When you hear the word electrician, what comes to mind? Maybe you picture someone wiring a new home, installing outlets, or fixing a broken light switch. While that’s certainly a part of the job, there’s actually a lot more to it and more to the broader field of electrical work.
Electrician is a commonly used term, which typically refers to a specific type of electrical worker known as a wireman—the professionals who install and maintain electrical systems inside buildings. It’s important to note that while all electricians are electrical workers, not all electrical workers are electricians!
So, what exactly do wiremen—aka electricians—do, and how do they fit into the larger world of electrical careers? Let’s break it down.
What Do Wiremen Do?
Wiremen are the electrical workers who install, maintain, and repair electrical systems inside buildings and structures. Whether it’s a home, office, school, or factory, wiremen handle the wiring that brings power where it’s needed.
They’re responsible for:
- Installing electrical systems: This includes wiring outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures. They make sure the power flows safely and efficiently.
- Troubleshooting and repairing: When something isn’t working—like a blown circuit or a flickering light—it’s often a wireman who finds and fixes the issue.
- Upgrading systems: Technology is constantly evolving. Wiremen help upgrade buildings with modern electrical systems, like smart home technology or energy-efficient solutions.
There are also different specialties within the world of wiremen. Some focus on residential work, while others tackle large-scale commercial (like office buildings) or industrial projects (like factories).
What Do Other Electrical Workers Do?
While wiremen are a big part of the electrical trades, they’re not the only type of electrical worker. Electrical workers also include:
- Lineworkers: These are the people who work on the power lines that bring electricity from the grid to our homes and businesses. Lineworkers build and maintain the high-voltage systems that keep the world running, like the above ground and underground power lines. Lineworkers often work outdoors in all kinds of weather, and they’re some of the first people to respond to downed power lines after a storm.
- Installer Technicians: These electrical workers specialize in systems like fire alarms, security systems, and telecommunications. They handle the critical technology that keeps buildings connected and safe.
- Renewable Energy Technicians: These technicians work with solar panels, wind turbines, electric car charging stations, and other systems that help homes and businesses switch to sustainable energy.
Why Choose a Career in Electrical Work?
Becoming an electrical worker—whether as a wireman, lineworker, installer technician or renewable energy technician—opens the door to a rewarding and fulfilling career. Through apprenticeship programs, you can earn while you learn, gaining valuable skills without taking on the burden of student debt. Plus, electrical work offers a sense of accomplishment, knowing you’re building and maintaining systems people rely on every day.
Ready to Explore Electrical Careers?
Whether you’re wiring a home, maintaining power lines, or installing cutting-edge systems, electrical workers keep the world powered and connected. Ready to get started with a career in the electrical trades or want to learn more? Take the first step today!