PT1:Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Electrical

Module 26101-23

Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Copyright © 2024 by NCCER, Alachua, FL 32615. Published by Pearson. All rights reserved.

1.0.0 Career Options in the Electrical Industry

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Objective

1. Identify the various sectors and trade options in the electrical industry.

a. Describe typical components in a residential wiring system.

b. Describe typical components in a commercial wiring system.

c. Describe typical components in an industrial wiring system.

d. List career paths and job opportunities in the electrical trade.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Performance Tasks

There are no Performance Tasks associated with this section.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.0.0–1.1.0 Wiring Systems Used in Residential Buildings

•

Electrical service connects the
home to the electric utility power.

•

The four basic steps to wiring a
home include:
–

Rough-in
–

Trim-out
–

Testing
–

Troubleshooting

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.2.0 Wiring Systems Used in Commercial Buildings

Commercial building electrical wiring
has a few differences from residential,
including:
•

Wire is run in conduit.
•

You must learn to bend
conduit.
•

You must learn to use more
complex equipment.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.3.0 Wiring Systems Used in Industrial Facilities

•

Industrial electricians install
and/or maintain systems.

•

When you work as an industrial
electrician, you will use equipment
not used in homes or offices.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.4.0–1.4.1 Do You Want to Be a Residential Electrician?

•

Residential electricians wire and
install electrical systems in
homes.

•

Residential electricians work for a
contractor or as their own
contractor.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.4.2 Do You Want to Be a Commercial Electrician?

Commercial electricians install
electrical equipment in commercial
buildings such as stores or offices.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.4.3–1.4.4 Do You Want to Be a Service Electrician?

•

Service electricians fix or upgrade existing electrical systems.

•

Electrical remodeling contractors work in older buildings being remodeled.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.4.5 Do You Want to Be an Industrial Electrician?

•

Industrial electricians work in
industrial facilities to safely
install and maintain special
equipment.

•

They often work in hazardous
locations and with complex
equipment.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.4.6 Do You Want to Be an Electrical Maintenance
Technician?

Electrical maintenance technicians
work with a team of technicians to
monitor and maintain electrical
systems and equipment.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.4.7 Do You Want to Be a Utility Substation Electrician?

Utility substation electricians help to
maintain the power grid by
constructing, maintaining, and
operating substations.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.4.8 Do You Want to Be a Maritime Electrician?

•

Maritime electricians install,
maintain, and repair the engines
and electrical systems on ships
and boats.

•

Maritime electricians do not follow
the NEC®.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Trade Terms (1 of 2)

Electrical service: The conductors and equipment connecting the serving
utility to the wiring system of the premises served.

Raceway system: An enclosure that houses the conductors in an electrical
system.

Rough-in: The beginning stage of wiring that involves installing the
panelboard, wiring, and boxes.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Trade Terms (2 of 2)

Substation: An assemblage of equipment such as switches, interrupting
devices, circuit breakers, buses, and transformers through which electric
energy is passed for the purpose of distribution, switching, or modifying its
characteristics.

Trim-out: The final stage of wiring when you install and terminate devices
and fixtures.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.0.0 Section Review Question 1

1. The stage of wiring when you install and terminate devices and fixtures is
known as _____.

a. rough-in

b. trim-out

c. final finish

d. cleanup

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.0.0 Section Review Question 1 Answer

1. The stage of wiring when you install and terminate devices and fixtures is
known as _____.

a. rough-in

b. trim-out

c. final finish

d. cleanup

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.0.0 Section Review Question 2

2. To install wiring in a commercial building, you need to learn how to bend
conduit.

a. True

b. False

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.0.0 Section Review Question 2 Answer

2. To install wiring in a commercial building, you need to learn how to bend
conduit.

a. True

b. False

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.0.0 Section Review Question 3

3. Electricians who work in factories are known as _____.

a. industrial electricians

b. power contractors

c. commercial electricians

d. utility contractors

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.0.0 Section Review Question 3 Answer

3. Electricians who work in factories are known as _____.

a. industrial electricians

b. power contractors

c. commercial electricians

d. utility contractors

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.0.0 Section Review Question 4

4. Like construction electricians, maritime electricians must follow the NEC®.

a. True

b. False

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

1.0.0 Section Review Question 4 Answer

4. Like construction electricians, maritime electricians must follow the NEC®.

a. True

b. False

Next…

2.0.0
Training to Be an Electrician

Read Sections 2.0.0 through 2.2.2. Complete the 2.0.0 Section
Review.

Electrical

Module 26101-23

Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Copyright © 2024 by NCCER, Alachua, FL 32615. Published by Pearson. All rights reserved.

2.0.0 Training to Be an Electrician

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Objective

2. Understand the apprenticeship/training process for electricians.

a. Explain how to become an electrical apprentice.

b. Describe types of training for apprentices.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Performance Tasks

There are no Performance Tasks associated with this section.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

2.0.0–2.1.0 What Is an Apprentice?

•

An apprentice learns skills from
someone who has mastered the craft.

•

DOL requirements:
–

144 classroom hours per year
–

2,000 on-the-job learning (OJL)
hours per year

•

NCCER offers a four-year program.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

2.2.0 What Does an Apprentice Do?

•

To become an apprentice:
–

Submit your results of the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) Form
Test.
–

Submit other required information such as transcript, reference letters,
and birth certificate.

