Nature of the Work Industrial electricians install, maintain, test, troubleshoot and repair industrial electrical equipment and associated controls on hydraulic and pneumatic equipment. They are employed by electrical contractors and maintenance departments of industrial establishments, such as factories, plants, mines and shipyards. Electrician apprentices are included in this group. These electricians perform the same duties as construction electricians at industrial sites, except they perform their tasks on larger equipment.
Industrial electricians interpret architectural drawings and electrical code specifications.
They install and repair electrical wiring and electrical components, and they connect wires to fixtures and components to form circuits. As well, they test circuits to ensure the current flows properly and the equipment operates safely. At many sites they maintain, repair, test and install electrical motors, generators, industrial storage batteries and hydraulic and pneumatic electrical control systems. They regularly conduct preventive maintenance programs. In B.C. the industrial electrician trade does not have its own apprenticeship and certification program.