Categories Electrician

What is a journeyman electrician

What is a journeyman electrician

No one starts out working as a master electrician. It takes training and experience to get there. Along the way, you\’ll become a journeyman electrician. This job helps you learn the ropes of doing electrical work. It offers plenty of opportunities to improve your skills as you make electrical repairs, replace lights, and perform other electrical work.

Responsibilities of a Journeyman Electrician

A journeyman electrician has the right training, experience, and skills needed to work independently. These electricians can perform a wide range of electrical work for residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Some examples of jobs they do include replacing wiring, repairing outlets, and installing light fixtures.

Journeyman electricians can conduct inspections to check wiring systems for problems that need to be addressed. Some serve as mentors for electrician apprentices. This allows them to share their knowledge and help apprentices develop the skills they’ll need for electrical work.

The exact responsibilities that journeyman electricians have depend on the company for which they work. For example, some may operate as an outside lineman. This involves installing, maintaining, and repairing transformers and other outdoor electrical equipment. Others typically work indoors and are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing, the electrical systems and equipment found inside buildings.

Training and Education

The path to becoming a journeyman electrician can involve formal education, on-the-job experience, or both.

Some electricians have a two-year degree in the field. Technical colleges offer courses that can help journeyman electricians learn and practice the skills required for doing this type of work. Some examples of these include learning and understanding electrical codes, studying wiring, and learning how to interpret blueprints.

Licensing

Exact licensing requirements for a journeyman electrician vary from state to state. In general, you\’re expected to have 8,000 hours of supervised experience. You have to pass a licensing exam as well. In Arizona, the license doesn\’t have any formal education requirement.

The next step after receiving a journeyman electrician license is to gain experience and time. Then you can apply for a master electrician license. This involves passing another licensing exam. Licenses typically need to be renewed every couple of years.

Journeyman Electricians vs. Master Electricians

So, what exactly is the difference between a journeyman electrician and a master electrician? Master electricians have more training and experience which allows them to complete more complex tasks. For example, master electricians are sometimes responsible for designing electrical systems for buildings. Journeyman electricians can help install or repair these systems, but they don’t design them.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in advancing your career as an electrician, contact Turn It On Electric today.

Categories Safety

Leave electrical wiring to the pros

Leave electrical wiring to the pros

When you have an electrical wiring issue, handling it yourself might seem like a cost-effective and time-saving option. However, what initially seems like an \”easy\” task can quickly turn into a dangerous and expensive mess. Electrical work should be left to the highly qualified professionals.

Imagine spending a few weekends to rewire part of your home. You can probably find videos online to walk you through the process. After a trip or two to the home improvement store, you\’ll have everything you need to start your project. Are you confident in your skills when it comes to the safety of your family? Electrical mistakes can lead to shocks or even fire.

Even if you end up completing the wiring work, imagine your frustration when you go to sell your home and find out it isn\’t up to code. Electricity is a complex system best left to a professional for repairs and replacement.

Safety Concerns with DIY Electrical Wiring

Although some electrical work may seem like a simple project that you can do on your own with little risk, even replacing a light fixture can be hazardous. To properly complete the work, you need the right knowledge, skills, and tools. Otherwise, you run the risk of introducing a fire hazard into your home.

Other safety concerns include the risk of electrical shock. This can happen while you\’re working if you aren\’t sure which wires are live. Electrical shocks can occur after the work is complete, too. Tackling this type of project puts yourself, your family, and your home at serious risk. Avoid DIY wiring projects and enjoy the peace of mind you\’ll have knowing a trained professional is the only person touching your electrical system.

Electrical Codes

Did you know that you have to properly identify terminals when installing electrical wiring? Did you know neutral conductors can only be used for one branch circuit? These are just a couple of examples of electrical codes that you have to follow when you install new wiring.

The National Electrical Code has many specifics for compliant electrical installations. Instead of keeping track of all of these yourself let a professional handle it for you.

Circuit Overloads

When you aren’t familiar with electrical loads, handling wiring work can result in circuit overloads. Having too much voltage going through one circuit can cause the breaker to trip repeatedly. This can lead to an increased fire risk.

Professional electricians have the skills and knowledge to ensure no circuits are overloaded. Hiring someone from the start allows you to avoid having to hire an electrician later to correct your DIY work.

Problems Selling Your Home

You could run into delays when you\’re ready to sell your home if you did your own electrical wiring. Home inspectors might find that your home isn’t up to code. In this case, the sale probably can\’t finalize until a licensed electrician re-does the work. This can make it much harder for you to find willing buyers and sell at the price you want.

