Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

What electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay do

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

Typical tasks

1. 1Inspect and test equipment and circuits to identify malfunctions or defects, using wiring diagrams and testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or ammeters.
2. 2Prepare and maintain records detailing tests, repairs, and maintenance.
3. 3Consult manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering personnel to troubleshoot and solve equipment problems and to determine optimum equipment functioning.
4. 4Analyze test data to diagnose malfunctions, to determine performance characteristics of systems, or to evaluate effects of system modifications.
5. 5Open and close switches to isolate defective relays, performing adjustments or repairs.
6. 6Notify facility personnel of equipment shutdowns.
7. 7Repair, replace, and clean equipment and components such as circuit breakers, brushes, and commutators.
8. 8Run signal quality and connectivity tests for individual cables, and record results.
9. 9Maintain inventories of spare parts for all equipment, requisitioning parts as necessary.
10. 10Construct, test, maintain, and repair substation relay and control systems.

Technology used

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Word
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Windows

How to become one

Education

The most common level among workers surveyed is a post-secondary certificate (50%). Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.