Electrician

[Teeg420]

Hey guys been thinking about becoming an electrician to further my knowledge in constructing my grow rooms. I have a basic understanding of electricity, I can run a sub, and add new circuits, just the basics.

What is the working conditions like? I have been reading sparky forums and they list that I would be digging ditches and cleaning up job sites and so forth. Working on scissor lifts and bending conduit. I want something to do during the day getting restless here, and I feel with the way things are going alternative energy like solar panels is only going to be in higher demand. The program is 5 years and the pay starts at over a 20 an hour with the ability to top out at 50 an hour, this is for a union position, not a private company.

Pretty much I love this hobby and I feel like it will help take me to the next level of constructing rooms. I have also researched once you get your journeyman you only end up working 5 to 7 months a year, unless you travel for work, but the apprentices have steady work for the most part.

I feel this would be good for me because more a hands on type of guy don't like sitting in a class room tried that route just didn't work for me. I already have an associates degree when I transferred I felt this isn't for me and I dropped out.

I feel the documented income and benefits will help me in the future of securing a different home. I'm getting old and just looking into the future, also it seems like a good back up plan in case all else fails.

Definitely interested in possibly manufacturing custom load centers in the future once I get a grasp of PLC's.

To all you guys that are sparkys would you do it again? Would you possibly recomend a different route if I want to get in electrical since I have my 2 years of general ed already done.

Thanks guys

 

[sparkjumper]

That depends entirely on where you live as to the conditions and pay.The I.B.E.W International broherhood of electrical workers is the same union throughout the country,but the unions are great in some parts of the country,not so much in others.I came up with local #26 IBEW in Wash D.C and it was great compared to non-union electricians.Down here in Fla the opposite is true and you're better off non-union.I lost my very best friend and partner I knew over a decade to an electrocution accident 1 year a 3 days ago.It can be dangerous depending on what you're tasked with.This was the last guy you'd expect to die on the job,very knowledgable and just a good guy.I think as far as construction work goes,electricians are there towards the top in pay and conditions but again geography is of great importance.I basically retired myself after discovering OG in 2001 lol

 

[rives]

I spent almost 30 years as an industrial electrician, and still couldn't wait to get to work every morning. I think that it is the only trade that you can really learn something new every day and continue to push your knowledge in new directions. Residential and commercial work never interested me - I liked making machinery play tricks. PLC's have moved most of the computerized machine control away from the true bit tweakers, the possibilities there are almost limitless. I would suggest that if you are interested in going that direction that you also get a thorough education in hydraulics. Interfacing to servo hydraulic systems is where a large part of machine control takes place, and the implementation and trouble-shooting of these systems tend to fall back on the electricians because no one else on the site has an understanding of the overall system. A good math background is very helpful, particularly if you are aiming at anything besides a straight construction practice. The alternative energy area is very interesting, and should have good opportunities for electricians who truly understand how the devices work, rather than simply installing them and calling for help when they don't function as desired.

 

[sparkjumper]

Also after 4 years in the trade,you are going to want to get your license.I think only 25% of the people that take it pass the journeymans test the first time they take it.Thats because they didnt correctly prepare.To pass this test you must take a code class and do all the Tom Henry workbooks you can get.I'm telling you man the workbooks are actual tests and without them and the code class,I wouldnt have had a chance in hell.I never did industrial but a lot of commercial bldgs,you really don't want to do homes for too many reasons for me to go through.You'll be known as a romex ranger for one haha,and wont be getting paid shit compared to commercial/industrial.If you are serious about this and actually get an electrical job,dont forget to do it right when the time comes.The class and workbooks are the only way to succeed

 

[cocktail frank]

i luv being a sparky.
been doing it along time, never gets boring.
plus, everything runs off juice these days, so work is always there.
plus its a great skill to have if youre a grower.

ill agree w/ my old friend sparkjumper, residential work sucks.
i dont do it, commercial and industrial apps for me only.
not too mention youd prolly shit your pants if you saw my weekly check

 

[Danks2005]

Residential Blows
Commercial will do
Industrial is where it's at

It can be a very demanding job, don't think about the guy putting receptacles in your house. We work up high on building steel or lift. A multi-conductor 500MCM is a whole nother ball game from romex. You will run lots of pipe. Rigid is the most fun to run, but also the heaviest. Wait till you get on that hogs head, then we'll see what your made of. Your job can change day to day. It really is a cool profession, but you need to stay on your toes and keep your head on a swivel. Good Luck. IBEW lu#???

