Electricity can be fascinating, no doubt about it. From the first static electricity spark you created to discussing Benjamin Franklin’s famous kite experiment, electricity has so many facets to explore that it may take a lifetime to learn, which is exactly what intrigues electricians. But do you know how to become an electrician?

Breaker Outlet is the purveyor of the best online circuit breakers, electrical panels, power supply tools, and electrical supplies. We serve homeowners, commercial building, and industrial businesses. We supply all of the most popular brands, and we also carry refurbished circuit breakers and obsolete circuit breakers from the 1950s. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the training needed to be a certified electrician. Visit us today to learn more!

TRAINING TO BE A CERTIFIED ELECTRICIAN

An electrician is someone who in general works with electrical lines, machines, and components thereof. In the United States, there are two different specialties to go into:

1. Linemen. Linemen work specifically on bringing power to the masses. This would be those who work on, install, and repair power lines, transformers, and other electrical components that distribute power. These electricians work with higher voltage electricity, and thus are at higher risk of being electrocuted. They require more specialized training than wiremen.
2. Wiremen. Wiremen work mostly in buildings and are responsible for the wiring of buildings and bringing power to individual homes and businesses. Wiremen work with low voltage electricity primarily. Wiremen can be highly specialized themselves, working primarily in residential, commercial, industrial, and other low-voltage uses. What’s more, in these sectors are even further specialization, such as only wiring fire alarms for buildings.

THREE LEVELS OF ELECTRICIAN

The three levels of electrician speak to the experience of each:

1. Apprentice. An apprentice is someone just starting out in their journey to become an electrician. They train under master electricians and have to accrue so many hours of experience working with electricity to become a journeyman. This period can last up to six years.
2. Journeyman. Like the name implies, a journeyman is on a journey to becoming an electrician. They have completed their required apprenticeship time and are now able to work on their own.
3. Master electrician. Taking up to 10 years, a master electrician has been certified by a local, state, or national licensing board and is competent in the National Electric Code (NEC).

As you can see, there are a lot of options in becoming an electrician. It requires many skills, including dexterity, problem solving, troubleshooting, and knowledge of the science of electricity. With so much variety and so much to learn, you’ll never be bored as an electrician.

HOW BREAKER OUTLET CAN HELP

Breaker Outlet supports electricians by offering electrical components they need to bring power to their clients' homes and businesses. After all, no one wants to go out to eat and have to sit in the dark. From ground fault breakers to motor circuit protectors, Breaker Outlet has what you need, no matter if you’re an electrician just starting out, or you’re simply replacing an outlet at your house. Visit us online for all of your electrical and circuit breaker needs!