What is the geography of Coquitlam like?

What is the geography of Coquitlam like?

Location

Location


Coquitlam is a city located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Canada. What is Coquitlam known for? . It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and diverse geography. The city is situated between the Fraser River and the Coast Mountains, providing residents with stunning views and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities.


One of the defining features of Coquitlam's geography is its rugged terrain. The city is characterized by steep hills and valleys, making it a challenging but rewarding place for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails wind through lush forests, offering views of cascading waterfalls and tranquil lakes. In the winter, residents can enjoy skiing and snowboarding on the nearby mountains.


Coquitlam is also home to a number of parks and green spaces, which provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Mundy Park, one of the largest parks in the city, boasts over 176 acres of forested land and walking trails. Lafarge Lake offers a peaceful setting for picnics and leisurely strolls, while Como Lake Park is a popular spot for fishing and boating.


In addition to its natural beauty, Coquitlam is also a thriving urban center with a vibrant community. The city is home to a diverse population, with a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and industrial areas. Residents enjoy easy access to amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural attractions.


Overall, the geography of Coquitlam is a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors or enjoy the amenities of city living, Coquitlam has something to offer for everyone.

Topography


Coquitlam, located in British Columbia, Canada, has a diverse and varied geography that offers a mix of urban and natural landscapes. The city is situated between the Fraser River and the coastal mountains, providing residents with stunning views and a range of outdoor activities.


The terrain in Coquitlam is characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and numerous bodies of water, including lakes and rivers. The elevation in the city varies, with some areas being quite flat while others are more hilly. This diverse topography contributes to the overall beauty of Coquitlam and offers residents plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.


In addition to its natural beauty, Coquitlam also boasts a well-planned urban area with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The city is home to numerous parks and green spaces, providing residents with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.


Overall, the geography of Coquitlam is both diverse and stunning, offering residents a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a city dweller, Coquitlam has something to offer everyone.

Climate


Coquitlam is a city located in British Columbia, Canada, and is known for its diverse geography. The city is situated between the Fraser River and the rugged Coast Mountain range, offering residents and visitors a stunning backdrop of natural beauty.


The geography of Coquitlam is marked by rolling hills, lush forests, and numerous bodies of water, including lakes and rivers. The city is also home to several parks and green spaces, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.


One of the most prominent geographical features of Coquitlam is Eagle Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts looking to explore the region's diverse flora and fauna.


In addition to its natural beauty, Coquitlam is also known for its mild climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The city experiences a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.


Overall, the geography of Coquitlam is characterized by its stunning natural landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and favorable climate. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors or simply enjoy the scenic views, Coquitlam has something to offer for everyone.

Vegetation


Coquitlam, located in British Columbia, Canada, boasts a diverse geography that is characterized by lush vegetation. The city is surrounded by the stunning Coast Mountains and the Fraser River, creating a picturesque backdrop for its residents.


The geography of Coquitlam is marked by rolling hills and dense forests, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails wind through the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The city is also home to numerous parks and green spaces, providing residents with ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.


The vegetation in Coquitlam is varied and vibrant, with a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees dotting the landscape. The city is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring, which blanket the streets in a sea of pink and white. In the summer, vibrant wildflowers bloom in the meadows, adding a splash of color to the greenery.


Overall, the geography of Coquitlam is a harmonious blend of natural beauty and urban development. The city's lush vegetation adds to its charm, making it a desirable place to live for those who appreciate the great outdoors. Whether you're hiking in the mountains or strolling through a park, Coquitlam's geography is sure to leave you feeling inspired by the beauty of nature.

Water bodies


Coquitlam, located in British Columbia, is surrounded by a diverse geography that includes various water bodies. The city is situated near the Fraser River, one of the longest rivers in Canada, which provides a vital water source for the region. In addition to the Fraser River, Coquitlam is also home to numerous lakes and reservoirs, such as Lafarge Lake and Coquitlam Lake, which offer recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.


The presence of these water bodies not only enhances the natural beauty of Coquitlam but also plays a crucial role in the city's ecosystem. They support a variety of plant and animal species, making the area a haven for wildlife. Moreover, these water bodies serve as important habitats for fish and other aquatic organisms, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region.


