Are you hoping to start a career as a construction electrician? Great! Becoming a construction electrician means stepping into a hands-on career that is anything but your typical 9-5 office job.

Progressing along this career path, however, still means that you need to prepare for the interview process. Fortunately, there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to approach your interview with confidence.

Here are a handful of tips for when you’re about to step into an interview.

1. Be Ready to Encounter Basic Questions During Your Interview

Employers looking to hire electricians and apprentice electricians—including in construction—may sometimes ask you basic questions like “What is the difference between a breaker and a fuse?”. Should they do this, it’s to filter out the candidates who have the best foundational knowledge of the profession from the ones who don’t. If necessary, brush up on your overall knowledge of electrician-related concepts before your interview so you go in able to explain them in as much detail as possible.

Interviewers may want to know about your basic knowledge of the profession

2. Prepare for Questions About Challenges and Troubleshooting

While being interviewed, you can expect employers to be curious about your problem-solving abilities. After all, problem-solving is important to this career path. Therefore, you might face questions about how you’d handle unexpected situations, and perhaps the specific process through which you would try to solve the problem.

They may also ask questions like, “What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far in your career?” or “What was the biggest mistake you’ve made at a job, and how did you atone for it?” Either way, interviewers will want to know how you overcame these obstacles.

3. Be Ready for Construction-Specific Questions

A number of electricians work in specialized fields, and construction electricians are definitely among them. As a result, you can expect questions specific to construction. For example, they might ask you what you love most about the field, or why you’re interested in the position. They may also ask you what you learned during your electrician training, and what you ultimately took out of the experience. In any case, these employers are going to want to know how your training and experience makes you an ideal fit for the position.

4. Answer Questions Honestly, and Be Yourself

Whether the questions are technical in nature, or if they’re simply about your past experiences in the field, be honest and descriptive in answering them. Even if you flub a question or wind up not getting the job, it’s still great practice for future interviews you may get later in your career as a construction electrician. Above all else, smile, be enthusiastic, and be respectful and professional throughout the process! After all, if you want to become a maintenance electrician, you can’t forget the basic tenets of how to ace a job interview in any industry.

If you answer questions honestly and professionally, you’ll leave a great impression on employers

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If you’re like many people, you may believe that if you want a high-paying job, you need to go to university. This belief has been repeated so often that for some people it seems almost self-evident. Fueling it is the fact that for some there is a stigma against the trades, with trades work unfairly seen as low-skilled, low-paid, and dirty, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

What you may not realize is that you don’t need university for a well-paying job. In fact, if it’s a hefty pay cheque that you’re after, you may be better off going into the trades. Let’s take a look at why trade school could be a better option if you’re looking to pursue an in-demand and well-paid career.

Trade School Takes a Lot Less Time Than a University Degree

If you want to pursue a university degree, chances are you’re going to be in school for at least 3 to 4 years. For some professions like law, architecture, and medicine, the amount of time you’ll spend in school could be much longer. During that time, you’ll likely be accumulating student debt and you’ll typically only have limited opportunities to work while studying.

When attending a trade school, however, the situation is completely different. You’ll be able to finish your studies in less than a year and then enter the job market. Furthermore, during your apprenticeship after trade school you’ll continue to learn, but you’ll also be getting paid. That can help you avoid the years of student debt that university students often acquire.

Trade school takes less time than university and allows students to start earning faster

The Trades Are Among the Most In-Demand Jobs in Canada

If you want a career that pays well, you’ll usually need to get one that is in demand. When it comes to the trades, it’s hard to overstate just how severe of a skills shortage there is in Canada. The unemployment rate in Canada is currently at a four-decade low, and the jobs that are in most demand are in the trades.

In fact, a recent survey found that 41 per cent of employers say they can’t fill open jobs, and the ones that are among the hardest to fill are in the skilled trades. In fact, according to that same survey, “One in four employers says filling skilled trades roles is harder this year than last.” Employers say the main reason they can’t fill those jobs is simply because there aren’t enough applicants. So, if you’re looking to get hired fast, then a trade may be for you.

The trades are among the most in-demand jobs in Canada

With a Career in Construction, You Can Earn a Good Salary

Of course, the big question you probably have is which is more likely to lead to a better paying job: the trades or a university degree. According to Statistics Canada, men with an apprenticeship certificate (in other words, those working in the trades) earn a median salary of $72,955, which is ahead of those with college diplomas or just high school qualifications. While that’s still 11 per cent lower than the median earnings for men with bachelor degrees, it’s important to keep in mind that that gap looks much smaller when you consider the high student debt university graduates accumulate along with the fact that trades people can usually enter the workforce much faster.

