Did you know that a doctor gets as much education and training as a master electrician? These surprising electrician facts will shock you. Here are some more electrician facts:

Fact #1: Electricity Has Been Around for Thousands of Years

Electricity was first discovered in 600 BC, by the Ancient Greeks. They rubbed fur on amber which caused static electricity, Universe Today. Plus, in the 1930s archeologists found pots with sheets of copper inside and classified them as ancient batteries meant to light Roman enclosures. In 1752, Benjamin Franklin conducted the infamous kite experiment with a key to attract lighting. Which demonstrated how Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison went on to invent competing A/C and D/C electrical systems, which are still in use today.

Fact #2: Electricity Travels at the Speed of Light

Did you know that electricity travels at the speed of light, or 300,000 kilometers per second? While a spark of static electricity can measure 3,000 volts, Power Tech.

Fact #3: A Master Electrician has as much Education and Training as a Doctor

Entry-level electricians graduate from trade school and start an apprenticeship. They may work under a journeyman electrician for 4 to 5 years before taking the electrician exam to become a journeyman electrician. Journeyman electricians work under master electricians for at least 3 more years until they are ready to pass a written and practical exam that covers their electrical competency. That means a master electrician has 8 years of education and training, as much as a doctor.

Fact #4: Electricians need to Pass a Color Blindness Test

Because most electrical wires are color coded, an electrician will need to pass a color blindness test before they can work on electrical systems. Especially because a mistake can be catastrophic.

Fact #5: Become an Electrician in as little as 9 Months

Did you know that you can complete an electrician technician diploma program in as little as 9-months, attending full-time? At Ohio Business College, we help you become an entry-level electrician, providing you with the skills to work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. With this diploma, you are ready to step into the industry as a junior electrician. And with some experience, you can become a journeyman electrician and start working on your own electrical projects.

During the Electrician Technician Diploma program, you learn theory in the classroom and apply those skills in a lab setting to get hands-on experience as an electrician. You will help install and maintain electrical wiring, transformers, A/C and D/C motor control circuits, instrumentation, and programmable logic controllers. The courses in this training program focus on wiring, cabling, connections, motors, controls, low voltage, plus residential and commercial installation. In just 9 months, you are ready to become a junior electrician and start working on your multi-year apprenticeship.

What Does an Electrician Do?

Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems and lighting within residential homes and commercial buildings, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They typically do:

• Read and interpret blueprints and technical diagrams.
• Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems.
• Inspect electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers.
• Identify electrical problems using testing devices.
• Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
• Follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code.

What are the Different Levels of Electrician?

There are many different levels of electrician, that you can achieve throughout your career. You start as a junior electrician, completing an apprenticeship. And with education and experience, you can work your way to the highest level of electrician, the master electrician.

Apprentice

A succinct way to become an electrician is by graduating from a trade school. Although you can become an apprentice directly out of high school, a trade school program will give you a well-rounded education and better prepare you to work solo as a journeyman electrician.

Journeyman

Once you complete your apprenticeship program, you can take an exam from a local, state, or federal licensing agency to become a journeyman electrician. This certification allows you to work unsupervised and gives you the opportunity to train new apprentices.

Master Electrician

The highest level of electrician, a master electrician, must work a minimum number of hours as a journeyman electrician and then pass a licensing exam that proves their knowledge of the National Electrical Code.

What is the National Electrical Code?

The National Electrical code, also known as the NFPA 70, is a US standard for safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. It is part of the National Fire Protection Associations (NFPA) guidelines. The NEC codifies the requirements for safe electrical installation, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).

How Do You Become an Electrician?

You can become an electrician by attending the Electrical Technician Diploma program at Ohio Business College. We prepare you for your first day as an apprentice with hands-on learning and classroom theory. Our small class sizes, allow you to get one-on-one attention from our industry experienced instructors. We also offer career services for those that are graduating to help during the job search. Let us help you take the first step toward becoming an electrician, and we will be with you every step of the way.

Want to Learn More?

At Ohio Business College, you can enroll in an Electrical Technician Diploma Program that can prepare you for an entry-level position as an electrical technician, providing skills and services that are needed in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial and industrial. Whether it’s wiring a new building, fixing an electrical problem, or getting old wiring up to code, Ohio Business College can get you the hands-on training you need to become employed in this vital field.

Contact us today to learn more about our Electrical technician programs.