From a recreational standpoint, the water bodies in Coquitlam offer residents and visitors the chance to engage in activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. They also provide opportunities for scenic walks and picnics along their shores, allowing people to connect with nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.


Overall, the geography of Coquitlam, with its abundance of water bodies, adds to the city's charm and contributes to its appeal as a desirable place to live. The presence of these natural features not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also highlights the importance of preserving and protecting the environment for future generations to enjoy.

Natural Hazards


Coquitlam is a city located in British Columbia, Canada, known for its diverse geography. The city is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and forests, making it a beautiful place to live. However, this unique geography also presents natural hazards that residents need to be aware of.


One of the main natural hazards in Coquitlam is the risk of landslides. The city's hilly terrain and heavy rainfall can lead to unstable slopes, increasing the likelihood of landslides during heavy storms. Residents living in areas prone to landslides should take precautions to protect their homes and property.


Another natural hazard in Coquitlam is flooding. The city is located near the Coquitlam River and other water bodies, making it vulnerable to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. Residents living in flood-prone areas should have emergency plans in place and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.


In addition to landslides and flooding, Coquitlam is also at risk of earthquakes due to its proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone. While earthquakes are less common in the area, they can still pose a significant threat to residents and infrastructure.


Overall, the geography of Coquitlam offers stunning natural beauty but also presents certain risks. It is important for residents to be informed about the natural hazards in the area and take steps to protect themselves and their property. By being prepared and staying vigilant, residents can help mitigate the impact of natural hazards in Coquitlam.

Human Geography


Coquitlam is a beautiful city located in British Columbia, Canada. The geography of Coquitlam is diverse and stunning, with a mix of urban and natural landscapes. The city is nestled between the Fraser River and the coastal mountains, providing residents and visitors with breathtaking views and outdoor recreational opportunities.


One of the defining features of Coquitlam's geography is its abundance of green spaces and parks. The city is home to many parks, including Mundy Park, Minnekhada Regional Park, and Lafarge Lake, which offer residents a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. These parks also provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and beavers.


In addition to its parks, Coquitlam is also known for its rivers and lakes. The Coquitlam River runs through the city, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. Lafarge Lake, an artificial lake located in Town Centre Park, is a popular spot for picnics, walking, and enjoying the outdoors.


The city's geography is also influenced by its proximity to the mountains. Coquitlam is surrounded by the Coast Mountain range, which provides a stunning backdrop for the city and offers opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. The mountains also play a role in shaping the city's climate, with higher elevations experiencing cooler temperatures and more precipitation.


Overall, the geography of Coquitlam is diverse and dynamic, offering residents and visitors a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring a park, hiking a mountain trail, or enjoying a day by the river, Coquitlam's geography has something for everyone to enjoy.

Urbanization trends


Coquitlam is a city located in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia, Canada. The geography of Coquitlam is characterized by a mix of urban and natural landscapes. The city is situated between the Fraser River and the Coast Mountains, providing residents with stunning views and access to outdoor recreational activities.


In recent years, Coquitlam has experienced significant urbanization trends, with new residential and commercial developments springing up across the city. This growth has led to an increase in population and a rise in demand for amenities and services. As a result, Coquitlam has seen the expansion of its infrastructure, including new roads, public transit options, and recreational facilities.


Despite the urbanization trends, Coquitlam has managed to maintain its green spaces and natural areas. The city is home to numerous parks, trails, and greenbelts, providing residents with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. Coquitlam's commitment to preserving its natural environment sets it apart from other urban centers and contributes to its high quality of life.


Overall, the geography of Coquitlam is a unique blend of urban and natural elements, making it an attractive place to live and work. As the city continues to grow and evolve, it will be important to balance development with environmental conservation to ensure that Coquitlam remains a vibrant and sustainable community for years to come.

Discover Excellence with Elpro Electric, Your Electrician in Coquitlam, British Columbia

When you need top-notch electrical solutions in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Elpro Electric is the name to trust. Whether you’re tackling a minor repair, planning a major renovation, or managing a large-scale operation, our team of qualified professionals is equipped to deliver top-tier solutions tailored to your needs. In this guide, let’s discuss the breadth of services Elpro Electric offers and highlight why Elpro Electric is the preferred choice for residential and commercial clients in Coquitlam.

