,000 to activate your license after passing the exam. Contact the Maryland Electrical Board at (410) or for more information. Frederick County Master Electrician - General An applicant for examination for a master electrician-general license shall have been regularly and principally employed or engaged in electrical construction, maintenance, installation, and repair of all types of electrical equipment and apparatus for not less than seven (7) years preceding the date of the application under the direction and supervision of a Master Electrician-General or its equivalent. The electrical board may credit not more than three (3) years for formal course study or professional training in electrical installation, if, in the option of the electrical board, the study or training provided comparable experience and training otherwise attainable under the supervision of a master electrician-general or while employed by a government agency. Master Electrician Restricted The applicant for a Master Electrician-Restricted license shall satisfactorily establish that he has been actively in charge of electrical installation work under the supervision of a Master Electrician or Master Electrician-General or Master Electrician-Restricted in the particular branch or branches applied for, for the period of at least two (2) years, or equivalent at determined by the electrical board and shall pass an examination with respect to the particular branch or branches to be covered by the license applied for. Branches or Categories: 1) Electrically Operated Heating/Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment 2) Motor Repairs and Services 3) Low Voltage 50 Volts or Less 4) Any other Electrical Equipment, to be specified on License You are required to have a $10,000 continuous bond if you do not have a Maryland State Master s license and apply for any Frederick County electrical license. If you do have a Maryland State Master s license, you can request to reciprocate a Frederick County electrical license without having to take the county exam. Contact the Frederick County Electrical Board at for more information. Q: How much does an electrician earn? A: In the local Frederick County area, an average entry level Electrician earns approximately $12-15 per hour, a Journeyman Electrician can $24 per hour, and a Master Electrician can $30+ per hour.

Frederick County Master Electrician - General An applicant for examination for a master electrician-general license shall have been regularly and principally employed or engaged in electrical

4 Getting started in the Electrical Program: Q: What courses are included in the program? A: The credit electrical program has two options, a letter of recognition or a career certificate. The four electrical courses in this track are also offered as Continuing Education classes. Letter of Recognition (LOR) Electrical Track (11 credits) The LOR provides an introduction to basic electrical theory and residential wiring. It covers the National Electric Code as it pertains to residential construction. Career Certificate Electrical Track (22-24 credits) To further build and individual s knowledge of the electrical trade, the program incorporates a business course in customer relations and opportunities for internship. Also includes advanced courses in commercial wiring and codes and special systems (e.g., data, television, security alarms). These programs include the following courses: CREDIT TRACK 3: ELECTRICAL Class Letter of Recognition Career Certificate Prerequisites BLD 101 Introduction to Building Trades 3 3 EN51 or ESL97 BLD 141 Electrical Theory & Fundamentals 4 4 EN51 or ESL97 BLD 142 Electrical code & Application 4 4 BLD141 BLD 145 Commercial Electrical Application 4 BLD142 BLD 146 Specialized Systems 4 BLD142 BU 274 Customer Relations 3 EN50A/EN52 or ESL95/ESL99 INTR 102 Internship (Optional) 2 Total Credits The continuing education program includes the following courses: CONTINUING EDUCATION: ELECTRICAL Class CE Certificate Prerequisites ELC 120 Electrical Theory & Fundamentals 90 hours EN51 or ESL97 ELC 121 Electrical Code & Application 90 hours ELC120 ELC 122 Commercial Electrical Application 90 hours ELC121 ELC 123 Specialized Systems 90 hours ELC121 Total Hours 360 hours

Letter of Recognition (LOR) Electrical Track (11 credits) The LOR provides an introduction to basic electrical theory and residential wiring.

5 Completing the Electrical Program: Q: How long does it take to complete the electrical program? A: This depends on course offerings each semester. The entire career certificate program can take as little as nine months (taking three classes for two semesters) or as long as three years (taking one class for six semesters). The letter of recognition can take as little as 4 months (taking three classes in one semester) or 16 months (taking one class for three semesters). Q: Will the electrical program make me an apprentice? A: No. The electrical program at Frederick Community College is not registered with the Maryland State Electrical Board as an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is 4 year program for individuals employed in the electrical trade. Admission into an apprenticeship program is handled through the organization or college hosting the program. For a list of registered apprenticeship programs contact Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program at (410) or matp@dllr.state.md.us. Q: Will the electrical program certify me as a Journeyman or Master electrician? A: No. Please see the above question, Do I need a license to be an electrician? for more information on becoming a Master Electrician. Maryland and Frederick County do not offer a Journeyman s license. Paying for the Electrical Program: Q: How much does the electrical program cost? A: The cost of the entire program based on tuition rates is $3692 without the internship option. The internship will be an additional $323. This cost does not in include textbooks.

The letter of recognition can take as little as 4 months (taking three classes in one semester) or 16 months (taking one class for three semesters).

The U.S. Department of Labor projects that electrician careers will grow to 698,200 by 2022.

The U.S. Department of Labor projects that electrician careers will grow to 698,200 by 2022. Train now for affordable Electrician careers and get wired for success. Residential Electrician Diploma Program