Improper Installation

When you improperly install your electrical wiring, you can run into problems that range from minor to severe. For example, lights might not come on when you turn the switch or outlets might not work. Even though a DIY fix may seem like a great way to save money, it can end up causing a lot of headaches if you don\’t know what you\’re doing. Plus, if you do the job wrong, you\’ll need to hire an electrician anyway.

Don’t risk electrical wiring hazards and other problems with a DIY fix. Contact the professionals at Turn It On Electric in Phoenix and let us take care of your wiring work and any other electrical needs.

Categories Maintenance

Electrical troubleshooting and maintenance

Electrical troubleshooting and maintenance

Electrical troubleshooting and maintenance are necessary to keep your home or business up and running. Something as routine as replacing a light fixture can be hazardous if done incorrectly. It\’s important to understand what elements you\’re responsible for and what an electrical contractor should handle.

Signs of Problems in Electrical Troubleshooting

Most people turn on the light switch every morning, expecting it to work. Electricity is one of those things that\’s easy to take for granted.

Imagine you notice a lamp flickering in an office during your morning inspection. At first, it might just seem like a minor annoyance. You may try unplugging the lamp and plugging it into a different outlet. Or, maybe you replace the bulb. After a few more attempts at DIY fixes and a few hours later, you might start to realize that the flickering light is a sign of a bigger problem lurking behind the wall. If electrical troubleshooting is leaving you unsure of what to do next, it\’s time to call an electrician.

Recognizing the signs of potential issues in your electrical system can help avoid unexpected outages or even fires. The following are a few of the common problems you may notice around your property.

Buzzing

If you hear buzzing coming from your fixtures, outlets, or walls, that\’s a sign that something is wrong. Some causes might be frayed wiring or lose prongs. It\’s best to leave the electrical troubleshooting to a professional to identify the source and fully resolve the problem.

Dimming and Flickering Lights

Lights draw electricity to run. If they\’re dimming and flickering like a 1970s disco, they\’re probably not getting a stable amount of energy. Sometimes high-energy users like AC units, laundry machines, and even vacuums can cause lights to dim or flicker. Although a brief dim may be normal, it\’s best to talk to an electrician to see if there\’s a bigger issue brewing within your wires.

Hot Outlets

If your wall outlet feels hot, it may be wired incorrectly. The first step to electrical troubleshooting is to carefully unplug anything from the outlet. Next, contact an electrician to explain the situation and see if it\’s an issue with the item you had plugged in or with the wiring.

Sparking

If you notice sparks coming from your wall socket, contact an electrician immediately. This is definitely a cause for concern and should be looked at with urgency.

Tripped Breakers and Blown Fuses

Tripped breakers and blown fuses are annoying. However, they\’re designed to protect your electrical system from overloading. If one particular item, such as a crockpot, is always resetting the outlet it could be an issue with the appliance. If using one particular outlet always trips the breaker, it could be an issue with the wiring. An electrician will be able to determine how to fix the overloaded circuit.

Find a Reliable Electrical Troubleshooting Partner

Each year hundreds of homes and commercial buildings experience fires due to electrical malfunction or failure. Watching for signs electrical problems, regular maintenance, and having a reliable electrician are the keys to keeping everyone safe.

For help with electrical troubleshooting and maintenance, contact the professionals at Turn It On Electric today.

Categories Electrician

Finding the right residential electrician

Finding the right residential electrician

When something goes wrong in your home, you want to work with an expert for a safe and effective solution. Finding the right tradesman for the job can be difficult if you don’t know what to ask. In the case of a residential electrician, you want someone who\’s highly qualified, offers great customer service, and has a wide depth of talents.

Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

One of the most important factors in finding a residential electrician is to make sure they have the right credentials to do the work. In Arizona, you can ask for their Registrar of Contractors (ROC) number. Entering this information into the ROC website gives you access to their license and bond information as well as any complaints filed with the ROC.

Experience and Qualifications

Choosing a residential electrician with a variety of skills and qualifications is essential. Many people save up a list of small jobs that an electrician can tackle in one visit. It would be incredibly frustrating if they showed up and weren\’t equipped to complete half the items on your list.

Turn It On Electric is a one-stop shop for your electrical service in the Phoenix area. Our technicians have over 145 years of combined experience in the electrical field and no job is too small or too big. This allows them to efficiently troubleshoot any issue you throw their way. Before you choose your electrician make sure they offer the quality of service you expect for your project.

