If the inside wireman installs power feeders and conduits on an electrical project, an installer electrician; on the other hand, is that expert working beside the wireman. He is the one that installs the low voltage cabling network which is mainly used for video, data, voice and low voltage signaling.
Majority of installations are done inside buildings which are fully or partially enclosed for necessary protection against the winds, sun, rain and other elements. Such installations are set up there way before the heat, air conditioning or permanent lighting fixtures are even brought in. A lot of jobs, however, are already in existing offices or buildings where some work may be done during the changing weather conditions.
The data and voice cables are routed by the installer technician between the equipment rooms and entrance facilities. The horizontal cables for voice and data are also routed between the equipment and telephone rooms; or individual work stations within the building.
Now keep in mind that an equipment room contains files servers, hubs, or telephone switches; all are devices that were configured and then connected to a communications network which will serve the building.
An installer technician may also install cross connects inside telephone rooms. These can be done through wall mounts or rack mounts. Whether work is for new construction or existing offices, the installer technician must know the latest in technologies to be able to deliver the best.
Job Description in a Nutshell
- Plans and initiates electrical projects
- Installs underground voice, data circuit feeders through to the entrance facilities
- Provides or connects grounding electrode systems
- Installs pathways for low voltage wiring
- Installs, tests, or terminates wires and cables whether they are fiber optic or copper
- Installs, tests and certifies LAN cabling systems
- Lays out, installs and verifies the control systems for security and access
- Installs sound distribution and communications systems
- Provides testing, analysis as well as repair of voice, video and data systems involving gateways, hubs, routers, NIC cards and telephone switches
- Prefabricates systems like telecommunications racks used for field installation
As the installer electrician reaches Level II, he will report to the Operations Manager but he takes daily directions from the Project Manager. Here are other roles that a Level II installer electricians can do –
- He can act as a mentor to entry-level technicians while applying his knowledge in electronic theory to install, construct, troubleshoot, test, modify and repair electronic equipment.
- Installs electronic systems that are at par with codes and standards.
- Tests and inspects electrical systems upon installation to ensure high quality of work and smooth operation.
- Assists customers and sales personnel with regard to technical info on the system layout and operation.
- Completes the diagrams and documentations for service calls and installations. He must clearly outline the alterations or special instructions that have been set.
- Submits accurate reports right after the completion of service calls and installations which will allow quality assurance and administrative department to follow up.
- Assures the proper maintenance as well as accountability for tools, assigned company vehicle or inventory. These are all necessary in the promotion of efficiency, professionalism and productivity.
- Does upgrades, enhancements and other system additions for customers where newer technology is offered.
- Observes and complies with safety regulations as he also recommends any kind of improvement to the management.
- He must be available to give assistance in alarm installation and service.
He must attend job-related seminars or training classes so that he can have an updated knowledge about his job.