Electrical
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As a Trade Contractor
CONSTRUCTION ELECTRICIANS install, connect, test, and maintain electrical systems for a variety of purposes, including climate control, security, and communications in office buildings, homes, schools, stores, factories, hospitals, and other structures where electrical power is used. They may also install and maintain the electronic controls for machines in business and industry. Construction electricians
- work with blueprints that indicate the location of circuits, outlets, load centers, panel boards, and other equipment when they install electrical systems in factories, office buildings, homes, and other structures
- must follow the current National Electric Code and comply with state and local building codes when they install these systems
- first place conduit (pipe or tubing) inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas in factories and offices
- fasten small metal or plastic boxes that will house electrical switches and outlets to the walls
- pull insulated cables or wires through the conduit to complete circuits between the boxes
- use plastic-covered wire instead of conduit in lighter construction, such as residential
- connect the wiring to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components
- join the wires in boxes with various specially designed connectors
- use testing equipment, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, and oscilloscopes, to check the circuits for proper connection, ensuring electrical compatibility and safety of components
- may install low voltage wiring systems in addition to wiring a building's electrical system
- may also install coaxial or fiber optic cable for computers and other communications equipment and electronic controls for industrial equipment
- may install telephone systems, computer wiring and equipment, streetlights, intercom systems, and fire alarm and security systems.
Estimated Salary
National |
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North Carolina |
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|
Per Year |
Per Hour |
|
Per Year |
Per Hour |
Starting Salary |
$34,000 |
$16.25 |
|
$32,500 |
$15.75 |
Average Salary |
$43,000 |
$20.75 |
|
$41,500 |
$20.00 |
Salary w/ experience |
$50,500 |
$24.25 |
|
$49,000 |
$23.75 |
Economic Research Institute (Survey of Salaries in 2004) |
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Career Pathway
CONSTRUCTION ELECTRICIANS usually start out as helpers or apprentices. With successful training and experience, construction electricians become journey persons and may advance to be supervisors, and then superintendents or estimators.
CONSTRUCTION ELECTRICIANS work for:
- construction industry
- electrical or general contractors
- builders
- large industrial plants
- public utilities
- government agencies
- themselves (self-employed)
Those with sufficient capital and management skills may start their own contracting business. Most owners and managers of electrical contracting and maintenance companies began as electricians. In many states, a contractor must have an electrical contractor's license. Many electricians become electrical inspectors.
Costs
Registration Fees
- $175 Level I
- $175 Level II
- $175 Level III
- $175 Level IV
$700 Total
Admission Requirements
No additional requirements for this course. Students under 18 years of age must complete a minor permission form.
For Additional Information
Contact Corporate and Continuing Education Department Monday - Thursday 8 am - 8 pm and Friday, 8 am - 5 pm at (828) 726-2242 or contact Jeff Holman, Director of Vocational and Technical Programs, at (828) 726-2382 email at jholman@cccti.edu.
