Description of the Construction Electrician trade
“Construction Electrician” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This standard covers tasks performed by a construction electrician.
Construction electricians plan, design, assemble, install, alter, repair, inspect, verify, commission, connect, operate, maintain and decommission electrical systems. Electrical systems provide heating, lighting, power, alarm, security, communication and control in residential, agricultural, commercial, institutional, industrial, transportation and entertainment environments. Construction electricians may also perform the installation and maintenance of building automation systems. Construction electricians may be self-employed or employed by electrical contractors, utilities, and operations and maintenance departments of various facilities and municipalities.
Construction electricians must read and interpret electrical, mechanical, civil and architectural drawings and specifications such as electrical, building, fire, and jurisdictional codes to complete electrical installations. They use electrical test equipment and digital technology to ensure system safety, functionality and compatibility.
Construction electricians require good communication skills to negotiate, coordinate and facilitate work with clients, co-workers, jurisdictional authorities and other trades. Organizational skills are required to successfully plan and execute their work. They also require strong analytical and problem-solving skills in order to read and interpret diagrams, drawings and specifications. They require mechanical aptitude to install, diagnose and repair systems and components. It is beneficial for construction electricians to have good vision, the ability to distinguish colours, manual dexterity and a willingness to keep up with new developments in the trade. With changing technologies, digital and computer skills are necessary to this trade for job performance, learning methods and updating skills.
Their work may be performed indoors or outdoors, at heights, in confined spaces and in hazardous environments. They require stamina as construction electricians spend much of their time performing static and physical tasks such as climbing. Occupational risks include shocks, industrial diseases, arc flashes, falls and injury from repetitive motion, lifting and kneeling.
It is important to note that the work performed by construction electricians is not performed in isolation. This standard recognizes similarities or overlaps with the work of industrial electricians, powerline technicians, instrumentation and control technicians, and refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics. In addition, construction electricians work collaboratively with other trades such as plumbers, steamfitter/pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, industrial mechanic (millwright), sheet metal workers, bricklayers, carpenters and other skilled trades. Construction electricians also work with a wide variety of engineers and inspectors.
Construction electricians play a crucial role as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may also advance to positions such as foremen, instructors, project managers, superintendents, estimators, technicians, system designers, electrical inspectors or start their own contracting business. Construction electricians may enhance their skills in different fields such as restorative, service or retrofit work rather than new construction.