Comprehensive Electrical Services for Every Need

At Elpro Electric, we understand that each project is unique, requiring tailored strategies to ensure secure and effective results. Here’s a closer look at the range of services we provide:

Residential Electrical Services

Homeowners in Coquitlam trust Elpro Electric for a wide array electrical services designed for residences, including:

  • Wiring and Rewiring: Ensuring your home’s electrical system meets current safety standards and is built for today’s energy requirements.
  • Lighting Installation: Installing everything from decorative lighting to functional LED setups, we ensure your space is beautifully illuminated.
  • Electrical Panel Upgrades: Outdated panels can be a safety hazard. We upgrade panels to boost functionality and meet safety standards.
  • Home Automation: Streamline your home’s functionality with smart systems with smart home solutions tailored to your lifestyle.

Commercial Electrical Services

Businesses in Coquitlam choose Elpro Electric for expert commercial solutions that ensure uninterrupted functionality:

  • Electrical System Design and Installation: For various business types including offices and stores, we design systems that maximize performance and minimize costs.
  • Emergency Repairs: Downtime can be costly. Our team is ready at all times to resolve critical problems promptly.
  • Energy Audits and Retrofits: Reduce utility expenses by upgrading to energy-efficient systems and appliances.
  • Code Compliance Inspections: Stay compliant with local and national electrical codes.

Why Choose Elpro Electric in Coquitlam, British Columbia?

When you need an expert electrician in Coquitlam, British Columbia, there are many choices available. Here’s what makes Elpro Electric your best choice:

  • Certified and Experienced Team: Our electricians are not only certified but also bring years of hands-on experience. Ongoing education ensures our team is equipped with cutting-edge knowledge.
  • Commitment to Safety: Electrical work requires precision and adherence to safety protocols. At Elpro Electric, every job is executed with safety at the forefront. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), the risks of electrical issues affect many homes and businesses each year. Our meticulous approach minimizes risks.
  • Transparent Pricing: We provide detailed pricing information. Before starting work, we provide a detailed estimate, so you are fully informed—guaranteeing transparency.
  • Sustainable Practices: As advocates for sustainability, we encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances and systems. Studies show that green solutions save both energy and money over time. Our team can guide you in choosing eco-friendly options that suit your specific requirements.

Addressing Common Electrical Challenges

Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, electrical issues can pose serious challenges. Here are some common problems we address:

  • Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips: Usually a result of too many devices on one circuit, this issue requires immediate attention to ensure safety.
  • Flickering Lights: This can indicate irregularities like unstable wiring or faulty equipment.
  • Outdated Electrical Systems: Aging electrical infrastructures may not support modern appliances. We specialize in upgrading these systems to improve functionality and reliability.

Testimonials from Satisfied Clients

Our commitment to excellence has earned us the trust of countless clients in Coquitlam, British Columbia. Here’s what some of them have to say:

John D.: “Elpro Electric handled a complete rewiring project. The team was courteous, skilled, and transparent throughout the process. We couldn’t be happier!”

Samantha L.: “As a business owner, I’ve trusted Elpro Electric for all our electrical needs. Their expertise and dedication to safety are unmatched.”

Schedule Your Service Today

Don’t let electrical issues hold you back. Whether you need trusted experts in Coquitlam, British Columbia, for a routine inspection or a major installation, Elpro Electric is your dependable partner. Contact us today to request immediate support or request a free estimate. Let us take care of your electrical needs with expertise and care.

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Electrician
A US Navy electrician's mate rewiring the stator of an induction motor.
Occupation
Occupation type
Vocational
Activity sectors
Maintenance, Electrical Grid
Description
Education required
Apprenticeship
Fields of
employment
Construction
Related jobs
Lineperson

An electrician is a tradesperson specializing in electrical wiring of buildings, transmission lines, stationary machines, and related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructure.[1] Electricians may also specialize in wiring ships, airplanes, and other mobile platforms, as well as data and cable lines.

