Examples

• Level 2 read completed forms such as purchase order agreements.
• Level 2 read notices from the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) such as hazard alerts.
• Level 2 read letters from the union or company to get information, such as information about changes to health benefits.
• Level 2 read instructions for installing equipment such as light fixtures or electric heaters.
• Level 2 read "sequence of operation" notes to properly install and wire controls for mechanical apparatus.
• Level 2 read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for safe handling information.
• Level 2 read minutes of a safety meeting to review discussions and decisions.
• Level 3 read safety manuals including longer text versions and condensed handbooks.
• Level 3 may read trade journals and brochures to keep up to date on new technology.
• Level 4 study the Canadian Electrical Code manual in training and refer to it often on the job. From time to time, addenda are issued to indicate changes to the code. Language used in codes is legal in nature and highly technical.
• Level 4 read other trade's plans and specifications to ascertain who is responsible for what task and to understand the sequence of installation, configuration and location of apparatus in order to facilitate co-ordination and to assess clearances and priorities.
• Level 4 may read customer or engineer specifications, ranging from several pages to a full binder, detailing requirements for delivery of power in a certain way or for use of specific types of lighting features. Details are sometimes open to interpretation and may vary from the plans, making careful reading essential.
• Level 5 may read and interpret electrical code for special circumstances. In such cases, the various clauses containing applicable aspects of the code are located, these are compared to the situation and after considerable deliberation a decision is made about code requirements.

Examples

• Level 1 read safety and worksite related signs.
• Level 1 read digital displays, gauges and dials on measuring devices.
• Level 2 scan Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) labels for information about safe handling of dangerous products.
• Level 2 read a list of worksite procedures for each new worksite. These lists contain information such as emergency numbers or voltage being used and information about conditions that are unique to the site.
• Level 2 complete a time card which may include assigning hours to specific tasks or jobs.
• Level 2 read invoice and packing slips to check and cross reference to materials received.
• Level 2 may prepare invoices or complete entries in a time or material form noting "extras" and after service calls.
• Level 2 may read tables, charts and catalogues when ordering material, products or parts for a job.
• Level 2 study maps and refer to directions to reach and service customer sites and new job sites where exact location may have to be inferred.
• Level 3 may complete an accident report form.
• Level 3 read and integrate information from several diagrams in a repair manual to troubleshoot a problem.
• Level 4 interpret sets of drawings including schematics when installing, assembling or repairing electrical equipment. Separate drawings provided for other trades are referred to for details that may be in conflict with required work, for example, air units placed where outlets should have priority.
• Level 5 study sets of drawings and schematics for details about the electrical functioning components to troubleshoot or anticipate problems. Background knowledge is required to integrate information and read drafting conventions, symbols and abbreviations. Ability to translate the two dimensional prints into three dimensions is required. Plans are assessed and compared to existing features to identify problems or inconsistency. For example, an existing wall may be omitted on the plan or a circuit may be incomplete. Inference required can be significant.

Examples

• Level 1 write notes on a pipe or conduit to indicate which wires are inside or on tags to label wires in control panels.
• Level 1 may write fax requests to head office for materials needed urgently, for example, a certain type of breaker or switch gear.
• Level 1 make a list of materials needed when setting up for a job.
• Level 2 may keep a journal of daily work, noting such things as why a task was not completed, hours worked, job location, weather, and keeping a record of conversations regarding details of the job. On occasion, these detailed notes can be used to solve disputes and in rare instances, they are used in court cases.
• Level 2 write change orders to customers indicating items not included in the original bid. Length varies from a few sentences to several paragraphs. Careful wording ensures that the company can recover extra charges.
• Level 2 may record minutes of a safety meeting.
• Level 3 may record the incident details on an incident report or complete an accident report. In the case of a serious injury, the worker's report is considered in awarding disability claims.
• Level 3 may file a 'grievance' by stating the circumstances that justify a claim. The tone of the writing, i.e. factual rather than emotional, needs to be considered as it can be important in making a case.