•

Apprenticeship requirements:
–

Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) on the job.
–

Purchase and maintain tools.
–

Submit monthly OJL report.
–

Attend classroom-related instruction.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

2.2.1 Getting a Head Start

The Youth Apprenticeship Program:
•

Begin training in eleventh grade.
•

Work and earn money.
•

Complete up to two years of the apprenticeship program by the time
you graduate from high school.
•

Receive credits which can be transferred to a two- or four-year college
that offers programs in the construction trades.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

2.2.2 Will I Be Licensed?

•

Successful completion of an electrical apprenticeship prepares you for
licensing.

•

Licensing requirements vary by state.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Trade Term

On-the-job-learning (OJL): Learning a job as an apprentice under the
supervision of journey-level workers. Also called on-the-job training (OJT).

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

2.0.0 Section Review Question 1

1. How many years does it typically take to complete the NCCER electrical
training program?

a. One

b. Two

c. Three

d. Four

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

2.0.0 Section Review Question 1 Answer

1. How many years does it typically take to complete the NCCER electrical
training program?

a. One

b. Two

c. Three

d. Four

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

2.0.0 Section Review Question 2

2. To enter an apprenticeship program, you are likely to have to submit which
of the following?

a. GATB Form Test results

b. License

c. Scholastic Aptitude Test

d. OSHA 40-hour course certificate

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

2.0.0 Section Review Question 2 Answer

2. To enter an apprenticeship program, you are likely to have to submit which
of the following?

a. GATB Form Test results

b. License

c. Scholastic Aptitude Test

d. OSHA 40-hour course certificate

Next…

3.0.0
Employee and Employer Responsibilities

Read Sections 3.0.0 through 3.2.0. Complete the 3.0.0 Section
Review.

Electrical

Module 26101-23

Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Copyright © 2024 by NCCER, Alachua, FL 32615. Published by Pearson. All rights reserved.

3.0.0 Employee and Employer Responsibilities

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Objective

3. Understand the responsibilities of employees and employers.

a. Identify employee responsibilities.

b. Identify employer responsibilities.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Performance Tasks

There are no Performance Tasks associated with this section.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

3.0.0–3.1.0 Employee Responsibilities

Personality qualities you need for success:
•

Honesty
•

Integrity
•

Loyalty
•

Fairness
•

Respect for others
•

Obedience
•

Commitment to excellence
•

Leadership

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

3.1.1 Be a Professional

•

The way you behave on the job is
called professionalism.

•

Polite and clear communication is
essential.
–

Texts are good for quick
information or questions.
–

Emails and calls are better for
more important information.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

3.1.2 Be Honest

Being honest is more than just telling the truth. It means using work ethics.
You can show honesty by:
•

Respecting property
•

Showing up on time
•

Performing a job well
•

Never cutting corners
•

Using the correct materials
•

Taking responsibility for your mistakes

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

3.1.3–3.1.4 Show Loyalty and Respect

•

Loyalty means looking out for your employer’s interests.

•

Being respectful means being polite and fair to others.

•

A willingness to learn means you listen to more experienced people,
follow jobsite rules, and adapt to change and learn new methods as
quickly as possible.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

3.1.5–3.1.6 Take Responsibility

•

Taking responsibility means doing the tasks or jobs you are expected to
do.
–

Accept responsibility without blaming others when you do not
complete a task.

•

Cooperation is working well with others to get the job done by:
–

Respecting your teammates
–

Giving helpful suggestions
–

Avoiding negative comments
–

Meeting your responsibilities

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

3.1.7–3.1.8 Follow Company Policies

•

Company policies ensure efficiency and prevent loss.
–

If you do not follow policies, you may lose your job.

•

Frequent tardiness and absences are signs of poor work habits.
–

Tardiness means being late for work.
–

Absenteeism means not showing up.

•

Tardiness and absenteeism are unprofessional and disrespectful, disrupt
the schedule, and cost your employer money.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

3.1.9 Respect Safety

•

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure a safe workplace. You must:
–

Follow all safety rules and regulations.
–

Report any unsafe equipment and conditions to your supervisor.

•

OSHA requires you to report hazardous conditions.

•

Other standards you must follow include:
–

Local codes
–

NEC®

–

NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

3.2.0 Employer Responsibilities

•

Employers are required to meet OSHA’s
standards for safety.

•

Employers must:
–

Visibly post employees’ rights and
responsibilities.
–

Keep workers safe from serious
hazards and post warning signage.
–

Perform frequent inspections.
–

Provide safe tools and equipment.
–

Keep track of work-related injuries.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

Trade Term

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): The US
government agency established to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

3.0.0 Section Review Question 1

1. The standard that covers safe work practices to avoid electrical hazards is
_____.

a.

the NEC®

b.

29 CFR 1910

c.

29 CFR 1926

d.

NFPA 70E®

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

3.0.0 Section Review Question 1 Answer

1. The standard that covers safe work practices to avoid electrical hazards is
_____.

a.

the NEC®

b.

29 CFR 1910

c.

29 CFR 1926

d.

NFPA 70E®

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

3.0.0 Section Review Question 2

2. OSHA standards for general industry are covered in _____.

a. 29 CFR 1926

b. 29 CFR 1910

c. 29 CFR 1965

d. 29 CFR 1970

Module 26101-23 – Occupational Overview: The Electrical Industry

3.0.0 Section Review Question 2 Answer

2. OSHA standards for general industry are covered in _____.

a. 29 CFR 1926

b. 29 CFR 1910

c. 29 CFR 1965

d. 29 CFR 1970

Next…

Review for Module Testing

Complete the Review Questions at the end of the module and prepare
for the Module Test.