Electrical contractors Must Possess A Unique Blend Of Characteristics

While a lot of men like to strap on a tool belt and tinker around with the house, certain jobs require an expert. When it comes to something like rewiring a very old house, a well trained, licensed professional is sometimes required. Electrical contractors specialize in complex projects for both personal homes and larger structures. The right man for the job will possess a certain blend of skills and traits to perform complicated and sometimes dangerous tasks.

Brave and fearless of heights:
As we've all seen, a large portion of electrical contractors' work takes them to places high above the ground. Whether they're on a rooftop, up the side of a tall apartment building or at the top of a utility pole, electricians find themselves up in the air quite often. The right person for this job would have to possess not only an indifference to heights but also the ability to concentrate and be productive while working that high above the ground.

Falling from high ground isn't the only risk involved. Live voltage and exposed wires threaten the safety of an electrician every day. To minimize the risk of electrical shock (and a potential liability), a safety program must be completed in order for an electrician to gain employment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration have a set of standards all electrical contractors must familiarize themselves with.

Good hand-eye coordination:
The job requires that one have good manual dexterity and an attention to detail in order to complete intricate wire workings. One setback most people don't think about is colorblindness. While it may not be a hindrance for many electrical contractors, not being able to properly differentiate between various colors would make it nearly impossible to navigate a system of wires, which normally make use of a color-coding system to tell them apart.

A mind for math:
Electricity is a science. Electrical work requires science and engineering skills. Because the work is a trade, the majority of training takes place on the job under an apprenticeship. But aspiring electricians must also be able to complete related coursework and pass an electricians standardized test. The coursework can typically be completed at a community college or technical school.

Strength, endurance and ability to withstand the elements:
Like most construction workers, electrical contractors spend long work days that often require them to be out in the elements. Any well-trained electrician knows to take simple precautions, such as staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen. However, it takes a great deal of pain tolerance and endurance to withstand long days in unpredictable environments. When the neighborhood power goes out in the middle of a thunderstorm, it is an electrician that braves the storm to restore electricity to all. Physical strength and fitness are also required to haul all of the necessary equipment to and from (and up and down) work sites.