Roles played by electricians in construction projects
An electrician contracted to work in a construction project has to be very keen and creative with their work. As such, good industry practice demands that the electrician be fully licensed, though it is not unusual to have an apprentice electrician on site. Such an apprentice electrician must be closely supervised by the expert they serve under.
Scheming
Architectural engineers who prepare project blue prints will detail only the essential points. These are positions wherein to attach output sockets, control accessories and input devices. It is up to the contracted electrician to scheme the optimum route the wiring should follow.
In planning the wiring pathways, the electrician will consider the safety both infrastructure and users, accessibility to future repair and economic viability as delineated by the budget allocated. Additionally, they must take into account the project timeline. Electricians who lag behind schedule may delay other project activities.
Wiring
The electrician will put in place all the permanent wires starting from the cut-outs in the meter box to all other points of use. These wires are usually inserted in PVC conduits initially positioned within concrete slabs and walls by the electrician. The electrician also performs other temporary wiring duties to supply power to on-site equipment such as grinders, welders and floodlights.
Installation
An electrician is charged with the installation of all power equipment on site, whether meant for temporary use or permanent fixation into the finished structure. Examples of temporary equipment are power concrete mixers, power compressors and stand-alone generators. Permanent fixtures include lamps, switches, meter boxes, circuit breakers, light sensors and fans.
Testing
Before concluding the installation phase, the electrician uses tools such as ammeters and voltmeters to ensure continuity and integrity of all wire connections. Installed components like ceiling fan thermostats are tested by actual use, while functionality of lighting fixtures and switches are confirmed by inserting bulbs.
Troubleshooting
In cases where an installation fails to function, an electrician will apply tools and skills to trouble shoot the fault. In concrete construction, wire conduits may be breached by workers whilst they lay concrete. Since it would be inept to break up a concrete slab in a bid to restore a blocked cable pipe, an electrician is consulted on an alternative wiring route. Besides correcting wiring faults, the electrician will help to identify the cause of failure in other power equipment on site.
Additionally the electrician will benefit the project managers with useful insight concerning safety and suitability of decisions affecting the electrical operations on site.