Terminology

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Electricians were originally people who demonstrated or studied the principles of electricity, often electrostatic generators of one form or another.[2]

In the United States, electricians are divided into two primary categories: lineperson, who work on electric utility company distribution systems at higher voltages, and wiremen, who work with the lower voltages utilized inside buildings. Wiremen are generally trained in one of five primary specialties: commercial, residential, light industrial, industrial, and low-voltage wiring, more commonly known as Voice-Data-Video, or VDV. Other sub-specialties such as control wiring and fire-alarm may be performed by specialists trained in the devices being installed, or by inside wiremen.

Electricians are trained to one of three levels: Apprentice, Journeyperson, and Master Electrician. In the US and Canada, apprentices work and receive a reduced compensation while learning their trade. They generally take several hundred hours of classroom instruction and are contracted to follow apprenticeship standards for a period of between three and six years, during which time they are paid as a percentage of the Journeyperson's pay. Journeymen are electricians who have completed their Apprenticeship and who have been found by the local, State, or National licensing body to be competent in the electrical trade. Master Electricians have performed well in the trade for a period of time, often seven to ten years, and have passed an exam to demonstrate superior knowledge of the National Electrical Code, or NEC.

Service electricians are tasked to respond to requests for isolated repairs and upgrades. They have skills troubleshooting wiring problems, installing wiring in existing buildings, and making repairs. Construction electricians primarily focus on larger projects, such as installing all new electrical system for an entire building, or upgrading an entire floor of an office building as part of a remodeling process. Other specialty areas are marine electricians, research electricians and hospital electricians. "Electrician" is also used as the name of a role in stagecraft, where electricians are tasked primarily with hanging, focusing, and operating stage lighting. In this context, the Master Electrician is the show's chief electrician. Although theater electricians routinely perform electrical work on stage lighting instruments and equipment, they are not part of the electrical trade and have a different set of skills and qualifications from the electricians that work on building wiring.

In the film industry and on a television crew the head electrician is referred to as a Gaffer.

Electrical contractors are businesses that employ electricians to design, install, and maintain electrical systems. Contractors are responsible for generating bids for new jobs, hiring tradespeople for the job, providing material to electricians in a timely manner, and communicating with architects, electrical and building engineers, and the customer to plan and complete the finished product.

Training and regulation of trade

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Electrician installing new meter socket on the side of a house.
Two electricians install high-current cabinet in Ystad 2021.

Many jurisdictions have regulatory restrictions concerning electrical work for safety reasons due to the many hazards of working with electricity. Such requirements may be testing, registration or licensing. Licensing requirements vary between jurisdictions.

Australia

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An electrician's license entitles the holder to carry out all types of electrical installation work in Australia without supervision. However, to contract, or offer to contract, to carry out electrical installation work, a licensed electrician must also be registered as an electrical contractor. Under Australian law, electrical work that involves fixed wiring is strictly regulated and must almost always be performed by a licensed electrician or electrical contractor.[3] A local electrician can handle a range of work including air conditioning, light fittings and installation, safety switches, smoke alarm installation, inspection and certification and testing and tagging of electrical appliances.

To provide data, structured cabling systems, home automation & theatre, LAN, WAN and VPN data solutions or phone points, an installer must be licensed as a Telecommunications Cable Provider under a scheme controlled by Australian Communications and Media Authority[4]

Electrical licensing in Australia is regulated by the individual states. In Western Australia, the Department of Commerce tracks licensee's and allows the public to search for individually named/licensed Electricians.[5]

Currently in Victoria the apprenticeship lasts for four years, during three of those years the apprentice attends trade school in either a block release of one week each month or one day each week. At the end of the apprenticeship the apprentice is required to pass three examinations, one of which is theory based with the other two practically based. Upon successful completion of these exams, providing all other components of the apprenticeship are satisfactory, the apprentice is granted an A Class licence on application to Energy Safe Victoria (ESV).

An A Class electrician may perform work unsupervised but is unable to work for profit or gain without having the further qualifications necessary to become a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) or being in the employment of a person holding REC status. However, some exemptions do exist.[6]

In most cases a certificate of electrical safety must be submitted to the relevant body after any electrical works are performed.

