Basic electrical skills
If you want to work with electrical circuits, wiring, or electronics, you need to have a basic understanding of electricity. This includes knowing about electrical hazards and safety regulations. It’s also helpful to know how different electrical components work.
In addition to having basic knowledge about electricity, you also need to have some practical skills. For example, you should know how to safely work with electrical equipment. It’s also helpful to be able to troubleshoot problems and read diagrams and blueprints.
The specific skills you need will depend on the type of work you want to do. For example, the skills needed to be a maintenance electrician for residential buildings are different from the skills needed to be an outside lineman.
Why are basic electrical skills needed?
There are many different types of electrical jobs, each with its own education and experience requirements.
Electricians, for example, install, repair, and maintain electrical systems or components in the field. This can include outside linemen, who work on power lines, as well as inside wiremen and installer technicians, who handle the wiring for homes, apartment buildings, and other commercial and public buildings.
Electrical technicians, on the other hand, deal with devices and equipment, often in a design or testing role under electrical engineers.
What is electrical education?
The first step to becoming an electrician is doing your research. You need to find out what electrical certifications or courses you might need in order to learn electrical work.
Electricians’ knowledge traditionally comes from a combination of technical courses and apprenticeships. This is a hands-on type of learning, so you will need to take some electrician classes in order to fully understand the key physics concepts.
However, you don’t need to take any certification courses. Once you complete your electrical training, you can apply for a license so that you can become a journeyman and work independently.
Most states require you to pass a qualifying exam on electric theory, as well as the regulations and codes you’ll have to follow as an electrician.
Can I take electrical courses online?
360training offers online electrical training classes that can provide a foundation or a refresher on electrical concepts and electric theory.
The entire electrical training series coursework covers common concepts, components, and competencies. You can choose to take the courses you need and skip the ones you don’t.
The courses are online and therefore there is no need to commute to a classroom. You can study from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace. You also have access to the courses for a year, so you can go back to any areas that give you trouble.
In addition, 360training can help with your OSHA/NFPA training needs.
What is the OSHA standard for electrical panels?
OSHA’s electrical systems standards are in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart S. The standards cover electrical panels and are in Parts 1910.302 through 1910.308.
The standards protect people from faulty wiring in the workplace that could cause shocks, short-circuits, and electrical fires. The standards minimize the number of workers exposed to electrical hazards.
The safety measures for persons who conduct electrical work or may be exposed to electrical dangers are covered by a few OSHA regulations.
Where can I find the OSHA electrical safety standards?
Depending on the industry, there are many criteria for safe work practices:
- Electrical work in general industry (1910.331-335)
- Distribution, Transmission, and Generation of Electricity (1910.269)
- Shipyards (1915.181) and Construction (1926, Subpart K)
1910.137 contains the requirements for electrical protection equipment.
What are the OSHA electrical standards based on?
The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 70 and 70E electrical standards are used by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in their electrical safety standards. NFPA 70 is also known as the National Electric Code (NEC), which sets standards for electricity installation. NFPA 70E recommends safe work practices for electrical workers and those who might be exposed to electrical hazards.
Does OSHA require safety training for electrical workers?
Absolutely!
360training offers a few online courses that may help, depending on your needs. Our NFPA 70E courses are fairly in-depth for those who need to understand work practices and maintenance requirements. For those who require less detail, we have a few OSHA courses that include 70E material, addressed to General Industry and Construction. Enroll now!