Plus, in some trades the average salary is higher than the average salary for degree holders. The median salary for men who work as electricians, for example, is $84,016, higher than the median $82,082 that men with bachelor’s degrees earn. In other words, if you’re after a well-paid job, then construction school may be a better fit for you than university.

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Electric motor system technicians maintain and repair electric motors. Many employers and unions in Ontario require electric motor system technicians to have a Certificate of Qualification. Having certification is often viewed as a major asset and many employers are willing to pay a higher salary to those who have it.

If a career as an electric motor system technician sounds appealing to you, you should know what steps are involved in becoming certified. Certification is offered through the Ontario College of Trades, which sets out the following pathway to certification.

Electric Motor System Technician Apprentices Must Complete 8,000 Hours of Training

To become a certified electric motor system technician, you will need to complete a total of 8,000 hours of apprenticeship training. Of that, 7,520 hours consists of on-the-job training while just 480 hours is in-class technical training. During the on-the-job training portion, you will be employed by a sponsor who will teach you the skills you need to eventually become a certified electric motor system technician. To set up the in-class training component, you’ll need to contact your local apprenticeship office.

Electric motor system technician certification requires 7,520 hours of on-the-job experience

Once you complete these 8,000 hours of training, you can receive your Certificate of Apprenticeship. Then, you can take the Certification of Qualification exam, which allows you to become a journeyperson. Becoming a journeyperson means you can command a higher salary and even sponsor electric motor system technician apprentices yourself. The Certification of Qualification is an Interprovincial Red Seal Certification, meaning it is recognized across Canada.

Electrician School Can Help You Complete the On-the-Job Portion of Certification

Given the high number of on-the-job hours you need for certification, work experience is arguably the most important aspect of becoming a certified electric motor system technician. To prove your work experience, you will complete a Schedule of Training with your sponsor during your apprenticeship. This Schedule of Training includes a list of on-the-job skills that you must master, such as being able to set up and operate machines and being able to demonstrate safe working practices.

Going to electrician school can help prepare you to succeed when completing the skill sets in your Schedule of Training. For example, during electrician college, you will learn how to use electrician hand tools, which can help you complete the component of your Schedule of Training that requires apprentices to display proficiency in maintaining and using hand and power tools and equipment.

 Learning how to use hand tools during electrician training can help you meet certification requirements

Furthermore, completing electrician training gives you a big boost when looking for the employers to sponsor you during your apprenticeship. That’s because employers highly value the skills that you will have learned in classes, so they are more likely to be eager to bring you onto their teams. A reputable electrician school will also have established relationships with employers and can help you land a job faster, which means you’ll get started on your work experience component towards electric motor system technician certification quicker.

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Are you considering a career as a maintenance electrician? A big part of the job is servicing electrical equipment and diagnosing problems in a home’s wiring. Particularly when working in older homes, electricians often find electrical problems that, if ignored, can become serious safety hazards.

While there’s a broad range of electrical issues that you may encounter once you become an electrician, the following are among the most common examples.

A Lack of Electrical Outlets is a Potential Safety Hazard

Houses built today generally have electrical outlets that are placed no more than 3.6m away from each other. Older houses, however, may have far fewer outlets than people need, which can lead to two potential hazards. First, the homeowners may have to rely on extension cords, which are hazardous if used improperly. For example, joining multiple extension cords together, attaching them to the floor or wall with staples and powering many appliances with a single cord are all fire hazards that you are more likely to see in homes with too few outlets.

Improper use of extension cords increases the risk of blown fuses and fires

Secondly, a shortage of outlets may prompt some homeowners to overload individual outlets with too many appliances, which can lead to blown fuses and even fires. Once you graduate from your construction and maintenance electrician program, you’ll likely have clients who would like you to install additional outlets into their homes.

Watch for This Sign Indicating That a Home’s Wiring May be Ungrounded

Once you begin your electrician career in construction, it’s important to be on the lookout for whether a home has two-holed or three-holed outlets. A lack of three-holed outlets could indicate a serious safety hazard with a home’s wiring: a lack of grounding. The third arch-shaped hole in modern outlets is designed to connect appliances to the grounding wire. Experts know that the grounding wire is essential because, in case of a short circuit, it ensures the electricity is sent to the earth rather than through a person’s body. While new homes are built with a grounding wire, older homes that lack this safety feature will require some major rewiring work.

