What does an Electrical Mechanic do?
There will come a time, even after all care, that equipment or machinery will malfunction. Thus, electrical mechanics do their primary job to repair. Electrical mechanics are behind the installation and maintenance of mechanical components of machinery, making improvements along the way. They can also conduct tests to ensure it is safe. They work on equipment such as transformers, cars, trucks, and laboratory apparatuses, among others.
Electrical mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real electrical mechanic resumes:
- Maintain & change out DC switches, extension arms, and arching & roller contacts in a mercury cell chlorine plant.
- Operate and control PLC /HMI equipment to properly diagnose PLC's repairs and modifications
- Programme, edit, and enhance PLC codes to help improve machine operation and efficiency.
- Used portable ladders, elevators, fall protections, and other relevant personal protection equipment including breathing apparatus.
- Work from ladders, scaffolds, lifts and roofs to install, maintain or repair electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures.
- General mechanical experience including electrical, plumbing, general construction.
- Experience include the design of motor, and process controls using AutoCAD.
- Introduce to and gain experience in motor control and VFD systems.
- Create electrical wiring diagrams for automation systems using AutoCAD.
Electrical mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Electrical Mechanics are proficient in Hand Tools, Electrical Systems, and Cranes. They’re also known for soft skills such as Math skills, Mechanical skills, and Writing skills.
We break down the percentage of Electrical Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 10%
Overhauled and modified machine equipment and its associated components by using power and hand tools, disassembled and re-assembled components.
- Electrical Systems, 7%
Update and modify existing avionics and electrical systems.
- Cranes, 7%
Completed safety courses in overhead crane operation, lock out - tag out, blue flag protection and fork lift operation.
- Electrical Equipment, 6%
Complete electrical service and installation of electrical equipment and residential wiring; reading building plans and electrical schematics.
- Electrical Conduit, 6%
Coordinate with other trades for right of way of electrical conduit.
- Switches, 5%
Installed generators and transfer switches in Residential applications.
Common skills that an electrical mechanic uses to do their job include "hand tools," "electrical systems," and "cranes." You can find details on the most important electrical mechanic responsibilities below.
Math skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an electrical mechanic to have is math skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting tasks." Electrical mechanics often use math skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "learned theory, mathematics, and how to read blue prints and schematics, state and local electrical codes. "
Mechanical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling electrical mechanic duties is mechanical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "electronic engineering technologists and technicians must use hand tools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to build components by hand." According to an electrical mechanic resume, here's how electrical mechanics can utilize mechanical skills in their job responsibilities: "advanced mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills. "
Writing skills. This is an important skill for electrical mechanics to perform their duties. For an example of how electrical mechanic responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians write reports about onsite construction, design problems, or testing results." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an electrical mechanic: "experience writing plc programs for manufacturing engineers involving machine process changes and improvements. ".
Communication skills. Another common skill required for electrical mechanic responsibilities is "communication skills." This skill comes up in the duties of electrical mechanics all the time, as "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians must be able to follow instructions from engineers and others." An excerpt from a real electrical mechanic resume shows how this skill is central to what an electrical mechanic does: "installed emt risers in new buildings for communications. "
The three companies that hire the most electrical mechanics are:
- GPAC5 electrical mechanics jobs
- International Paper4 electrical mechanics jobs
- Owens Corning4 electrical mechanics jobs
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Electrical mechanic vs. Wireman
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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an electrical mechanic are more likely to require skills like "cranes," "control panels," "ladders," and "preventive maintenance." On the other hand, a job as a wireman requires skills like "work ethic," "transformers," "safety standards," and "switchboards." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
On average, wiremen reach similar levels of education than electrical mechanics. Wiremen are 0.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Electrical mechanic 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.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that electrical mechanic responsibilities requires skills like "cranes," "preventive maintenance," "electrical issues," and "motor control." But a commercial and industrial electrician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "run conduit," "work ethic," "osha," and "cable cutters."
Commercial and industrial electricians may earn a lower salary than electrical mechanics, but commercial and industrial electricians earn the most pay in the construction industry with an average salary of $48,295. On the other hand, electrical mechanics receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $69,503.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Commercial and industrial electricians tend to reach similar levels of education than electrical mechanics. In fact, they're 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electrical mechanic vs. Maintenance electrician
A journeyman electrician is responsible for performing various electrical tasks such as installation, repair, and maintenance. They have the freedom to provide services as part of a company or as an independent worker. Unlike an apprentice, a journeyman can work without any supervision from a master electrician. Furthermore, a journeyman electrician also has the responsibility to discuss the extent of repairs and explain to clients how to take better care of their appliances and electrical systems. A journeyman will also obtain the necessary supplies for a task and even train apprentices.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, electrical mechanics are more likely to have skills like "preventive maintenance," "motor control," "safety codes," and "technical manuals." But a maintenance electrician is more likely to have skills like "preventative maintenance," "production equipment," "osha," and "general maintenance."
Maintenance electricians make a very good living in the automotive industry with an average annual salary of $70,114. On the other hand, electrical mechanics are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $69,503.When it comes to education, maintenance electricians tend to earn similar degree levels compared to electrical mechanics. In fact, they're 1.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Electrical mechanic vs. Journeyman electrician
Even though a few skill sets overlap between electrical mechanics and journeyman electricians, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an electrical mechanic might have more use for skills like "cranes," "preventive maintenance," "electrical issues," and "motor control." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of journeyman electricians require skills like "transformers," "work ethic," "strong work ethic," and "governmental regulations. "
Journeyman electricians enjoy the best pay in the construction industry, with an average salary of $60,453. For comparison, electrical mechanics earn the highest salary in the technology industry.In general, journeyman electricians hold similar degree levels compared to electrical mechanics. Journeyman electricians are 1.0% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of electrical mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025