16 Industrial Electrician Skills for Your Career and Resume

Industrial electricians are responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical equipment in industrial settings. They need to have a wide range of skills to be able to work safely and effectively in this environment. If you’re interested in becoming an industrial electrician, it’s important to understand what skills are necessary for the job.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting is the ability to identify and solve problems. Industrial electricians use troubleshooting skills when they encounter issues with electrical equipment or wiring systems. They may need to analyze a problem, find its cause and implement solutions. For example, if an electrical panel isn’t working properly, an industrial electrician might check all of the connections in the panel and replace any faulty parts.

Print Reading

Reading print is an important skill for industrial electricians because it allows them to read electrical schematics and diagrams. These documents contain detailed information about the electrical systems they work on, so being able to read them thoroughly can help them do their job more efficiently. It’s also important for industrial electricians to be able to read safety manuals and other documentation that explains how to safely operate equipment and perform tasks.

Motor Controls

Motor controls are the ability to operate and maintain electrical motors. This includes knowing how to repair, replace or install them correctly. Industrial electricians use these skills when working with large machinery like conveyor belts, fans and turbines. They also use this skill when troubleshooting electrical issues in machines.

Dexterity

Dexterity is the ability to use your hands and body with precision. Industrial electricians need dexterity in order to perform their job duties effectively. They often work with small tools, so it’s important for them to have steady hands and be able to handle delicate equipment.

Dexterity also helps when working on electrical panels or other machinery that requires precise movements. For example, if an industrial electrician needs to replace a fuse, they must be able to identify which fuse goes where and remove it without causing any damage to the machine.

Transformers

Transformers are electrical devices that change the voltage of electricity. Industrial electricians use transformers to increase or decrease the voltage of electricity, which is necessary for some machines and equipment. Transformers can be large and heavy, so it’s important for industrial electricians to know how to install them correctly.

Maintenance

Maintenance is the ability to repair and maintain electrical systems. This includes knowing how to troubleshoot when something goes wrong, identify what needs to be repaired or replaced and perform the necessary tasks. Maintenance skills are important for ensuring that electrical equipment continues to function properly and safely.

When performing maintenance on electrical systems, it’s important to follow safety protocols to ensure your own safety as well as the safety of others who may come in contact with the system.

Analytical Skills

Analytical skills are the ability to analyze data and information, identify patterns and trends and make logical conclusions. Industrial electricians use their analytical skills when reading electrical schematics, analyzing equipment performance and troubleshooting electrical issues. Having strong analytical skills can help an industrial electrician be more efficient in their work and improve their safety by identifying potential hazards before they occur.

Conduit Bending

Conduit bending is the ability to use tools and techniques to create bends in conduit, which is a type of electrical piping. Conduit bending can be used for many purposes, including creating connections between electrical components and guiding wires through walls or ceilings.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is a skill that can help you perform your job well. As an industrial electrician, it’s important for you to pay close attention to the details of any task you complete so you can ensure its quality and safety. For example, if you’re installing electrical wiring in a building, you need to make sure all the wires are installed correctly and safely to prevent fires or other hazards.

Electrical Theory

Electrical theory is the knowledge you use to understand how electrical systems work. It’s important for industrial electricians because it allows them to troubleshoot and repair electrical equipment. You can learn this skill through online courses, community colleges or technical schools.

Installation

Installation is the process of connecting electrical equipment to a power source. This includes installing new wiring, switches and other components that allow electricity to flow through a system. Industrial electricians use their installation skills when working on large projects like factories or construction sites. They also use these skills when repairing electrical systems in homes and businesses.

Safety Consciousness

Safety is an important aspect of any electrical job, especially when working with high voltage. Safety conscious industrial electricians know how to identify and fix potential hazards before they occur. They also take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from injury while on the job. This includes using proper safety equipment, following all safety regulations and maintaining a safe work environment.

Physical Strength

Industrial electricians use physical strength to perform their job duties. They often work in high places and need to be able to climb ladders, scaffolding or other structures safely. Industrial electricians also use physical strength when working with heavy equipment like generators and transformers.

National Electrical Code (NEC)

The National Electrical Code is a set of regulations that electrical professionals use to ensure their work meets safety standards. Industrial electricians need to understand the code and how it applies to different types of electrical systems so they can design, install and maintain electrical equipment safely. Understanding the code also allows industrial electricians to evaluate whether existing electrical systems meet current industry standards.

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

PLCs are a type of computer system that can control electrical devices. Industrial electricians use PLCs to program machines and equipment, which allows them to automate processes and increase efficiency. This skill is especially important for industrial electricians who work in manufacturing or construction, where they may need to operate machinery with automated controls.

Wiring

Wiring is the process of connecting electrical components to one another. Industrial electricians use wiring skills when installing and repairing electrical systems in industrial facilities. This includes knowing how to read schematics, which are diagrams that show how different parts of a system connect. It also involves using tools like multimeters, which are devices that measure electrical current, and wire strippers, which are used to remove insulation from wires so they can be connected.

How Can I Learn These Industrial Electrician Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the skills necessary to become an industrial electrician. You can attend a trade school or community college that offers courses in electrical theory and maintenance. You can also get on-the-job training by working as an apprentice under a licensed electrician. Finally, you can read books or online resources that cover the topics listed above. Whichever method you choose, make sure you are getting information from reliable sources so that you can learn the skills correctly and safely.