Examples

• Level 1 determine the placement of switch boxes using a tape measure. For example, measuring the distance required from the box to the floor.
• Level 1 monitor attainment of production targets to report discrepancies. For example, installation of a number of power rails in a specified time period.
• Level 2 may complete expense claim forms, listing meals, hotel expenses, and travel at a per kilometre rate.
• Level 2 schedule their own and subcontractors' time and resources required to complete a job. Efficient scheduling is important because customers, such as retail outlets, may experience considerable financial loss from a prolonged power loss.
• Level 2 ensure that electrical installations meet electrical code requirements by taking measurements and performing calculations. For example, adding the total number of degrees of bend in a conduit run.
• Level 2 take precise measurements using specialized measuring instruments in order to place electrical services. For example, to fit a connector, the inside or throat of a pipe must be measured in addition to the outside diameter. The thickness varies depending on the manufacturer and must be measured using inside/outside calipers.
• Level 2 use a formula to determine what percentage of a conduit is taken up with wires of varied dimensions.
• Level 2 calculate the average amount of power being used in a building in order to make decisions regarding correcting the power factor in order to assist the customer to use power more efficiently.
• Level 2 estimate the weight of a heavy panel feeder to decide how to move it.
• Level 2 prepare simple estimate of time and material required for a particular job.
• Level 3 may total charges for time, materials and taxes for an addition to a contract.
• Level 3 collect data and determine pattern in power usage or calculate averages for different time periods for maintenance purposes.
• Level 4 calculate offsets to allow for bends around obstacles by using indirect measurement and solving square roots or by using angles, vectors and trigonometric constants, for example, to construct saddles or standard bends.
• Level 4 use a series of formulae when designing or modifying electrical installations. For example, use Ohm's law to relate current flow, resistance and voltage in circuits being worked on. Use inductance and reactance formulae when selecting and troubleshooting transformer circuits.
• Level 4 use the results of electrical measurements at several points in the circuit to analyze circuit operation, to troubleshoot electrical problems and to increase electrical efficiency. Data could include current being drawn, voltages at different points, torque and temperature.
• Level 5 obtain required load data and calculate wire, conduit and size of circuit breaker required for single and multi-outlet installations.

Examples

• Level 1 talk to suppliers to order materials or equipment.
• Level 1 interact with a co-worker or helper to relay messages, give directions or coordinate tasks.
• Level 1 may use a radio phone on a large job to communicate with workers in a different part of the site.
• Level 2 interact with co-workers to exchange information and opinions on how to get the job done.
• Level 2 may communicate with an apprentice to demonstrate and explain a work task.
• Level 2 interact with co-workers and other tradespersons in order to co-ordinate tasks.
• Level 2 interact with supervisors regarding the progress of the work, resolving problems or getting required materials.
• Level 2 communicate with a mechanic or other tradesperson to solve a technical problem such as the malfunction of an electric motor controlling a hydraulic pump.
• Level 2 discuss requirements with safety or building inspectors regarding items that may not be in compliance with code.
• Level 2 interact with the owner or client in order to clarify specific requirements.
• Level 2 participate in regular crew meetings to discuss safety issues specific to the worksite.
• Level 2 may report to and present information to a safety committee group.
• Level 3 interact with co-workers regarding critical safety issues, for example, whether or not the power is on which could pose a significant danger for injury or loss of life. In some cases, safety issues may be related to complex installations and require an exchange of opinions.
• Level 3 negotiate with various trades who may have conflicting installations, for example, a Construction Electrician installs an outlet where another trade has placed an air vent. Escalated disputes could cause delays and loss of money.
• Level 3 interact with engineers, owners, architect inspectors and other trades to ensure that work can meet scheduling and code requirements. Differences in priority and opinion may result in making a case for ordering and timing of tasks.

