Industrial Electrical Repairers: Schools and Careers

Industrial Electrical Repairers - Career Information

Industrial Electrical Repairers

Industrial electrical repairers, test, adjust and repair a variety of electrical equipment including complex varieties. They work on items such as industrial controls, transmitters, antennas and equipment utilized to operate and control electric power generating plants. Some industrial electrical technicians also perform preventive maintenance on a regular basis.

Some common job titles are control equipment technician, control technician, control systems technician; technician, plant and maintenance; electrician technician, industrial and control technician; instrument and electrical technician; and industrial electrician.

Electrical and electronic equipment are two distinct types of industrial equipment. However, numerous types of equipment include both electrical and electronic components. In general, electrical portions provide the equipment with power and the electronic components control the devices. However, numerous types of equipment are still controlled by electrical devices.

Responsibilities

• Confer with equipment operators to detect equipment problems
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks
• Repair and adjust industrial equipment
• Set up and perform tests on industrial equipment to make sure it is functioning properly
• Inform management about equipment performance
• Calibrate testing instruments and repair or install equipment to prescribed specifications
• Analyze malfunctions of equipment
• Inspect industrial equipment components
• Maintain equipment logs that include performance problems, calibrations, repairs and tests

Job Characteristics

Many industrial electrical technicians work on factory floors and are often exposed to noise heat, and vibration. While performing repair procedures they may have to do some heavy lifting. Most industrial electrical repairers work at least 40 hours per week. They might have to work night shifts and on the weekends and work overtime.

They need to work well as a part of a team. They should have an aptitude for mathematics and science and be detailed oriented. Industrial electrical maintenance workers should have good eyesight and color perception and be detailed oriented and analytical.

Employment Outlook

The median hourly earnings for electrical and electronics repairers of commercial and industrial equipment in 2006 was $21.72. The highest paid 10 percent earned more than $30.90 per hour. Employment opportunities will be best for those that hold an associate degree in electrical technology or a related subject, have certification and related experience.

The employment growth for electrical and electronics installers and repairers of commercial and industrial equipment is projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to be 7% which is about as fast as average for all occupations. Companies will want to install electronic controls, sensors, robots and other types of equipment in order to automate various processes.

Education, Certification, and Licensing

Many employers are seeking candidates that have an associate degree in electrical technology or a related subject. Professional certification is often required for the occupation. Various educational and professional organizations provide certification. Technicians with certification may be given additional responsibilities and higher pay. Technicians that have leadership abilities may advance into supervisor positions.

An associate degree in electrical technology typically provides a comprehensive review of electrical systems. The programs typically offer a solid foundation with electrical motors, transformers, repairing and maintaining equipment and with the newest computer software than is utilized for troubleshooting. The electrical technology programs usually include an introduction to the National Electric Code.

Resources

• IEEE
• Electrical Apparatus Service Association, Inc.

Major Employers

The top employment sectors are building equipment contractors, manufacturing companies, government agencies and utilities.

Schools for Industrial Electrical Repairers are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Industrial Electrical Repairers by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Industrial Electrical Repairers, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.