Safety equipment used and worn by electricians in Australia (including insulated rubber gloves and mats) needs to be tested regularly to ensure it is still protecting the worker. Because of the high risk involved in this trade, this testing needs to be performed regularly and regulations vary according to state. Industry best practice is the Queensland Electrical Safety Act 2002, and requires six-monthly testing.

Canada

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A utility electrician/lineperson does maintenance on a utility pole.

Training of electricians follows an apprenticeship model, taking four or five years to progress to fully qualified journeyperson level.[7] Typical apprenticeship programs consists of 80-90% hands-on work under the supervision of journeymen and 10-20% classroom training.[8] Training and licensing of electricians is regulated by each province, however professional licenses are valid throughout Canada under Agreement on Internal Trade. An endorsement under the Red Seal Program provides additional competency assurance to industry standards.[9] In order for individuals to become a licensed electricians, they need to have 9000 hours of practical, on the job training. They also need to attend school for 4 terms and pass a provincial exam. This training enables them to become journeyperson electricians. Furthermore, in British Columbia, an individual can go a step beyond that and become a "FSR", or field safety representative. This credential gives the ability to become a licensed electrical contractor and to pull permits. Notwithstanding this, some Canadian provinces only grant "permit pulling privileges" to current Master Electricians, that is, a journeyperson who has been engaged in the industry for three years and has passed the Master's examination (i.e. Alberta). The various levels of field safety representatives are A, B and C. The only difference between each class is that they are able to do increasingly higher voltage and current work.

United Kingdom

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The two qualification awarding organisations are City and Guilds and EAL. Electrical competence is required at Level 3 to practice as a 'qualified electrician' in the UK. Once qualified and demonstrating the required level of competence an Electrician can apply to register for a Joint Industry Board Electrotechnical Certification Scheme card in order to work on building sites or other controlled areas.

Although partly covered during Level 3 training, more in depth knowledge and qualifications can be obtained covering subjects such as Design and Verification or Testing and Inspection among others. These additional qualifications can be listed on the reverse of the JIB card. Beyond this level is additional training and qualifications such as EV charger installations or training and working in specialist areas such as street furniture or within industry.

The Electricity at Work Regulations are a statutory document that covers the use and proper maintenance of electrical equipment and installations within businesses and other organisations such as charities. Parts of the Building Regulations cover the legal requirements of the installation of electrical technical equipment with Part P outlining most of the regulations covering dwellings

Information regarding design, selection, installation and testing of electrical structures is provided in the non-statutory publication 'Requirements for Electrical Installations, IET Wiring Regulations, Eighteenth Edition, BS 7671:2018' otherwise known as the Wiring Regulations or 'Regs'. Usual amendments are published on an ad hoc bases when minor changes occur. The first major update of the 18th Edition were published during February 2020 mainly covering the section covering Electric vehicles charger installations although an addendum was published during December 2019 correcting some minor mistakes and adding some small changes. The IET also publish a series of 'Guidance Notes' in book form that provide further in-depth knowledge.

With the exception of the work covered by Part P of the Building Regulations, such as installing consumer units, new circuits or work in bathrooms, there are no laws that prevent anyone from carrying out some basic electrical work in the UK.

In British English, an electrician is colloquially known as a "spark".[10]

United States

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Although many electricians work for private contractors, many electricians get their start in the military.

The United States does not offer nationwide licensing and electrical licenses are issued by individual states. There are variations in licensing requirements, however, all states recognize three basic skill categories: level electricians. Journeyperson electricians can work unsupervised provided that they work according to a master's direction. Generally, states do not offer journeyperson permits, and journeyperson electricians and other apprentices can only work under permits issued to a master electrician. Apprentices may not work without direct supervision.[11]

Before electricians can work unsupervised, they are usually required to serve an apprenticeship lasting three to five years under the general supervision of a master electrician and usually the direct supervision of a journeyperson electrician.[11] Schooling in electrical theory and electrical building codes is required to complete the apprenticeship program. Many apprenticeship programs provide a salary to the apprentice during training. A journeyperson electrician is a classification of licensing granted to those who have met the experience requirements for on the job training (usually 4,000 to 6,000 hours) and classroom hours (about 144 hours). Requirements include completion of two to six years of apprenticeship training and passing a licensing exam.[12]

