Examples

• Level 2 read notices (longer than a paragraph) posted on bulletin boards covering topics such as health and company safety policy updates or changes and upcoming events.
• Level 2 read e-mail messages from supervisors and co-workers. These messages provide or request detailed information on work to be done and malfunctions that require troubleshooting.
• Level 3 read health and safety information using a computer-based Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) library.
• Level 3 read manuals to install, maintain and repair equipment such as programmable logic controllers, variable speed drives and automated control systems.
• Level 4 read the electrical code book for information on regulations. The reader may have to refer from one section to another and one section may be superceded or modified by what is written in another. The reading task requires the interpretation of complex technical information and the application of general principles to specific situations.

Examples

• Level 1 read meters and digital readouts to record the number of hours equipment has been operating at the time of maintenance.
• Level 1 identify Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) icons on material with which they are working.
• Level 2 take information from pre-maintenance work orders to determine the location and the kind of work to be done.
• Level 2 read instructions in pictorial form on where to drill holes to mount panels on a wall.
• Level 2 scan the shift schedules of other crews when planning repair or maintenance work in a particular area of the plant.
• Level 2 read the display panels on equipment to obtain information from icons, lights, numbers and short text entries. For example, scan the control panel of a computer-controlled boring machine for current settings and error messages.
• Level 3 scan tables in the Canadian Electrical Code for specifications such as the size of wire needed in relation to the length of the wire's run and size of motor.
• Level 3 examine construction drawings to confirm the correct placement of equipment and to plan the routing of electrical and control wiring when installing new equipment.
• Level 3 search through Internet web sites and navigate several menus to find the pin assignment on integrated circuit chips.
• Level 4 read electronic schematic drawings in order to troubleshoot and repair equipment.

Examples

• Level 1 write short comments in a logbook for the next shift.
• Level 1 write notes and descriptions of changes made when programming logic controllers. These are intended to guide the next person programming the device.
• Level 2 write e-mail messages of several paragraphs to supervisors and managers of departments. For example, reply to requests for information about equipment and repair work or give details of the work to be undertaken during the next scheduled shut-down.
• Level 2 may write service reports that include descriptions of problems and their solutions.

Examples

• Level 1 total receipts for petty cash and complete expense claim forms.
• Level 1 measure out lengths of cable needed to install equipment.
• Level 1 compare the numeric values which they read from gauges and digital displays to standard, optimal or required values found in operating and installation manuals.
• Level 1 may provide rough cost estimates for different repair options when unexpected repairs are needed.
• Level 2 total and report the cost of small projects and repairs. Total material costs and add shop supplies as a percentage of total materials.
• Level 2 schedule several small concurrent jobs, each with different requirements and due dates.
• Level 2 take measurements using high voltage testing equipment.
• Level 2 calculate the size of transformer needed to supply the electrical plug-ins in a new warehouse by multiplying the number of plug-ins by the amps drawn by each.
• Level 2 when installing and calibrating Programmable Logic Controller systems, estimate the register or range of values that will correspond to the correct reading on the sensing or control instrument. The registers are then changed when actual movement is observed.
• Level 3 use a formula from the Electrical Code to determine the size of cable needed when the size of the motor and the length of cable run are known.
• Level 3 use the results of electrical measurements at several points in the circuit, or at the same point during different phases of equipment operation, to analyze circuit operation and troubleshoot electrical and electronic problems. For example, may compare electrical resistance measurements to calculated or predicted values at various points in a circuit to identify the location of a ground fault.

Examples

• Level 1 talk to production crews to co-ordinate repairs to their equipment.
• Level 1 discuss work orders with supervisors.
• Level 1 ask suppliers about products and prices.
• Level 2 talk to several different crews to co-ordinate repairs and maintenance in order to minimize disruption of production.
• Level 2 exchange information with co-workers and supervisors at staff meetings.
• Level 3 teach apprentices how to correctly apply lock-outs before working on electrified equipment. This communication is an important part of apprenticeship training and necessary for the apprentice's safety.
• Level 3 talk to operators about equipment and machinery breakdowns. This involves discussing the problem using technical language with several operators, drawing detailed information from each and providing complex instructions to avoid similar breakdowns. Clear and detailed communication is extremely important to avoid injuries and possible loss of time and money. This communication often takes place in noisy environments.
• Level 3 explain the cause of equipment breakdowns to plant managers. This often involves presenting very technical and complex information in a way that makes it easily understood by managers with no electrical background so that they have the facts necessary to make crucial decisions.

