The professional who helps businesses by working on different electrical panels is your panel technician. His job description involves checking, repairing or replacing low voltage panels. A few of these technicians can also work on different kinds of specialty panels like solar panels and other such technological installations.
Typical panel electricians work on AC/DC electrical circuits which run through electrical panels. They are experienced in wiring panels as well as assembling components in larger systems.
More specific wiring tasks include cutting and stripping cables and wire termination. If you are looking for an electrician that will connect wiring inside your home, then this technician is also up for the job.
This type of technician knows crimping and wire termination techniques as they constantly need to work on a wide range of wire connection inside panels.
More than the physical work that is required for this kind of electrician, they need to comprehend the different electrical standards in the country where they are working. They are experts that are required to know the standardized electrical works; to do this, they must hold the appropriate certifications or degrees in electric fundamentals.
A panel technician must be skilled in reading standard electrical plans and the most intricate building blueprints. He should have no issues in complying to different regulatory agencies in his country. Technicians must also have a detailed know-how of the installation and assembly of electrical systems.
Those who would like to employ panel electricians must assess whether the candidate is able to withstand the physical rigors of his job. He also needs to know how to use power and hand tools. He must also be used in carrying heavy equipment.
A No-Nonsense Job
There are always job openings for panel electricians. They are responsible for the assembly, troubleshooting, testing, and wiring of electrical control panels in different facilities – even homes.
It is important that the applicants gain ample experience with different frequency drives, motor starters, voltage starter reduction, and many more. They are also expected to travel every now and then.
This technician’s primary responsibilities include –
- Reading layouts drawings and electrical schematics
- Mounting devices onto back panels as well as enclosures with the use of different methods such as tapping steel and drilling
- Using digital multimeter in order to check work
- Maintaining and even shipping control panels
- Upholding safety standards
- Learning basic computer skills
The Panel Electrician in a Changing World
The world is an ever-changing place and the electrical industry moves in this same pace. Since this is so, panel electricians are also expected to learn more about specialized technologies that are commonly installed inside buildings. Electrical panels accommodate more and more data ports and newer technologies are born each time so panel technicians need to have a wide range of knowledge. He must also understand his role in a dedicated industry.
Probably the most sought after panel electricians in the world today are those that are knowledgeable in installing solar panels. Newer technologies are being used to lower the cost of using such new techniques. Their integration has become more practical for home, business and industrial structure owners.
In case you are wondering how much a panel technician earns, consider the following remuneration package –
- Paid holidays for those who decide to work for companies
- Paid time off
- Overtime pay
- 401k
- Medical insurance
- Most employers are more than willing to provide paid training
- There are even some who offer travel opportunities
- An assurance that you will never run out of projects throughout the year
- A salary range is $14 to $18 per hour depending on your experience.