Reciprocity

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An electrician's license is valid for work in the state where the license was issued. In addition, many states recognize licenses from other states, sometimes called interstate reciprocity participation, although there can be conditions imposed. For example, California reciprocates with Arizona, Nevada, and Utah on the condition that licenses are in good standing and have been held at the other state for five years.[13] Nevada reciprocates with Arizona, California, and Utah.[14] Maine reciprocates with New Hampshire and Vermont at the master level, and the state reciprocates with New Hampshire, North Dakota, Idaho, Oregon, Vermont, and Wyoming at the journeyperson level.[15] Colorado maintains a journeyperson alliance with Alaska, Arkansas, the Dakotas, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming.[16]

Tools

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Electricians use a range of hand and power tools and instruments.

Two of the tools commonly used by electricians. The fish tape is used to pull conductors through conduits, or sometimes to pull conductors through hollow walls. The conduit bender is used to make accurate bends and offsets in electrical conduit.

Some of the more common tools are:

  • Conduit Bender: Bender used to bend various types of Electrical Conduit. These come in many variations including hand, electrical, and hydraulic powered.
  • Non-Contact Voltage Testers
  • Lineperson's Pliers: Heavy-duty pliers for general use in cutting, bending, crimping and pulling wire.
  • Diagonal Pliers (also known as side cutters or Dikes): Pliers consisting of cutting blades for use on smaller gauge wires, but sometimes also used as a gripping tool for removal of nails and staples.
  • Needle-Nose Pliers: Pliers with a long, tapered gripping nose of various size, with or without cutters, generally smaller and for finer work (including very small tools used in electronics wiring).
  • Wire Strippers: Plier-like tool available in many sizes and designs featuring special blades to cut and strip wire insulation while leaving the conductor wire intact and without nicks. Some wire strippers include cable strippers among their multiple functions, for removing the outer cable jacket.
  • Cable Cutters: Highly leveraged pliers for cutting larger cable.
  • Armored Cable Cutters: Commonly referred to by the trademark 'Roto-Split', is a tool used to cut the metal sleeve on MC (Metal Clad) cable.
  • Multimeter: An instrument for electrical measurement with multiple functions. It is available as analog or digital display. Common features include: voltage, resistance, and current. Some models offer additional functions.
  • Unibit or Step-Bit: A metal-cutting drill bit with stepped-diameter cutting edges to enable convenient drilling holes in preset increments in stamped/rolled metal up to about 1.6mm (1/16 inch) thick. Commonly used to create custom knock-outs in a breaker panel or junction box.
  • Cord, Rope or Fish Tape. Used to manipulate cables and wires through cavities. The fishing tool is pushed, dropped, or shot into the installed raceway, stud-bay or joist-bay of a finished wall or in a floor or ceiling. Then the wire or cable is attached and pulled back.
  • Crimping Tools: Used to apply terminals or splices. These may be hand or hydraulic powered. Some hand tools have ratchets to insure proper pressure. Hydraulic units achieve cold welding, even for aluminum cable.
  • Insulation Resistance Tester: Commonly referred to as a Megger, these testers apply several hundred to several thousand volts to cables and equipment to determine the insulation resistance value.
  • Knockout Punch: For punching holes into boxes, panels, switchgear, etc. for inserting cable & pipe connectors.
  • GFI/GFCI Testers: Used to test the functionality of Ground-Fault Interrupting receptacles.
  • Voltmeter: An electrician's tool used to measure electrical potential difference between two points in an electric circuit.
  • Other general-use tools include screwdrivers, hammers, reciprocating saws, drywall saws, flashlights, chisels, tongue and groove pliers (Commonly referred to as 'Channellock®' pliers, a famous manufacturer of this tool) and drills.