Ensure Homes Have Enough Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters After Construction School

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a simple but essential safety device for outlets that are at risk of coming into contact with water, such as outlets located in washrooms, kitchens or outdoors. A GFCI automatically trips if it detects a discrepancy between the electricity flowing in and out of an outlet, as this discrepancy could indicate a person is being electrocuted. By tripping the circuit, that electricity is redirected through the grounding wire into the earth.

You can tell an outlet is GFCI-equipped if it has a ‘Test’ and ‘Reset’ button

Electrical and building codes, which you will learn about at construction school, now mandate where GFCI-equipped outlets must be located in new homes. The Canadian Electrical Code, for example, requires that any outlet located within 1.5m of a sink, outside within 2.5m of the finished grade, or at other points where it is at risk of coming into contact with water, be equipped with a GFCI. If an outlet contains two buttons which read ‘Reset’ and ‘Test’ then it is GFCI-equipped. If it isn’t GFCI-equipped and is close to a water source, it should be upgraded.

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If you’re considering electrician training, one of the career paths you could pursue after graduation includes electric motor analysis and repair. Electric motors can be found in many places—hair dryers, air conditioners and even huge cargo ships all function with electric motors. When an electric motor breaks down, it’s the job of an electric motor analyst to get it up and running again.

If working with electric motors sounds exciting to you, you may be interested in learning a little about the main causes of electric motor breakdowns. Read on to learn more.

1. How Heat Affects Electric Motors: What Electrician Training Will Teach You

Excessive heat can be extremely damaging to electric motors because it increases wear and tear on the motor’s parts, particularly on the motor’s insulation. Once the insulation has deteriorated, the motor will fail. Overheating can be caused by a number of factors, such as power surges, contamination and simply operating the motor in a very warm environment. In fact, you’ll see that many of the issues causing electric motor breakdowns generally lead to overheating.

Once you’ve completed your electrician training and begin working in the field, you’ll likely find that most electric motor breakdowns you’ll be tasked with repairing will relate to excessive heat.

After electrician college, you’ll encounter many electric motor breakdowns linked to heat

2. Humidity and Moisture Can Corrode the Insulation of an Electric Motor

Humidity or moisture of any kind is not good for electric motors. When moisture gets into the motor, it may cause parts of the motor to corrode more rapidly than they would in a dry environment. Humidity, for example, can corrode insulation and if that corrosion is not stopped then the insulation may become so damaged that the entire motor breaks down.

3. Electric Motors Should Not Operate Above their Limits

Every electric motor has a maximum capacity in terms of the amount of electrical current it can carry. A surge in electricity to the motor can cause both overheating and overcapacity, which reduces the lifespan of a motor’s parts and may eventually lead to a breakdown. Electrician college grads know that a current protector, such as a circuit breaker, is the best way to prevent an electrical overload from damaging an electrical motor, since this will automatically shut down the motor when a surge occurs.

4. Dirt, Dust and Other Forms of Contamination Can Increase Wear and Tear

Electric motors can easily become contaminated with dirt, dust, grease and other particles. After you complete your electrician certification, you’ll likely work on many electric motors that have experienced problems because of excessive dirt and dust. Some contaminants will simply wear down or corrode the motor’s parts or make it run less efficiently. Others may be electrically conductive, which means that they can interfere with the electric current that is running through the motor. Contaminants can also block airflow to the engine, preventing the engine from cooling down and forcing it to overheat. Regular maintenance and upkeep is the best way to reduce contamination-related breakdowns.

Dirt and other contaminants can cause an electric motor’s parts to wear down and corrode

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Electricity is an incredibly powerful energy source, but it can also be very dangerous. That’s why electrician students learn to treat it with respect. Professionals in the field know that when you’re working with such a powerful energy source every day, there’s simply no room for cutting corners or being sloppy—especially when it comes to your safety and the safety of those around you. While electricity certainly can be dangerous, good electricians never put themselves or others at unnecessary risk.

If you’re considering a career as an electrician, patience and hard work will be essential characteristics that can help you stay safe on the job. Read on for some tips on how to stay safe during your training and throughout your career.

Work on De-Energized Circuits Once You Become an Electrician

It’s important for electricians to avoid working on live circuits. The reason is obvious: if you’re working with an energized circuit, you risk being injured. Cutting the power to the circuit will create a much safer work environment and is usually the first thing electricians do on a job. Even when the circuit has been de-energized, it’s crucial to always wear the proper protective equipment, such as safety glasses, insulated gloves and flame-resistant clothing, for example.

