This article will explore what the average electrician will experience when working in the field on a daily basis (life of an electrician), as well as guidance on where to get electrical training for those interested in learning the trade and becoming fully qualified electricians.
So, what is an electrician? What do they do? Life of an electrician
An electrician is a trade skilled worker whose responsibilities are to design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical wiring systems. These systems can be found in houses, businesses, and industrial structures, as well as in machines and large equipment. Electricians operate both inside and outside to enable the usage of lights, televisions, industrial equipment, appliances, and a variety of other everyday necessities.
Inside wiremen and outside linemen are the two major kinds of electricians. Inside wiremen tend to specialize in wiring within structures, whereas outside lineman labor outside for most of their careers, requiring a moderate amount of physicality to execute specific tasks.
Electricians usually start their days early, with each day delivering new challenges and problems to solve. Some jobs may require you to stay late to complete tasks, and you may find yourself arriving home late at night due to a lengthy amount of travel.
How many hours does an electrician usually work?
The typical number of hours an electrician would work in a day is about 8 hours/ 40 hours a week. Although these can vary due to an unfinished job, emergencies and other circumstances resulting in working overtime and even weekends.
It’s rare for industrial electricians to work part-time, unless self-employed.
Do Electricians have to travel a lot? Life of an electrician
Well, it’s not uncommon for a sparky to travel up to 100 miles or more from their home to complete work. Some may even find themselves staying in hotels to complete work. It all depends on the company you work for and the type of electrical work you will be carrying out, domestic or commercial/industrial. Some days you may only travel 10 minutes to get to work, whereas other days you may find yourself traveling for hours.
Can the job be physically demanding?
Some may say that the trade isn’t as harsh on the body compared to other trades, however there is still a substantial amount of physicality involved when carrying out tasks that may require climbing and lifting as well as working in tight places.
Some workers may even go to extra lengths of doing a full stretching routine to ensure they don’t tear a muscle when performing certain tasks, such as long wire pulling and climbing up and down ladders.
Reminder: Do your morning Stretch!
What’s the pay like?
Usually, electricians earning high sums of money are established self-employed electricians. Self-employed electricians can expect to be paid around £35,000-£40,000 a year in London & South East. This sum could be much higher as reported in the studies above.
Electricians can expect to earn around £40-£80 per hour for normal work they can envisage to do. For instance, when conducting an installation for an electric cooker, you can expect to earn £50-£80 for a 0.5hr-1hr job. Similarly, a light fitting replacement could be charged at around £40-£60, again for a 0.5.hr-1hr job.
What kind of tools/equipment do electricians tend to use?
Wire Strippers: This is an essential tool used when stripping the insulation from a cable.
Insulated Screwdrivers: Electricians tend to use a variety of different types of insulated screwdrivers on a daily basis.
Approved Voltage Indicator (AVI): This is a vital tool for an electrician as it can determine the presence as well as absence of electricity. An AVI is usually used on sockets, circuit breakers, and outlets.
Other tools that an electrician tends to use on a daily basis include Battery drills, a multifunctional tester, fish tape, and torches.
Working with electricity can be considered highly dangerous, therefore it is vital to ensure the correct safety equipment are taken into consideration when carrying out a certain task. This may include helmets, safety goggles, insulated latex gloves that help prevent shocks and electrical damage, and other equipment depending on the task at hand.
Most electricians will go through multiple types of safety electrical training and spend a significant amount of time on this before starting out their careers. This type of electrical training is vital as working with electricity can be very dangerous.
Interested in taking on an electrical training course? thinking about learning a trade?
Visit the following article to learn more about the different routes you can take to become a fully qualified electrician.
In conclusion, for those intrigued by the life of an electrician and considering pursuing this profession, understanding the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards is crucial. Electrical training courses, including basic electrical courses, serve as foundational steps toward becoming a skilled electrician. These courses equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems safely. With dedication and proper training, aspiring electricians can embark on a fulfilling career filled with opportunities for growth and financial stability. Take the first step today and explore these training options to kickstart your journey.
Tolga Aramaz is the Director of Learn Trade Skills (LTS), a family-run training centre specialising in electrical installations. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the electrical industry, Tolga is known for their exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering outstanding results. They provide valuable insights and guidance to electricians, contractors, and businesses, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety protocols. Through engaging training programmes and consultancy services, Tolga empowers professionals to excel in their roles, fostering long-term relationships built on professionalism and customer satisfaction.
In a significant boost to the United Kingdom’s renewable energy sector, Octopus Energy has pledged a monumental £2 billion investment in clean energy projects slated between now and 2030. This ambitious commitment underscores the company’s dedication to accelerating the nation’s transition to sustainable energy sources. By initiating this investment drive with the acquisition of four solar farms across Bristol, Essex, Yorkshire, and Wiltshire, Octopus Energy is set to enhance the UK’s green energy capacity substantially. The move not only aligns with government initiatives to promote renewable energy but also signals a burgeoning era of opportunities within the trade skills sector, particularly for professionals specializing in renewable technologies.
A new toolkit, “Navigating the Net Zero Energy Transition”, has been launched to help local authorities accelerate their clean energy ambitions. Developed by UK Power Networks’ Distribution System Operator (DSO) in partnership with UK100, the toolkit provides practical guidance, case studies, and financing advice to support local leaders in implementing renewable energy projects and expanding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. It empowers councils to collaborate with stakeholders and unlock their clean energy potential, contributing to the UK’s Net Zero goals.
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