Safety

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In addition to the workplace hazards generally faced by industrial workers, electricians are also particularly exposed to injury by electricity. An electrician may experience electric shock due to direct contact with energized circuit conductors or due to stray voltage caused by faults in a system. An electric arc exposes eyes and skin to hazardous amounts of heat and light. Faulty switchgear may cause an arc flash incident with a resultant blast. Electricians are trained to work safely and take many measures to minimize the danger of injury. Lockout and tagout procedures are used to make sure that circuits are proven to be de-energized before work is done. Limits of approach to energized equipment protect against arc flash exposure; specially designed flash-resistant clothing provides additional protection; grounding (earthing) clamps and chains are used on line conductors to provide a visible assurance that a conductor is de-energized. Personal protective equipment provides electrical insulation as well as protection from mechanical impact; gloves have insulating rubber liners, and work boots and hard hats are specially rated to provide protection from shock. If a system cannot be de-energized, insulated tools are used; even high-voltage transmission lines can be repaired while energized, when necessary.[17]

Electrical workers, which includes electricians, accounted for 34% of total electrocutions of construction trades workers in the United States between 1992 and 2003.[18]

Working conditions

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Working conditions for electricians vary by specialization. Generally an electrician's work is physically demanding such as climbing ladders and lifting tools and supplies. Occasionally an electrician must work in a cramped space or on scaffolding, and may frequently be bending, squatting or kneeling, to make connections in awkward locations. Construction electricians may spend much of their days in outdoor or semi-outdoor loud and dirty work sites. Industrial electricians may be exposed to the heat, dust, and noise of an industrial plant. Power systems electricians may be called to work in all kinds of adverse weather to make emergency repairs.

Trade organizations

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Some electricians are union members and work under their union's policies.

Australia

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Electricians can choose to be represented by the Electrical Trade Union (ETU). Electrical Contractors can be represented by the National Electrical & Communications Association or Master Electricians Australia.

North America

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Some electricians are union members. Some examples of electricians' unions include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Canadian Union of Public Employees, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers provides its own apprenticeships through its National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee and the National Electrical Contractors Association. Many merit shop training and apprenticeship programs also exist, including those offered by such as trade associations as Associated Builders and Contractors and Independent Electrical Contractors. These organizations provide comprehensive training, in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor regulations.

United Kingdom/Ireland

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In the United Kingdom, electricians are represented by several unions including Unite the Union

In the Republic of Ireland there are two self-regulation/self certification bodies RECI Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland and ECSSA.

Auto electrician

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An auto electrician is a tradesperson specializing in electrical wiring of motor vehicles. Auto electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical components. Auto electricians specialize in cars and commercial vehicles. The auto electrical trade is generally more difficult than the electrical trade due to the confined spaces, engineering complexity of modern automotive electrical systems, and working conditions (often roadside breakdowns or on construction sites, mines, quarries to repair machinery etc.) Also the presence of high-current DC electricity makes injury from burns and arc-flash injury possible.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Roger Jones (2004). Electrician. Trotman Publishing. ISBN 0-85660-997-8.
  2. ^ Shock and Awe: The Story of Electricity- Jim Al-Khalili
  3. ^ Tester, Ross (2008-06-05). "DIY Electrical Work: Are Aussies DUMBER than Kiwis?". Silicon Chip Online. Archived from the original on 2012-06-09. Retrieved 2012-07-20.
  4. ^ "Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2014". Australian Government. Retrieved 2018-02-23.
  5. ^ Protection, corporateName: Department of Consumer and Employment; Division, corporateName: Consumer Protection; Hoskins, personalName: David. "Consumer Protection - Energy Safety". bizline.commerce.wa.gov.au. Archived from the original on 2011-04-06. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  6. ^ "Registered electrical contractors". Archived from the original on 2010-01-24. Retrieved 2010-02-15.
  7. ^ "Trade Chart / Ellis Chart". March 4, 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04.
  8. ^ http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/trades/index.shtml Government of Canada
  9. ^ <Red Seal Program "Red Seal". Archived from the original on 2010-11-02. Retrieved 2010-10-28.
  10. ^ "Electrician vs Spark - What's the difference?". 25 July 2014.
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  13. ^ http://www.cslb.ca.gov/applicants/Reciprocity/ReciprocityRequirements.asp CSLB CA
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