What electricians do
Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical power, communications, lighting and control systems in homes, businesses and factories. A typical week can include: BLS
- Reading blueprints and technical diagrams
- Installing and maintaining wiring, controls and lighting
- Inspecting equipment like transformers and circuit breakers
- Tracking down problems with test equipment
- Repairing or replacing wiring, equipment and fixtures
- Following state and local codes based on the National Electrical Code
- As you grow, directing and training newer workers
New construction and service work feel different. Wiring a new building is often simpler because everything is open. Service and maintenance in existing buildings means more troubleshooting and working around what’s already there.
Skills that matter
- Safety habits. Above everything else. The goal is for everyone to go home safe, every day.
- Troubleshooting. Testing, thinking it through, and finding the real cause.
- Color vision. Wires are identified by color.
- Physical stamina and strength. You’re on your feet, kneeling and climbing, and some parts weigh up to about 50 pounds.
- Working with people. Customers have questions, and a friendly, clear answer matters.
- Care and pride. Neat, code-compliant work that the next electrician will be glad to find.
Qualities from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Tools of the trade
| Kind | Examples |
|---|---|
| Hand tools | Screwdrivers, wire strippers, conduit benders |
| Power tools | Drills, saws |
| Test equipment | Voltmeters and multimeters, ammeters, thermal scanners, cable testers |
| Safety gear | Safety glasses, protective clothing, hearing protection where it’s loud |
Tools named by the BLS. Ask your program or employer what you need to bring; it varies.
Where and when you work
Electricians work indoors and outdoors: homes, businesses, factories and job sites. You may work in cramped spaces, at heights, and in heat, cold, dust or noise. Almost all electricians work full time, and evenings, weekends and overtime are common. You’ll often drive to different job sites. BLS
Specialties you can grow into
The trade is wide. California’s certification types show some of the directions: residential, commercial and industrial work, voice/data/video, fire and life safety systems, and lighting controls. Title 8, §291.1 Electricians also work on solar and battery systems, EV chargers, motor controls, and troubleshooting and maintenance. With experience, many move into lead, foreman, estimating or project management roles.
The C-10 exam’s sections are a good map of the skills a well-rounded electrician builds over time: planning and estimating, rough wiring, finish and trim, startup and troubleshooting, and safety. C-10 study guide
Common questions
Do you have to be good at math to be an electrician?
You need solid everyday math: fractions, measurements, and some basic algebra for things like voltage drop and box fill. Apprenticeship and trainee classes teach the math you’ll use on the job.
Is being an electrician dangerous?
Working with electricity can be dangerous, which is why safety is a big part of training. Common injuries include shocks, falls and burns. Good habits, the right protective gear, and never working on live circuits when you don’t have to keep people safe.
Do electricians work alone?
Sometimes. Many jobs are done by one electrician, others by a crew. Apprentices usually work alongside experienced electricians.
Thinking about the trade? We’d be glad to talk.
We’re Innovative Electrical Services, a family-run C‑10 electrical contractor in Auburn, working on homes, businesses and industrial sites from the Oregon border down to Southern California, and everywhere in between, including San Francisco and the Bay Area. Part of our mission is to help change how the world thinks about construction, construction workers and the trades.
We’re always interested in hearing from people who take pride in their work and put safety first, including apprentices. Tell us where you are: just curious, in school, an apprentice or trainee, or already certified.
Official sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians www.bls.gov
- Title 8, Section 291.1 (certification types and hours) www.dir.ca.gov
- CSLB: C-10 exam study guide (PDF) www.cslb.ca.gov
General information, checked against the official sources above in October 2026. Requirements and fees can change; the Labor Commissioner (DIR), the CSLB and each apprenticeship program have the final word.