Electricians install, test, and maintain electrical systems. In the past electricians chose to work either in construction or maintenance. Today many work in both. In general, construction electricians assemble and install electrical systems. Maintenance electricians maintain and repair systems.
Learn more about Austin electricians in the article below and watch the video to learn how to replace an electrical outlet yourself!
Austin Price Check! ASC researced local electric companies and found the average cost per hour of service is $60 for a journeyman. If they bring along an apprentice, it will cost an additional $30/hour.
Construction electricians begin jobs by reading blueprints. They learn where to put circuits, outlets, and other equipment. Electricians use this information to plan how they will install the wiring. In factories and offices, they install conduit (pipe or tubing) in walls and concealed areas. Then they install metal or plastic boxes for switches and outlets. Next, they pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to the boxes and complete the circuits. In houses, electricians use plastic-covered wires instead of conduits and wires.
Did you know? When installing new electrical service, a building permit is required in Austin.
Once the wires are installed, electricians connect them to circuit breakers, transformers, and other components. They twist the ends of the wires together using pliers, and cover the ends with plastic connectors. Sometimes they use soldering guns to melt metal onto the twisted wires. When the wiring is finished, electricians test that all the circuits work properly. They follow the national electric code as well as state and local building codes when installing systems. Some electricians have helpers. Electricians teach helpers how to complete tasks and supervise their work.
Austin Money Savers Tip Some Austin electricians will charge by the job, not by the hour. This is sometimes better for the customer because it ensures the journeyman will take as much time as he/she needs, and if the project takes longer than expected, you can save more than if they were to charge by the hour. For more basic jobs, ask if an apprentice is able to do the work. They are much more inexpensive.
Electricians may install fiber optic or coaxial cables. These are used for computers and telephones. They connect motors to electrical power. They may also install electronic controls for industrial equipment. All electricians use hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, knives, and hacksaws. They also use power tools and testing equipment, such as voltmeters.
Maintenance electricians keep electrical systems and equipment in good working order. They inspect equipment and fix any problems that they find. They also check equipment for safety and warn managers when equipment is not safe. They may install new electrical equipment. When breakdowns occur, they work quickly to find the problem and make the repair. They use equipment such as oscilloscopes to diagnose problems. They may change items such as circuit breakers, fuses, electrical components, or wire. When working on complex electronic devices, they may consult engineers or industrial machinery repairers.
Tip! When looking for an electrician, ask if they are part of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. This organization requires a very long apprenticeship and requires their electricians to follow all electrical codes.
Electricians perform the following activities on a regular basis:
Read blueprints to learn where to put wiring.
Plan method of installation and determine which tools to use.
Install conduit (piping), junction boxes, and wiring.
Inspect and test electrical systems to diagnose problems.
Test electronic components using ammeters, voltmeters, oscilloscopes, and other equipment.
Repair or replace faulty wiring, equipment, and fixtures.
Follow federal, state, and local electrical and building codes.
Train others to install, maintain, or repair electrical systems and parts.
Source Information:
Minnesota Department of Education
Minnesota Department of Economic Development
So...did you get the information you needed?Our goal is to get more and better information out to Austin residents everyday. We can't improve without your help....Please let us know what you like, dislike and what we could be doing better. Email at feedback@austinsmartconsumer.com
Austin Price Check! ASC researced local electric companies and found the average cost per hour of service is $60 for a journeyman. If they bring along an apprentice, it will cost an additional $30/hour. 
Did you know? When installing new electrical service, a building permit is required in Austin. 
Austin Money Savers Tip Some Austin electricians will charge by the job, not by the hour. This is sometimes better for the customer because it ensures the journeyman will take as much time as he/she needs, and if the project takes longer than expected, you can save more than if they were to charge by the hour. For more basic jobs, ask if an apprentice is able to do the work. They are much more inexpensive. 
Tip! When looking for an electrician, ask if they are part of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. This organization requires a very long apprenticeship and requires their electricians to follow all electrical codes.