Any trained tradesperson who designs, installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems and products in residential houses, companies, and factories is known as an electrician. Electricians guarantee that electrical equipment, lighting, and appliances operate safely and reliably within and outside of buildings. Residential electricians install wiring and fix electrical problems in houses, while interior electricians manage and fix control systems, electrical equipment, and motors in companies and factories, to name a few specialties.
Responsibilities of an Electrician
As an electrician, you’re in charge of transporting electricity from its source to areas where it may be used by individuals and businesses. The particular tasks of this job may vary based on the area of specialty; however, they may include the following:
- Planning new building electrical systems, including the ideal locations for electrical outlets, light fixtures, heating outlets, and ventilation systems.
- Reading and interpreting architect plans, circuit diagrams, and other technical papers.
- Installing municipal-code-compliant wiring, lighting, and control systems in new and existing structures.
- Connecting electrical cables to components and fixtures to form electrical circuits and testing finished circuits.
- Installing circuit breaker panels, switches, relays, and other electrical distribution and control equipment.
- Supporting electrical items using hangers and brackets.
- Maintaining wiring, lighting, and control systems to ensure they are in excellent working condition.
- Examining circuit breakers, transformers, and other electrical components for defects.
- Using testing equipment to figure out why electrical items and systems aren’t working.
- Repairing, updating, and replacing damaged or old electrical equipment, fixtures, and wiring, as well as identifying defects for safe removal and replacement.
- Training apprentices.
Because doing electrical work in Pennsylvania does not need a state license, counties and localities have their own licensing and certification systems. In order to meet licensure and registration requirements, aspiring electricians should check their local building department. Other general contracting jobs in Pennsylvania, such as plumbing, follow the same premise. Despite the lack of statewide contractor licenses, Pennsylvania’s standards and regulations are virtually the same.
If you’re an electrician or thinking about becoming one, consider purchasing insurance for electricians in Pennsylvania. Find out more here.
Reciprocity of Electrical Licenses in Pennsylvania
There are currently no reciprocity agreements in place between Pennsylvania and any other state. Certain municipalities, on the other hand, provide reciprocity with neighboring cities or states. Find out what reciprocity agreements your local government respects for electricians in your region by contacting your local government.
Electrical Contractors in Pennsylvania
Apprentice and journeyman electricians are both under the supervision of electrical contractors in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, the following are the typical qualifications for becoming an electrical contractor:
- Have a journeyman electrician’s license that is current;
- Have at least two years of experience as a journeyman electrician;
- Have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Obtain a passing score on the electrical contractor test.
Electrical Journeyman License Requirements in Pennsylvania
Electrical journeymen are responsible for the installation, repair, and assessment of any electrically powered equipment in Pennsylvania. The following are the requirements for journeyman electricians in the state:
- Have a minimum of four years of experience (tax documents or licenses might be used as proof of experience);
- Proof of passing the journeyman’s examination;
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent;
- Be at least 18 years old to participate.
Exam for Journeyman Electricians
Exams and testing are governed by the norms and regulations of each municipality. As a result, local boards conduct these tests.
The Electrical Contractor Exam is required in Pittsburgh, as well as other cities in Pennsylvania, for aspiring journeymen. The test is managed by the International Code Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to the creation of building rules and regulations that conform to safety.
Two years of comparable education can replace one year of practical experience in Philadelphia, for example. Education, on the other hand, can only replace two years of practical experience in total. The Department of Licenses and Inspections in Philadelphia must approve all licenses.
Requirements for Electrician Apprenticeship
A licensed journeyman or contractor must supervise all electrical apprentices. As an apprentice, ambitious electricians progress from observation to performance of basic tasks. Eventually, under the supervision of their supervisor, students are able to do tasks alone.
To become an electrical apprentice in Pennsylvania, you must meet the following requirements:
- To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old.
- Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent;
- Pass an algebra course in high school;
- Become an apprentice in your community’s county or city;
- Obtain a passing score on a general aptitude exam.
Electrical Apprenticeships in Pennsylvania
Apprenticeships are available in Pennsylvania through local unions, groups, and career services for aspiring electricians. A couple of these resources are listed below:
- Local Union 712 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers;
- Local 81 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers;
The Pennsylvania Apprenticeship Coordinators Association is a group of people who organize apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania.
Unlike electrical trade schools, these programs allow students to study the skill while still earning a living. Apprenticeships, however, are frequently subject to waitlists, making them more difficult to come by. Make sure to inquire about waiting times and other possibilities by contacting your local office.
Pennsylvania Electrical Trade Schools
Students in Pennsylvania can learn about electrical rules and standards at a variety of community colleges and trade schools. The cost of these programs varies, and they are available throughout the state.