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Is there a certain time limit on completing a job as an electrician and if there is what is the usual time limit?
I'm a 10th grader and I'm interested in electrical work.
3 answers
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
Nathan,
As an electrician, it's unpredictable how long certain things will take so a time limit is tough to predict.
When you are called to diagnose a problem with an electrical system or circuit, you don't know what you are facing when you show up. It could be a bad circuit breaker, faulty wiring, a bad plug, a bad light, or a rodent/critter made a nest in an electrical box. As a result, time limits will depend on how long it takes to diagnose and then resolve the problem. You may need a part that you don't have. At times, you might have to put a workaround in place so things function until you can return with the proper equipment/part.
Anyway, I would say I found being an electrician was a very gratifying job. You are a creator and/or a problem solver.
Creator: You start with no electrical service, lights, outlets, etc. and when you leave you have installed things that allow the owner to see with their new lights or use their electrical appliances with what you've installed.
Problem solver: You start with there being a problem where something isn't working and when you leave, they are!
Either one of these are very gratifying. I was just installing some smart-switches last weekend and it's a great feeling when you correctly install things and they power on. With smart-switches, you can ask Alexa (or Siri) to turn on/off the lights - it's VERY handy!
An electrician is a great job that pays well without a lot of educational costs - you can make a great living doing that!
Best of luck to you!
As an electrician, it's unpredictable how long certain things will take so a time limit is tough to predict.
When you are called to diagnose a problem with an electrical system or circuit, you don't know what you are facing when you show up. It could be a bad circuit breaker, faulty wiring, a bad plug, a bad light, or a rodent/critter made a nest in an electrical box. As a result, time limits will depend on how long it takes to diagnose and then resolve the problem. You may need a part that you don't have. At times, you might have to put a workaround in place so things function until you can return with the proper equipment/part.
Anyway, I would say I found being an electrician was a very gratifying job. You are a creator and/or a problem solver.
Creator: You start with no electrical service, lights, outlets, etc. and when you leave you have installed things that allow the owner to see with their new lights or use their electrical appliances with what you've installed.
Problem solver: You start with there being a problem where something isn't working and when you leave, they are!
Either one of these are very gratifying. I was just installing some smart-switches last weekend and it's a great feeling when you correctly install things and they power on. With smart-switches, you can ask Alexa (or Siri) to turn on/off the lights - it's VERY handy!
An electrician is a great job that pays well without a lot of educational costs - you can make a great living doing that!
Best of luck to you!
Updated
Angel’s Answer
As an electrician, there isn't a strict "time limit" to complete a job, but there are deadlines set by clients or employers. The time needed depends on the project's complexity. For example, residential jobs might take a few hours, while larger commercial projects could take days or weeks. To become an electrician, you'll need to complete an apprenticeship and earn a license. It's great that you're interested in electrical work—start by learning basic skills in high school or through trade programs!
Updated
Philip’s Answer
Well, job duration really depends on what type of electrician (Commercial, Residential, Industrial, Nuclear, etc...) you are interested in becoming and what job you are working on. I'll try to give some examples from my own experience.
Residential Jobs can Vary from a few hours to multiple days. After I got out of the Navy I found myself picking up odd jobs with my Uncle who is a Master Electrician. Sometimes it was as quick as replacing/updating a couple light fixtures or outlets (1-4hours*) or troubleshooting/correcting basic electrical issues (2-6hours*). Other times it takes a little longer like replacing old fuse boxes / installing new breaker boxes which could take an entire day (or multiple days if new wiring has to be installed). I also worked in HVAC and install jobs for new air conditioners could take an entire day or a couple depending on the complexity of the system being installed. I cant speak for new construction as I have never been involved in those jobs.
*These are just ball-park estimates as duration of residential jobs really varies based on existing equipment and the request of the customer.
I work in nuclear and again it really depends on the job being performed. Some Jobs like routine thermography, battery checks, ground tests could take a couple of hours (2-5hours). While other jobs like troubleshooting a high voltage breaker and returning it to service could take an entire day. Recently we had to replace an entire 230kV transformer and that project took an entire month of multiple teams working around the clock. We had Linemen that ran an entirely new offsite powerline (poles, lines, transformers, etc...) to our plant and they managed to accomplish that in less than a week.
To summarize, the world of electrical work is incredibly diverse, and no duration/time limit will be the same (Even in Nuclear where everything is very scripted). It is a very engaging carrer path with LOTS of opportunity if you keep an open mind and are willing to learn (doesn't have to be college).
Look into trade schools or apprenticeships
Learn on-the job and always look to learn something new from experienced electricians
Don't be afraid to branch out and try something new. The electrical world is very diverse and is ALWAYS hiring.
Residential Jobs can Vary from a few hours to multiple days. After I got out of the Navy I found myself picking up odd jobs with my Uncle who is a Master Electrician. Sometimes it was as quick as replacing/updating a couple light fixtures or outlets (1-4hours*) or troubleshooting/correcting basic electrical issues (2-6hours*). Other times it takes a little longer like replacing old fuse boxes / installing new breaker boxes which could take an entire day (or multiple days if new wiring has to be installed). I also worked in HVAC and install jobs for new air conditioners could take an entire day or a couple depending on the complexity of the system being installed. I cant speak for new construction as I have never been involved in those jobs.
*These are just ball-park estimates as duration of residential jobs really varies based on existing equipment and the request of the customer.
I work in nuclear and again it really depends on the job being performed. Some Jobs like routine thermography, battery checks, ground tests could take a couple of hours (2-5hours). While other jobs like troubleshooting a high voltage breaker and returning it to service could take an entire day. Recently we had to replace an entire 230kV transformer and that project took an entire month of multiple teams working around the clock. We had Linemen that ran an entirely new offsite powerline (poles, lines, transformers, etc...) to our plant and they managed to accomplish that in less than a week.
To summarize, the world of electrical work is incredibly diverse, and no duration/time limit will be the same (Even in Nuclear where everything is very scripted). It is a very engaging carrer path with LOTS of opportunity if you keep an open mind and are willing to learn (doesn't have to be college).
Philip recommends the following next steps:
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