Examples

• Level 2 may encounter a problem with the installation of heavy materials such as a control panel weighing thousands of pounds. They adjust standard work practices to accommodate heavy weights by using additional lifting equipment.
• Level 2 may experience difficulties positioning new equipment in a plant setting. They need to take into account limited space for conduit installation of new electrical lines and consider such factors as the consequences of equipment placement for future development. To solve the problem the electrician may bend the conduit.
• Level 3 may identify a problem in proceeding with an installation as shown on a set of blueprints. For example, there may be a window opening where an outlet is to be placed, or design changes may compromise the intended use. These problems are often unique, and the electrician must consider significant cost and scheduling effects. To find an alternate method to complete the work, the electrician may draw on past solutions, those of co-workers, or in some cases on other experts.
• Level 3 may be required to provide immediate solutions to such problems as an unexplained loss of heating in a building in the winter. They analyze a broad range of factors that could be involved. Identifying the nature of the problem may be difficult and the urgency of the matter makes the situation more difficult.
• Level 3 may deal with problems involving malfunctioning electrical equipment. Using a trouble shooting process, they start with the most likely causes for the malfunction and after exhausting possibilities; they may turn to reference material, other experts or the manufacturer for assistance.

Examples

• Level 2 decide what materials are needed for a job and which supplier to purchase from based on past service and pricing.
• Level 2 decide how they will route power in industrial settings. Although there are standard procedures, there could be obstacles to go around, customer specifications to consider, and code restrictions that may make these decisions more difficult.
• Level 2 decide what type of wire to use and what type of installation is needed based on variables such as wet or dry conditions and inside or outside locations. For example, the application and installation in a food processing plant, which is washed down every day, is different than a garage where water is not a significant factor.
• Level 3 decide how to retain normal operations during construction phases. For example, if a capacitor bank blows up, it can destroy the existing contactors and switch gear. A decision may involve temporary shut down to rewire existing loads that are essential to the function of the particular location. In some cases, loss of security or money is a significant factor.
• Level 3 decide where to place services in new construction sites. Decisions on where to place power services will depend on the layout required, the actual construction site, code requirements and customer specifications in the context of the most efficient use of resources.

Examples

• remember procedures and techniques used in previous jobs for other similar applications.
• remember code applications that are used on a regular basis.
• remember job specifications for the duration of a job.

Examples

• Level 2 refer to the Canadian Electrical Code book to identify relevant sections for applications in order to meet standards called for in specifications.
• Level 2 refer to several manuals for details regarding complex or unusual installations.
• Level 2 refer to brochures and search Internet sites for information about new products or techniques.
• Level 3 seek advice from other experienced tradespersons, manufacturer's representatives or engineers to solve technical problems, which may involve seldom used or innovative new construction techniques.

Examples

• Level 2 may use a spreadsheet for estimating costs
• Level 3 may use a Distributed Control System or similar software to control electrical equipement in a plant to aid in troubleshooting equipement or instrument failure. The system presents a variety of views of the data from thousands of sensors and controls within the plant that can be analyzed before adjustments are made.
• Level 3 may use laptop computers to inspect and program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). The program is used to solve problems such as adjusting currents or changing programs to control different pieces of equipment in industrial settings.

Physical Aspects

The work is often very physically demanding, for example, pulling huge cables long distances and climbing ladders and scaffolds. The Construction Electricians interviewed noted that understanding how to use your body properly is important, for example, using legs for lifting. Good hand dexterity is a benefit, as well as good vision and hearing because of safety issues.

Attitudes

Because Construction Electricians work in potentially dangerous situations, they need to have a good balance between risk taking and careful, cautious work habits. They must wear or use personal protective equipment and apply proper procedures to ensure that no harm is caused in a sensitive customer environment as to ongoing production. A strong work ethic and a desire to learn about new systems are important for full employability.

Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills

Both SI (metric) and Imperial systems are used; however, use of SI appears to be increasing. New technologies such as data cable, fibre optics and computer controls are becoming standard in new construction. For many Construction Electricians, learning these systems will require intensive upgrading but this will increase the opportunities for employment. While reading text, numeracy and problem solving will remain important to the trade, computer use skills will increase in importance.