Examples

• Level 2 encounter malfunctions in equipment. Using established troubleshooting sequences they check a series of possibilities, which include establishing whether or not the equipment is plugged in, or looking at diagnostic schematics on the computer to pinpoint the location and nature of the problem. They frequently have to consult repair manuals to fix the problem.
• Level 3 encounter a machine breakdown where the cause is not obvious, even after going through the established troubleshooting sequence. They consult manuals, talk to co-workers and use their memory of previous experiences in determining the source of the problem.
• Level 3 find that following the printed plans for a new installation will block access to existing equipment. They must plan another way to install wiring so that it does not block access, taking into consideration any increased costs.

Examples

• Level 2 decide on task sequence and priorities. For example, they decide when to begin a time-consuming job based on the probability of being interrupted.
• Level 2 decide whether to take the time to solve a problem by themselves or to ask for help from the electrical engineer.
• Level 2 decide whether to suggest that management repair equipment or replace it, based on material and labour costs, safety factors, and how necessary the equipment is for the operation of the business.
• Level 3 decide whether to shut down a machine to perform maintenance tasks or wait until the machine is not busy, a decision often based on the risks of injury to workers or damage to the machine. They use their knowledge of the production schedule of the plant and the maintenance schedule for equipment plus their knowledge of electrical systems to make this decision. The consequence of error can be very high and policy dictates that they err on the side of safety.
• Level 4 decide how to deal with emergencies such as a shorted circuit causing sparking in a highly flammable environment. The necessary procedures may be covered in the plant's emergency measures guidelines or the electrician may have to make a decision based on his or her familiarity with the working environment. He or she uses knowledge of the electrical system to assess the risk to other workers and, if necessary, call for evacuation of the area.

Examples

• remember flowchart steps for troubleshooting certain pieces of equipment.
• remember the electrical code requirements for routine electrical installations.
• remember part, pin and conductor codes (alphanumeric) for short periods of time when installing or repairing equipment or using reference materials.

Examples

• Level 1 find motor specifications on tags and identification plates.
• Level 2 consult the Electrical Code to find requirements for non-routine installations.
• Level 3 when troubleshooting electronic equipment, use different Internet sites to get technical information such as the pin assignments, or "pinouts," for integrated circuit (IC) chips; find and download current software such as "bios upgrades" and "utility programs"; and read technical bulletin boards and FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) databases. In many cases, the Internet is the only practical and timely source for this information.
• Level 4 draw upon information from operation manuals, electrical engineers and manufacturers and then use the gathered information to arrive at a solution to a difficult problem such as installing a new ultrasonic switch.

Examples

• Level 2 they type short memos and letters.
• Level 2 they create and use Microsoft PowerPoint presentations for safety meetings.
• Level 2 they search a database to find out whether or not a problem they are having with a specific piece of equipment has been experienced elsewhere in the organization.
• Level 2 they create and use lists of tools indicating purchase date, warranty period, and repairs needed.
• Level 2 they send and receive e-mail messages and search the internet for information.
• Level 3 design and configure interface displays on large distributed control systems as well as smaller local panels for single machines (HMI, Human Machine Interface). Add graphics for elements such as master stop/start buttons, voltage readings, alarms and selector switches; configure the software so that the controls and readouts function correctly.
• Level 4 use computer-assisted design, manufacturing and machining. For example, they install, program and maintain logic controllers that interface with the Computer Assisted Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software. This involves developing logic trees and writing lines of instructions or code for the controller so that the correct action follows each control signal in the program, and that returned signals from the Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are calibrated to give the program an accurate reading on the sensor or measuring instrument being used.

Physical Aspects

Industrial electricians stand, bend, kneel and crouch while performing tasks. They walk from one area to another or they sit while driving.

Attitudes

The industrial electricians interviewed felt that industrial electricians should be patient and work well under pressure, be confident in their ability and knowledge and be interested in the science of electricity. They also need to get along well with other people and take pride in their work.

Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills

In the future, the work of Industrial Electricians is going to involve new technologies, particularly more computer use. As plants become more automated, Industrial Electricians will need to focus more on networking, programming and software use. They will need to learn continuously to keep up with the increasing use of technology in industrial processes.