We do everything from digging ditches to wiring precise control systems and everything in between.

 

[Danks2005]

If you do decide to pursue this, here is a little advice. Don't bitch about nothing, just do what your told and do it well (unless unsafe), and your apprentiship will be a breeze. I worked under guys who I'd heard nothing but horror stories about. I never had a problem, cause I never gave them a problem. One you finish apprentiship, you can tell whoever you want, to "fuck off" get your tools and go on to the next one

 

[OMountainMix]

Great advice for any profession, Danks . . .

 

[Danks2005]

Haha. I'm sure it is, but as an apprentice, you REALLY do not want to piss off your Journyman.LOL Otherwise the shovel might be the only tool you use.

 

[Danks2005]

One more thing. If/when your journyman has you wire a panel. Make that shit clean like a piece of art. You do that, and he'll keep having you wiring shit.

 

[sparkjumper]

The thing I miss most about working is running pipe or EMT(electrical metallic tubing).I got real handy using a bender.Dank you'd rather run rigid than EMT?You can have the threaded shit bro lol

 

[Teeg420]

Thanks guys so much for answering some of questions!!

Yea I applied in April got a letter a couple weeks ago to take the aptitude test have been studying a study guide someone posted on a electrician forum.

IBEW 332 is the one im attemping to start a career with.

The math seems straightforward just basic fractions and reading comprehension havn't got to the paper folding stuff yet.

I applied for the inside wireman a 5 year program, no residential for me heard your in attics and under houses running wire, plus you dont make as much as the inside wireman, I have buddies that are electricians, I believe the term is "rat" (dont know why) they are not union and tell me its hard work they all retired to grow as well, especially when the economy tanked. They complain of back problems all the time but then again they complain that they are bored of growing but then my other buddy will remind them what are you gonna do pull wire?

From what I have read is that you pratically never stop learning. The union takes care of you, benefits, safe working environment, pay increases. Shit In the san mateo local I have heard 50 an hour when your a journeyman. I have another friend that has been doing his apprentice for almost 2 years now gonna ask him whats its like. From what he has told others is that it is hard work and you have to commute quite a bit.

Any advice for the interview besides dressing in nice slacks and a shirt. How about the drug test? How soon does it commence after the interview, I have read that classes start in september, wondering if I will be accepted to start then, if not I hear it can be a while until i have to wait until next classes start and that the drop out rate is 50%.

One day maybe I can start my business and offer my services to other growers, I just like the idea that they pay for your schooling and training on the agreement that you will not take outside work that isn't union. It seems like a great opportunity, shit I worked retail for my boss for 3 years and didn't get a pay raise for the last two, shit got old real quick. If only I knew about this earlier but oh well.

So be cool to the journeyman your assigned to, anything else? I have a good attitude and get along pretty well with people.

Thank you again rep points coming your way guys!!

 

[sparkjumper]

I'd honestly say the best thing about being in the union besides not having to really bust ass is that the union jobs are a lot safer.And you wont be asked to do anything remotely dangerous like you might with non-union jobs.You will find yourself in situations where you have to work a hot circuit,mostly with lighting because sometimes you cant kill lights in an active office,but nothing too crazy.That 277V lighting can light your ass up though

 

[Teeg420]

Yea I hear stories of guys being 300 - 400 pound diabetics that are lazy asses, and my friend says yea its kinda weird doing a service call when people are working around you in suits or what not.

I have read the blogs they have for the DC local they seem pretty informative.

What are the hours like? is it 6am-2pm? or 8-5?

 

[cocktail frank]

i'm done for the day at 3pm.
life is good.
i personally aint union, but got alot of buddies who are.
they have also been on the shelf (furlough) for almost a year.
economy tanked here, no work for the union.
but they still recruit newbs, they want those dues!!!
the BA's and union leaders live FAT here off due money and everything else went to shit.
annuities, pensions, 401k's, etc, etc.
it doesnt help if your union shop isn't pumping $$ into your pension like they should be.
alot of hard workers have been getting ripped off for a long time.
but thats what happens when the mobsters run the unions.
they did invent em after all!!
not to mention unemployment runs out after awhile, not like you can live off 60% anyways.

but i do alot of prevailing wage work, on full union jobs.
i used to get my balls broken alot by the local reps and workers.
but now that times are hard, they are just happy to be working and leave my shop alone.

plus, being non local, i work everyday.
i have local reps coming to my shop all the time, trying to turn our shop.
but those fuckers don't have any work what so ever.
why the heck would i sign up?
just to sit on the back of the line?
fuck that.

my shop and guys have everything the union offers.
bennies, insurance, dental , eyeglass, retirement funds.
not to mention all the pot you can smoke!!!
and NO drug tests

 

[Lakota412]

Electricians=Smartest tradesmen on the jobsite.

