Scope

The title “construction electrician” defines a person who, because of his or her knowledge, training and abilities, is capable of laying out, installing, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing electrical systems, which provides light, heat, communications, and power to a variety of new and existing residential, commercial, and industrial structures.

Construction electricians read and interpret electrical, mechanical, and architectural drawings and electrical code specifications to determine wiring layout. They cut, thread, bend, assemble, and install conduits and other types of electrical conductor enclosures and fittings. They pull wire and cable through conduits, position, maintain and install distribution and control equipment such as switches, relays, circuit breaker panels, and fuse enclosures, install single and multi-wire cables above and underground, install data cabling, and install and maintain fibre optic and signalling systems.

Construction electricians work in the full range of environmental conditions: from outside in all weathers; inside in dusty industrial plants and mills; to state-of-the-art clean-rooms in hospitals and manufacturing plants. The work often requires considerable standing, bending, crawling, lifting, climbing, pulling, and reaching and may be conducted in cramped, confined spaces or on ladders and scaffolding at great heights. Hazards include electric shocks, burns, and falling objects.

Construction electricians are required to have good mechanical ability, a thorough knowledge of the principles of electricity, circuitry, and power distribution systems, and familiarity with the materials and techniques of construction. All construction electricians are required to be competent in the use of hand and power tools and test equipment.

All electrical wiring and installations must conform to the CSA Canadian Electrical Code. Therefore construction electricians must be thoroughly familiar with the latest issue of this document. For safety, permits and other regulations they follow local electrical, building and safety codes.

On small jobs, construction electricians may work alone with minimal supervision, and they may supervise an apprentice. On large jobs, they may work under the direction of a supervisor.

Construction electricians interact and work co-operatively with the full spectrum of construction tradespeople, such as carpenters, lathers, cabinetmakers, plumbers, and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technicians. They are required to constantly adjust their schedule and work to accommodate the schedule of these other trades since most trades rely on some sort of electrical connections at specific points in the construction cycle.

With advances in technology the work of the construction electrician is changing. Today’s wired environment requires construction electricians to be able to install a variety of wiring such as data, audio, video, signalling, and communication cabling. Electrical control systems are also becoming more complex, often solid-state or computer-controlled, which requires the construction electrician to have a greater knowledge of electronic systems.

Observations

The construction industry, like many other sectors of the economy, is experiencing new directions and rapid changes, due to technological innovations that prevail today.

Basic computer skills are becoming a necessary occupational skill. With computerized plan design, paperless plans, and other computer applications, development of computer skills is essential.

Like many construction occupations, the construction electrician occupation is suffering from an ageing workforce. Many practitioners are approaching retirement age, and the trade is attracting fewer new entrants to replace them.

Deregulation of the electrical and telephone industry has had a profound effect on construction electricians: they are now expected to provide additional wiring to suit a variety of service providers and may find themselves competing with untrained and unlicensed people who provide wiring services.

Safety

Safe working procedures and conditions, accident prevention, and the preservation of health are of primary importance to industry in Canada. These responsibilities are shared and require the joint efforts of government, employers, and employees. It is imperative that all parties become aware of circumstances that may lead to injury or harm. Safe learning experiences and environments can be created by controlling the variables and behaviours that may contribute to accidents or injury.

It is generally recognized that safety-conscious attitudes and work practices contribute to a healthy, safe, and accident-free working environment.

It is imperative to apply and be familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations. As well, it is essential to determine workplace hazards and take measures to protect oneself, co-workers, the public, and the environment.

As safety education is an integral part of training in all jurisdictions, personal safety practices are not recorded in this document. However, the technical safety aspects relating to each task and sub-task are included throughout this analysis.

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