Any electricians here?

[BudAshes]

I'm thinking of taking up the field. I know basic circuit theory and was an engineering student. I have plenty of experience doing basic wiring around the house and as I said I have some background in circuits. I really like working with my hands but so far it has been limited to doing IT work and computer repair. Anyway just wanted some input from people on the best way to get into the field and what people's experiences are on the job.

 

[edro]

There was a thread about this a few months back.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2166841&highlight=electricians

 

[Raizinman]

As a former technician certified in Automotive Electrical, this is a great field. The best thing about doing automotive electrical, is that there is no real flat rate for repairs. If a customer comes in with a short in their headlights, you can justify 30 minutes or 5 hours in trying to trace down the problem. Compare this to a line tech. A customer comes in for a water pump, and flat rate states that you must do this in 3.1 hours. Sure you might be able to beat the flat rate, but with electrical, it is rarely a race. Many electrical techs were making in excess of $100K per year. You can make money in this job and there is always a demand for good electrical techs.

 

[Gibson486]

Do you have the engineering degree? If so become a systems integrator. You essentially do programming (PLCs usually) on bi service projects. Depending on who hires you and how a project is structured, your responsibilities very well could include running wire in plant, lay conduit down, or installing control panels.
Also, if you do not have a 4 year degree, get a 2 year degree. Lots of the people I know who are in the field graduated from tech programs from 2 year colleges.

 

[JEDI]

Do you have the engineering degree? If so become a systems integrator. You essentially do programming (PLCs usually) on bi service projects. Depending on who hires you and how a project is structured, your responsibilities very well could include running wire in plant, lay conduit down, or installing control panels.
Also, if you do not have a 4 year degree, get a 2 year degree. Lots of the people I know who are in the field graduated from tech programs from 2 year colleges.

The biggest city for PLCs is Vegas. (think all those electronic billboard signs).

but nevada has the wosrt unemployment in the country.

 

[JEDI]

As a former technician certified in Automotive Electrical, this is a great field. The best thing about doing automotive electrical, is that there is no real flat rate for repairs. If a customer comes in with a short in their headlights, you can justify 30 minutes or 5 hours in trying to trace down the problem. Compare this to a line tech. A customer comes in for a water pump, and flat rate states that you must do this in 3.1 hours. Sure you might be able to beat the flat rate, but with electrical, it is rarely a race. Many electrical techs were making in excess of $100K per year. You can make money in this job and there is always a demand for good electrical techs.

$100k for being a run of the mill grease moneky?

what city?

and how to get into that career?