Electricians - What they do

Electrical engineers and mechanical engineers maintain our power supplies and electrical and mechanical infrastructure. All electricians, including electricians in Massachusetts, must comply with state and local building and zoning ordinances and electricians must be licensed, certified, or registered in most states. Some states require both an electrician and a registered electrical contractor to be on-site during all electrical installations.

Electricians in Massachusetts install, inspect, maintain, and repair electrical wiring in homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, airports, power plants, and other places that use electricity. They also do related work such as maintaining electrical control systems for heating and air conditioning units. When someone in Massachusetts installs a new circuit or fixture, changes an existing one, removes obsolete wiring, troubleshoots malfunctioning equipment, adjusts light switches or dimmers, or does any number of electrical repairs, they are probably working with an electrician in Massachusetts.

What are some common things electricians do?

Here are five of the most common duties electrical workers may perform.

1. Install Wiring and Fixtures

Electricians install wiring for electrical lights, appliances, and other fixtures in buildings and homes. To install the wiring, electricians run the cables using a fishing tool or by drilling holes in studs or joists in walls and ceilings. The electrician then connects the wires to a switch box and adds the fixture. They fasten the fixture to the ceiling or wall, and wire it to an electrical box if necessary.

2. Perform Maintenance

Electricians perform maintenance on electrical wiring, lights, appliances, and other fixtures to ensure they operate correctly. In order to repair or replace any faulty wires, electricians first disconnect power for safety reasons before making repairs or installations that require new wiring. They can also replace defective wiring when installing new fixtures.

3. Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting is an important duty electricians perform to ensure the wiring, lights, appliances, and other fixtures are working correctly. If an appliance or fixture does not turn on or it operates incorrectly, the electrician will first check the switch box to make sure power is connected properly before beginning repairs or service work.

4. Work in Residential and Commercial Buildings

Electricians work in residential and commercial buildings. They install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical wiring, lights, appliances, and other fixtures inside both types of buildings.

Crawl spaces under homes, attics inside homes, basements, finished portions of basements, boiler rooms, garages, and attached structures are all considered part of the home. Electricians that work in residential buildings install lighting fixtures, outlets, switches, doorbells, and thermostats. They also install basement wiring for lights and outlets.

5. Adhere to state and local codes

Electricians perform their work in accordance with the safety requirements of the state and local jurisdiction they work in. They must follow applicable codes established by OSHA, NFPA 70 (the National Electric Code), NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) and any other code that pertains to their specific line of work.

In Massachusetts, this may mean electricians must follow the MHD (Massachusetts Housing and Electric Code) in order to install the wiring, fixtures, appliances, and other installations.

What Type of Training or Certification Does Electricians Need to Carry?

There are three major categories of electricians: commercial, residential, and industrial. To work in each category, electricians must adhere to specific state and local codes that vary by jurisdiction. Electricians can become licensed or certified through their trade association or employer, depending on the type of employment agreement the professional has with his or her employer.

About B Town Electric

B Town Electric is one of the most trusted electrical companies serving Massachusetts. We pride ourselves on offering exceptional workmanship and customer service with affordable prices. If you are looking for a reliable electrician in Western Mass, B Town Electric can help!

To schedule a free estimate in Massachusetts, contact B Town Electric at (413) 213-0770 or request a free estimate online.