What does an electrical installer do?
Electrical Installers read electrical diagrams to complete wiring changes and electrical updates to commercial or residential systems. They self-inspect the client's project and perform Main Panel Upgrades as per the requirements, troubleshoot, and repair electrical components. They also inspect electrical connection installation, crimping, and wiring as per quality guidelines. In other cases, Electrical Installers assist in generator, lighting, ignition system, and HVAC system installations.
Electrical installer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real electrical installer resumes:
- Remove, analyze, identify issue install properly working pressure transducers, effectively accomplishing priorities to go underway.
- Install electrical conduit and wiring for 240/120 VAC power, controls and electrical heat tape.
- Install electrical controls for hvac.
- Mount, terminate, and inspect HVAC controls systems.
- Possess the ability to climb ladders and carry heavy equipment and hardware.
- Install, troubleshot and repair 34.5K through 120 VAC equipment and distribution systems.
- Install electrical outlets, light switches, panel boxes, and GFI high voltage plugs in mobile homes.
- Install and removal of load controls, mechanical, electrical, cellular control timers, switches, drives.
- Design electrical schematics (I/O list) for all capital projects to be used for PLC program and wiring.
- Wire coolers and outside light poles, while running underground conduit and PVC in a new construction commercial retail building.
- Apply electrical and mechanical knowledge to test, troubleshoot, overhaul, and repair electrical and electronic components on rail vehicle equipment
- Install and troubleshoot commercial and industrial electrical and data systems, run conduit, pull wire, install and terminate panels.
- Commercial/Residential-Pul MC cable, run EMT/PVC, install fixtures/devices
- Assist journeymen with a remodeling project.
- Assist journeymen with electrical feeds installation for BART.
Electrical installer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Electrical Installers are proficient in Hand Tools, Electrical Installation, and Engineering Drawings. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Troubleshooting skills, and Color vision.
We break down the percentage of Electrical Installers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 14%
Use and Operate Hand Tools, Power Tools, Measuring and Calibration Tools.
- Electrical Installation, 10%
Worked from blueprints and schematics to perform harness installations on military aircraft's using industry electrical installation standards.
- Engineering Drawings, 7%
Use maintenance manuals and engineering drawings to ensure all aircraft modifications complied with FAA regulations.
- Electrical Equipment, 6%
Trained contracted personnel procedures for installing avionic electrical equipment.
- Electrical Systems, 6%
Installed and prepared electrical systems for the Macon Coliseum Hospital
- Electrical Components, 6%
Installed electrical components on military aircraft per design specifications.
"hand tools," "electrical installation," and "engineering drawings" are among the most common skills that electrical installers use at work. You can find even more electrical installer responsibilities below, including:
Troubleshooting skills. Many electrical installer duties rely on troubleshooting skills. "electricians find, diagnose, and repair problems," so an electrical installer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways electrical installer responsibilities rely on troubleshooting skills: "handle the tasks of operating and troubleshooting minor electrical equipment and systems. "
Color vision. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of electrical installers is color vision. This skill is critical to many everyday electrical installer duties, as "electricians must identify electrical wires by color." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "assembled, tested and programmed (closed caption television) cctv's camera security systems. "
Physical strength. electrical installer responsibilities often require "physical strength." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "electricians need to be strong enough to move heavy components, which may weigh up to 50 pounds." This resume example shows what electrical installers do with physical strength on a typical day: "provided physical assistance in work and installed lights, switches, outlets.etc. "
The three companies that hire the most electrical installers are:
- Convergint22 electrical installers jobs
- Siemens8 electrical installers jobs
- Johnson Controls7 electrical installers jobs
Compare different electrical installers
Electrical installer vs. Wireman
An apprentice is responsible for learning specialized tasks on their chosen field through actual job training under the supervision of tenured staff. An apprentice's duties include performing administrative tasks as needed, creating observation reports of daily operations, providing possible recommendations on improving productivity, and adhering to the business' safety standards and regulatory procedures. An apprentice must be detail-oriented, fast-learner, and enthusiastic. An apprentice should also know how to accept constructive criticisms and feedback to improve performance and skill development.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, electrical installer responsibilities require skills like "engineering drawings," "ladders," "retrofit," and "local codes." Meanwhile a typical wireman has skills in areas such as "work ethic," "transformers," "safety standards," and "switchboards." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
The education levels that wiremen earn slightly differ from electrical installers. In particular, wiremen are 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an electrical installer. Additionally, they're 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electrical installer vs. Apprentice
A commercial electrician is different from an industrial electrician since both perform in different environments and have distinct training. Commercial electricians are responsible for ensuring that the electrical components and wiring of the structure are working safely and efficiently. They commonly work on basic electrical installations and repairs of particular equipment. On the other hand, industrial electricians have more specialized and extensive education. Their duties require them to have an in-depth knowledge of their field since accuracy is very crucial in their line of work. They may operate issues relating to extraordinary high voltage systems and micro-control currents of electricity.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, electrical installer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "hand tools," "electrical installation," "engineering drawings," and "electrical components." Meanwhile, an apprentice has duties that require skills in areas such as "pet," "customer service," "basic math," and "apprenticeship." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Apprentices may earn a higher salary than electrical installers, but apprentices earn the most pay in the transportation industry with an average salary of $44,876. On the other hand, electrical installers receive higher pay in the transportation industry, where they earn an average salary of $38,965.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Apprentices tend to reach similar levels of education than electrical installers. In fact, they're 1.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electrical installer vs. Commercial and industrial electrician
A maintenance electrician is responsible for monitoring the electrical systems of a building, inspecting the wiring and cables for any malfunctions, and perform preventive maintenance as needed to ensure its safety and efficiency. Maintenance electricians upgrade electrical network systems for optimal performance and replacing faulty wiring, as well as installing new equipment in the building as the management advises. They also analyze schematics and blueprints for electrical line placements and running diagnostic tests to identify possible defects for immediate resolution. A maintenance electrician must have excellent knowledge of the electrical industry, especially on recording maintenance reports and solutions.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an electrical installer is likely to be skilled in "engineering drawings," "local codes," "scaffolding," and "emt," while a typical commercial and industrial electrician is skilled in "run conduit," "work ethic," "osha," and "cable cutters."
Commercial and industrial electricians make a very good living in the construction industry with an average annual salary of $48,295. On the other hand, electrical installers are paid the highest salary in the transportation industry, with average annual pay of $38,965.Most commercial and industrial electricians achieve a similar degree level compared to electrical installers. For example, they're 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electrical installer vs. Maintenance electrician
Types of electrical installer
Updated January 8, 2025