Referrals

One of the best ways to find a residential electrician is to ask around. Talk to your friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers and ask who they\’ve used for electrical work. Sometimes the warnings are as useful as the glowing recommendations. Be sure to ask your referral the following questions:

  • What work did the electrician complete?
  • Were they able to finish the work in one visit?
  • Did they show up on time, as originally scheduled?
  • Did they offer a fair price? How did it compare to other quotes?
  • Was there any pressure for an upsell during the estimate or service?
  • Would you use them in the future?

Communication is Important

It may not seem like a big deal at first thought; however, effective communication is extremely important when dealing with a residential electrician. From conveying your electrical issues to reviewing an estimate or invoice, your electrician needs to be able to communicate with you in a way that\’s clear and easy to understand. You want to make sure that your residential electrician listens to what you want and need.

Attitude and Professionalism

When a Turn It On electrician shows up at your home, you can expect to see someone in uniform getting out of a company truck. The friendly technicians strive to put a smile on your face during each interaction. When you have an electrical problem, you want someone who will show up on time with the right tools and the right attitude to get the job done well.

Clear, Detailed Documents

Depending on the project, you may have an estimate, bid, quote, or contract. Be sure to review this information and make sure it answers all of your questions about the:

  • Electrician\’s credentials
  • Materials, tools, or special machines needed
  • Rooms in which the work will be done
  • Milestones
  • Timeline
  • Cost

Before you sign a contract or agree to move forward with the work, make sure you understand everything in your documents. If something isn\’t clear, ask questions and have your electrician update the paperwork.

If you want a residential electrician who\’s highly qualified, offers excellent service, and has extensive experience, contact Turn It On Electric to schedule an appointment today.

Categories Electrician

What does an electrical technician do?

What does an electrical technician do

Have you ever wondered who runs the electrical from the source to the disconnect switch to the machine? The answer: an industrial electrical technician. Without them, the power wouldn’t get from the source to power the machine. Is this a career that might interest you? Find out more about what an electrical technician does and how they get there.

Duties and Responsibilities

An electrical technician is responsible for installing and working on motor controls, heavy circuitry, and piping. Although they generally don’t work on the actual components of the machines, they’re responsible for anything between the power source and the machine.

Electrical technicians work with other trades like plumbers and HVAC to complete projects. They work with electrical engineers with their responsibilities so that a project can be built properly. The more experience an electrical technician can gain, the more room for career growth is possible.

Education and Training

If you’re interested in becoming an electrical technician, keep in mind that you will need to meet specific educational requirements. The best electrical technicians have an associate degree in the electrical technology field. Some technicians go to a vocational school for this degree, while others attend a community college or technical school. We offer ongoing training and truly enjoy helping each other grow and learn.

When you have the right preparation to become an electrical technician, other career paths may open up for you. With some additional training and education, you could become an electrician, an electrical engineer, or work in the facilities management field too.

Electrical Technician Skills

Working as an electrical technician means that you need to have and develop certain core skills. A few of these include the following:

  • Detail Oriented. Do you notice the little things in everything you do? As an electrician, the details are the most important. Paying attention to the smallest details will lead to safety and a quality work you can be proud of.
  • Determination. Are you dedicated to getting the job done no matter what? An electrical technician may work in extreme environments. For example, caustic, hot, or wet conditions can make working with electricity extremely hazardous.
  • Logic. Are you able to read and interpret diagrams? Although you wouldn’t be working on actual machines, you need to be familiar with how the electrical components connect. Succeeding requires good logic skills.
  • Problem-solving. When you find an issue with the electrical, how should you handle it? This isn’t a job where you can “Google” a quick answer. Natural problem-solving skills make this job easier.

Typical Jobs for an Electrical Technician

Some electrical technicians end up working with owners and electrical engineers to provide service to a wide range of clients. These technicians visit different sites, depending on which clients they are helping. This type of job gives electrical technicians an opportunity to put different skills to use by working on a variety of projects.

Other electrical technicians work for one company or organization, such as a factory or a laboratory. These technicians are only responsible for working on their employer\’s electricity. This type of job can offer more stability on a day-to-day basis for those who don\’t want to travel.

Start Your Career

If you’re ready to start your career with a company that serves their customers better than the competition, visit our careers page to learn more about our current openings. The electricians at Turn It On Electric go out of their way to make sure the final product is the quality our customers deserve.

Whether you\’re in need of electrical assistance or you\’re looking to start your career as an electrical technician, contact Turn It On Electric today.