Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install, maintain, and repair complex electronic equipment. This equipment includes radar, missile control systems, electrical power plants and substations, communication transmitters, or industrial manufacturing control systems. They work in a large number of industries, from the government to manufacturing.
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Electrical and electronic equipment are two different types of equipment. Electrical components provide power for the equipment. Electronic parts control the machine. Many types of equipment contain both components. Many electronic machines are self-monitoring. This means the machine alerts workers when malfunctions occur. When first determining problems, repairers check common causes. If the trouble spot is not located, they often refer to schematics for help. Software programs are also used to detect malfunctioning parts. Repairers and installers use a variety of tools: multimeters, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and hand tools. Factory machines cannot remain idle for long periods of time. Therefore, circuit boards are often removed and replaced. The defective parts are sent to the manufacturer or a repair shop. These technicians who work in repair shops are referred to as bench technicians. Many technicians travel to factories to perform preventive maintenance. These repairers and installers are referred to as field technicians. They are typically assigned a territory. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers work in various industries. Some work with transportation equipment. Their work focuses on sonar, sound, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other vehicles. Some repairers specialize in powerhouse substations and relays. They are responsible for maintaining electrical equipment in power substations. Other repairers and installers focus on vehicles or equipment with electrical motors, like electric golf carts. The motor vehicle industry also employs installers and repairers to work on sound systems, security systems, navigation, and other electronic equipment.
Necessary Qualifications
Electrical and electronics knowledge is necessary for work in this field. Some candidates pursue a degree or certification through community colleges or vocation schools. Programs can last one to two years. Those individuals with only a high school diploma usually work more closely with an experienced technician to learn important skills. Some organizations offer voluntary certification, requiring a passing score on an exam. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers should have good eyesight and color perception. A neat appearance and strong communication skills are also necessary. Many technicians will have contact with customers.
Earnings and Advancement
Installers and repairers with experience sometimes become specialists or troubleshooters. They assist other technicians with diagnostic approaches to problems. Those with leadership qualities may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Earnings fall between $8.00 and $32.00 an hour. Salaries differ according to the industry, the size of the company, and amount of experience. The motor vehicle industry tends to pay the lower salaries while those working in powerhouse substations earn more.
*This is a summarized article created to allow for a quick career review. For the most accurate and up-to-date information visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor website to learn more about Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers.
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copyright 2005
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