Electricians=Smartest tradesmen on the jobsite.

I've been an Electrician for 33 years. I started when child labor laws where lax, very. Wiring trac houses in 1976. Pay was $5.00 an hour "under the table", not bad when my friends where washing dishes for a $1.25. 13 years old and making $200 a week all summer long, I was hooked. This is the only job I have ever had. During school I stayed at it, Graduated vocational school, and started off running jobs.

Electricians are the smartest trade in the trades. We touch all aspects of the job. Every other trade has something we have to wire up. We know jobs better then the other trades, we have to.

I say go for it, you can't go wrong with this trade. Just the side work alone is well worth it. It's a career that can make you a ton of money.

I love my job, I wake up looking forward to work. It's so easy after doing it for years, and the money....pffff I can't complain. Enough I can take 8 weeks a year off and skip out on Montana winters, to some place warm and sandy.

*Find a state that tests and licenses their tradesmen*

 

[Greenwich Pope]

I've been an Electrician for 33 years. I started when child labor laws where lax, very. Wiring trac houses in 1976. Pay was $5.00 an hour "under the table", not bad when my friends where washing dishes for a $1.25. 13 years old and making $200 a week all summer long, I was hooked. This is the only job I have ever had. During school I stayed at it, Graduated vocational school, and started off running jobs.

Electricians are the smartest trade in the trades. We touch all aspects of the job. Every other trade has something we have to wire up. We know jobs better then the other trades, we have to.

I say go for it, you can't go wrong with this trade. Just the side work alone is well worth it. It's a career that can make you a ton of money.

I love my job, I wake up looking forward to work. It's so easy after doing it for years, and the money....pffff I can't complain. Enough I can take 8 weeks a year off and skip out on Montana winters, to some place warm and sandy.

*Find a state that tests and licenses their tradesmen*

I can attest to the above bold statement.

I was a member of the U.B.of C&J's, mostly trade show work (great gig) and I couldn't so much as screw in a lightbulb without calling a sparky in.

I still carry my card

 

[Danks2005]

Sparkjumper, I like running rigid because you really need to think about every piece other than straight ones. Plus, you measure, make the walk to the threader, cut, thread, walk back, then its off by 1/4 or 2 degrees, walk back and repeat. It's a slower more thought provoking pipe run. RobRoy sucks though.

You will need a good understanding of triganometry

277V can kill you, so be carefull, I think a lot of times people have the attitude of "it's just lighting" which is the wrong attitude.

Just because it is union, does not mean there are no unsafe acts, be very aware at all times, for yourself and your crew. As an apprentice like I said do what your told, unless it is a safety issue. Do not work anything hot.

When wiring somthing, remember the Ground is the first to make, when demo it is the last to break.

Go to youtube and look up videos of arc flash/blast, and remember to use damn spacesuit.

Don't sleep in the cable tray

I absolutely love my job, every aspect of it, but especially plc and instrumentation. It really makes you feel like a man who has accomplished something at the end of the day. Especially working industrial.

I've had to scoot out on a 4" piece of building steel, 120' in the air to run an 1.25" rigid pipe up an elevator shaft, and I am scared of heights. It was an adreneline rush, and we get plenty of them. But safety first, always tie off, and never work hot.

We work incredibly hard, and have an incredibly hard time doing it.

 

[Danks2005]

Another kind of funny thing. Pulling large wire sucks, it is very hard work. But, everyone is excited to do it, you can see the dollar signs in their eyes. LOL

 

[sparkjumper]

Damn I dont know why I'm a little surprised,maybe its because I honestly don't miss it,not even a little.After I do something for longer than 10 years I really start hankerin for something different.I wouldn't have stopped working for just any old reason,it has to be killer to say the least.Ah yes the life of a farmer is killer indeed!