Wear Proper Safety Equipment When Working with Electricity

Every electrician understands the importance of wearing the right safety equipment on the job. In addition to insulated gloves, safety glasses and flame-resistant clothing, you should also be wearing industrial safety footwear and a non-conducting hard hat. Not only do you need to use safety equipment during your electrician training and afterwards, but you should also be inspecting and replacing that equipment regularly. Wearing safety equipment that is worn down or broken is about as useful as not wearing any safety equipment at all.

Wear insulated gloves and other protective gear during your electrician training and on the job

Avoid Wet or Damp Workspaces During Your Training and Your Career

Moisture and dampness are no friends to electricians on the job. A workspace that is wet or damp can be very dangerous, since the risk of electric shock is much higher in these types of environments. Good electricians keep their work areas as dry as possible. However, if you are required to work in a space that’s typically damp, such as a washroom, for example, install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)—a device that helps to avoid electrical shock hazards.

Don’t try to remove liquid from equipment that’s energized when you become an electrician

One crucial tip to keep in mind once you become an electrician, is to never try and remove water or any other liquid from equipment while its energized! You must shut off the power first and unplug the equipment before trying to clean or dry it. Likewise, it’s also important not to touch or attempt to repair any electrical equipment if you have wet hands. Doing so will increase the conductivity of the circuit and likely result in a shock.

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The benefits of running your own business are obvious, but a much broader skillset is needed to make this courageous move. These entrepreneurs require excellent foresight to spot potential opportunities and pitfalls, and must also contend with the complex web of red tape facing them. However, lots of electricians overcome these challenges to develop excellent careers as their own bosses.

As a self-employed professional, you can dictate the direction of the business, fulfilling the needs of a country that’s crying out for skilled electricians. Job website Indeed lists it among the most in-demand trades in Canada at the moment, recording a 17% increase in vacancies between 2016 and 2017. You can help to fill this skills shortage by developing a successful business with your own employees or going it alone as an independent contractor. Here are some helpful tips on what to consider beforehand.

Develop a Clear, Viable Business Plan

Becoming a business owner isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. It’s a long-term call and it could be a few years before you see a worthwhile return on your investment. First, you need to make sure that there’s a market for your own venture by developing a comprehensive business plan.

Closely assess the viability of your idea in a business plan

Estimate the amount of money needed to get the business off the ground, set realistic income targets and devise a marketing plan to attract new clients. Going it alone during an electrician career in construction also means pinpointing a unique selling point (USP), whether it’s a particular skillset, geographical location or service fee offer.

Ensure your Business Complies with Official Requirements

Once you’ve gained certification and experience as an apprentice or fully-fledged construction electrician, you’ll feel confident that you have the technical skillset to complete projects under your own name.

Setting up your own business also means complying with official regulations, so make sure to secure the necessary permits or licences from provincial or national authorities. Register your business for taxes too, so that you won’t face an unwanted and hefty bill shortly after your establishment.

Secure Financing to Cover Start-up Costs

A comprehensive business plan is essential in convincing banks to provide you with a loan for your start-up costs. Even if you can’t secure financing this way, check out online lending opportunities. Be wary, however, of the potentially high interest rates attached.

The government has also developed useful revenue streams for budding entrepreneurs, such as the Canada Small Business Financing Program. Successful applications can help to secure loans for land, buildings or new equipment.

You’ll Need Professional Equipment to Become a Maintenance Electrician

A career in the trades involves lots of different tools, and business owners must make sure they are procured and maintained adequately. This can be an expensive undertaking, and suitable storage facilities are also needed to keep them safe.

Budget for the purchase and upkeep of necessary electrical tools

You’ll be spending a lot of time driving on the road between jobs after you become a maintenance electrician, so you may need to invest in a van or other suitable vehicle, too. However, your company vehicles can also double as portable billboards if you get your business name and contact details on the side to build awareness about your service, making them a wise investment.

Be Prepared for Regular Office Duties as a Business Owner

A lot of the added responsibility taken on by business owners is about balancing the books, so make sure that your accounts are given regular attention. This may mean outsourcing the task to a dedicated accounting firm, which can free up additional time for conventional electrician duties. You will probably also need to spend some time behind the office desk to make sure that invoices, contracts, and other paperwork is up to date.

