Become a Residential Electrician
Electrical work has some of the best opportunities for career stability, especially for residential technicians. If you want to start a career in electrical work, this 100% online course will prepare you for an entry-level residential electrician apprenticeship.
Kevin Feeley
BS in Electrical Engineering
HVCC Class of 2005
JOB OUTLOOK FOR RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICIANS
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electricians earn a median annual salary of $55,000, which is almost $10,000 more than the average of all construction and trade jobs.
- The BLS estimates that jobs for electricians will grow by 10% within the next 8 years.
Residential Electrician FAQs
While residential electricians and electrical technicians both deal with electrical systems, the nature of their work is different. Residential electricians install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair the wiring in buildings, whether that be residential homes, offices, or commercial properties. On the other hand, electrical technicians work on electrical systems within machinery, specialty equipment, and other commonly used devices.
The biggest reason for job growth in the electrical field is construction. In the U.S., the population will grow 2 million people per year until 2030, which will mean more construction jobs.
When it comes to construction, electrical workers are the first in to install electrical systems. Infrastructure development also comes with new residential and commercial projects. Older buildings need to be retrofit with technology and alternative energy sources.
Licensing in the electrical field differs state to state. Generally speaking, the licensing process for electricians starts at apprenticeship (2–4 years), then journeyman (5–6 years) and finally master electrician. This course will prepare you for an apprentice-level job.
Residential Electrician Objectives
- Branch and feeder circuits with various types of cable and conduit
- Service of circuit breakers, lighting fixtures, receptacles, switches, paddle fans, and electric motors
- Identifying and fixing electrical problems on “service calls”
- Installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting photovoltaic renewable energy systems
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course. This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
Curriculum
- Preparing and Planning a Residential Wiring Job
Residential workplace safety, hardware and materials used in residential wiring; determining branch circuit, feeder circuit, and service entrance requirements
- Residential Service Entrances and Equipment
Introduction to residential service entrances; service entrance equipment and installation
- Residential Electrical System Rough-In
General NEC® requirements for rough-in wiring; installing electrical boxes, cables, switching, and branch-circuits
- Residential Electrical System Trim-Out
Lighting fixture installation, device installation, and service panel trim-out
- Maintaining and Troubleshooting a Residential Electrical Wiring System
Checking out and troubleshooting electrical wiring systems
- Greenhouse Wiring Techniques
Green wiring practices and photovoltaic (PV) system installation
- Managing Customer Service
Winning customer service, customer expectations, and moving forward with the “four Ps”
Instructors
Greg Fletcher
Greg Fletcher has over 40 years of experience in the electrical field as both a practicing electrician and as an electrical instructor. He has been a licensed electrician since 1976 and holds a master electrician’s license in the State of Maine. In 1988, he was appointed as the department chair of the Trades and Technology Department and program director/instructor of the electrical technology program at Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield, Maine. He is the author of several textbooks, including “Residential Construction Academy: House Wiring, Guide to Using the National Electrical Code,” and “The Electrician’s Guide to Photovoltaic System Installation.” He has an associate in Electrical Construction and Maintenance, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Technical Education, and a Master of Science in Industrial Education.