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The extremes of Canadian weather mean that we are always very keen to make the most of the warm summer months. It’s a time to spend outdoors, whether we’re enjoying food, relaxing in a deckchair or spending some time in the swimming pool.

Even when the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t have to stop if you have suitable lighting installed. Electricians are highly sought after by clients who want to install a professional, long-lasting outdoor project.

These tasks require a bit of additional knowhow to prevent damage from the elements, such as wind, rain or pests. With the right planning and equipment, however, electricians can create a beautiful environment in which to enjoy the summer and fall. Here’s a helpful guide on what to consider.

Homeowners Want Lighting Installed for Lots of Different Outdoor Projects

Outdoor lighting projects are sometimes installed for practical reasons, while other projects focus on creating a more entertaining exterior space. Drive through any North American neighbourhood at nighttime and it’s likely you’ll come across many homes with lighting installed on both sides of the driveway or pedestrian pathway. These projects improve visibility for the home occupants, while also creating an attractive appearance at the front of the house.

Outdoor lighting should be as unobtrusive as possible

Lighting projects become a bit more elaborate at the back of the home, where clients want to enjoy themselves until the late hours. Tradespeople with electrician certification need to be able to install lighting for outdoor kitchens or barbecue pits, decking, or swimming pools. However, they must plan these projects with care to prevent fitting obtrusive lighting that annoys the neighbours. Electricians can interact closely with construction staff to ensure that a suitable lighting layout is developed for large projects.

Electrician College Graduates use a Variety of Lighting Types

Outdoor lighting is usually quite extensive, with lots of different bulbs needed to illuminate the entire area. For that reason, you don’t want to be installing lights that require regular replacement. That’s why LED options have become very popular for homeowners taking on renovation projects.

The retail price of LEDs is higher than a normal bulb, but they last for a lot longer. The light also fades, rather than blowing out entirely, meaning that occupants can spot a necessary replacement just in time.

Solar technology is also continuing to evolve, and solar lights are a great option for the outdoors. There is no need to lay long reels of electrical cable and they are very easy to install and replace. However, the light output is likely to be less reliable than those connected to a central power source.

Smart lights have also become a popular fixture outdoors, and it’s very likely that students will come across them after electrician college. Despite their high cost, homeowners love the practicality of being able to remotely switch the lights on and off, and even adjusting the brightness or colour.

What to Consider During a Simple Outdoor Lighting Installation

Outdoor projects are usually a lot simpler than they look, as long as there is easy access to a power supply. Waterproof and rugged socket outlets on exterior walls are an excellent means of connecting the lighting powerpack to electricity. Ideally, the lighting should be installed in place with appropriate trenches dug in the ground for cabling before the connection is made.

Outdoor sockets may have to be installed to provide a power supply

Once the individual lights and cabling are secured by an electrician, the trenches can be filled in and the power supply switched on. It’s a good idea to check the fittings at night to assess whether the lighting is facing in the most suitable direction. The occupants of the house can then enjoy long evenings in the wonderful summer heat.

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When it comes to trades, it’s a common truth that the work you do will only be as good as the tools you have on hand. And when it comes to the equipment that maintenance electricians use, the list of what you’ll need to do a job properly can be long.

Whether you choose to work in manufacturing or electrical contracting companies, there are some specialized tools you’ll need for your role, and others that you’re bound to use quite often. From electrical tape to wire strippers, these are the essentials for any electrical repair job, and should be a part of every good professional’s toolkit.

Read on to learn more about the different kinds of tools and equipment that maintenance electricians commonly use during their careers.

It’s All About Having the Right Hand Tools at Your Disposal

When it comes to performing the simplest repairs and installations of electrical equipment, maintenance electricians will usually be relying on hand tools. These tools need to be safe to use for electrical work, and you will also want to make sure that they’re comfortable enough to use so that you aren’t straining your wrists and hands.

Professional maintenance electricians will need a wire stripper, as well as a solid wire cutter in the event that you have to sever part or all of any wires that have become split or broken. Of course, graduates of electrician college can always look for wire strippers that double as a wire cutter, which could save money and space in your toolbox.

In addition, maintenance electricians will always carry a pair of pliers and a screwdriver, which are essential to every job they do. You should check to make sure that both of these tools are insulated so that they are guarded from electric shock while performing repairs and installations. Pliers may often be used for the purposes of cutting and bending electrical wire, so they should be of the needle nose or side-cutting variety. Screwdrivers will need to be able to fit to a variety of different screw heads, so it’s best to use ones with changeable bits.

Pliers are a staple for any maintenance electrician job

Powertools Can Prepare You for Any Maintenance Job

Powertools are particularly important when maintenance electricians have to install wiring or other electrical devices and systems. Depending on the job, an electrician may need to use a power drill to pass a wire through a wall, through the floor, or into another room. It may also be needed to help attach electrical devices to a variety of different surfaces. Maintenance electricians should be mindful of what kind of drill and drill bit they need when dealing with different surfaces like cement or brick to make sure they are using the right one for the job.

Professionals with electrician certification may also need to use power saws for some jobs that require cutting through a client’s drywall or floorboards to install cables. There are a variety of different power saws available for maintenance electricians today, including spiral, reciprocating, and cut-off saws, to name just a few. Some can be cordless, and others may come fitted with powerful motors. Choosing between them may depend on which best meets your requirements, as well as your personal preferences.

Graduates of Electrician College Should Ensure They Have Electrical Testing Equipment

Electrical testing equipment is crucial to properly diagnosing electrical problems. A digital electrical testing device like a multimeter allows maintenance electricians to test things like current and voltage to help locate the cause of power fluctuations in an electrical circuit. Maintenance electricians can also use battery testers to check for faulty batteries, and to check if others still carry a charge.

Multimeters are considered one of the most important tools for electricians

Voltage detectors are important for maintenance electricians to carry for safety reasons as it lets them know whether power is still being run to the circuit. A good voltage tester can protect the maintenance electrician by indicating whether a wire or a circuit is live, usually by lighting up or by making a loud noise when slipped into an outlet.

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Modern households rely on the plug socket much more than in recent decades. Consider the phones, the large televisions, kitchen equipment, broadband routers, and many other things that are constantly plugged in throughout the average home. All of these devices require a vast amount of electricity to function, thus putting a tremendous strain on the wiring infrastructure of a house.

New homes are usually constructed to run on close to 200 amps, which is sufficient to deal with current electricity demand. Older houses could run on as little as 60 amps, which is well below the requirements of a modern household. House rewiring is a means of upgrading this infrastructure, and it’s a common feature of an electrician’s working life. Read on to take a closer look at what it involves.

The Signs that House Rewiring is Needed

Homeowners may spot particular problems with the electrical system, and need professionals with an electrician diploma to diagnose whether rewiring is the correct course of action to take. House lights are one of the easiest ways to spot a problem. Regular flickering or dimming of the bulbs means that the electricity system is under strain. Burning smells and excessive warmth on light switches are also worrying signs which need to be remedied.

Breaker panels are hubs which distribute power around the home, and they also hold tell-tale signs. A circuit overload occurs when too many heavy consumption devices are using electricity on the same circuit, causing breakers to trip. Rewiring allows the breaker panel to deal with electricity demand more effectively.

Tripping breakers are a sign that electrical circuits are overloaded

Aluminum wiring is also a source of concern for many electricians. This was commonly used in houses in the 60s and 70s, but is now seen as a safety hazard. Modernizing the wiring is a good opportunity to remove the potential for such danger in a household.

Electrician Training Teaches Students How to Rewire Correctly

Once it has been determined that a partial or full rewiring job is required, check whether building permits are needed for particularly big projects. When you have the go-ahead to start, turn off the electrical power in the house and make sure to wear high quality protective eyewear.

Rewiring should take place before any plastering, because channels may need to be routed in the walls to create new sockets or light switches. Once a malfunctioning wire has been located between the breaker panel and the desired location, carve a route to thread new wiring between the two locations. Leave behind 7-8 inches of additional wiring to complete the connection in the breaker panel at a later stage. The old wires can then be cut from the breaker box.

This process is then repeated numerous times depending on the scale of the job, before the circuit is finished, and connections are made to the breaker panel. A brand new breaker panel is also often recommended to increase the household’s amp capability.

The Importance of Carrying Out a Thorough Rewiring Job

Rewiring individual rooms, such as a kitchen, usually takes around two days. Small full-home projects take around four days to fully complete, while larger houses take even longer. Patience is vital when you become a maintenance electrician, because rewiring is a comprehensive task with long-term benefits.

Keep in mind that electricity demand in a house could potentially increase further, so future proofing is important. Consider whether the homeowner is likely to install more energy sapping equipment, and cater for that demand too. This will prevent the need for recurring rewiring jobs, and ensure client satisfaction as a result.

Cater for possible increases in future electricity use

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