Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an electrician? Today, Sam dives into some of your questions to give you a peek behind the curtain of this “electrifying” career. Sorry, that was an awful pun!!
First off, a big thank you to everyone who sent in their questions. Let's jump right in!
Why Did You Become an Electrician?
Long story short, my previous career in the music industry was physically demanding—loading and unloading trucks took a toll on my body.
I needed a change and had always been interested in electronics and all things electrical.
Given my dexterity and hands-on skills, becoming an electrician felt like a natural fit.
Plus, being dyslexic, it was a good career choice as it didn’t require excessive reading or writing, allowing me to focus on what I do best.
How did you build up your clientele?
Word of mouth is your best friend in this business.
To earn that, you need to be honest, reliable, and good at your job.
Sure, you can advertise in local newspapers, use flyers, email, and have a website, but 90% of my work comes from word of mouth.
And don’t overcharge people.
As an electrician starting out, do you need to buy a van, or can you use your car?
It's up to you, but you will need commercial insurance either way.
A van is preferable because it offers more space for tools, cases, conduits, and cables.
I started with a car, mainly because I worked with another electrician who had a van.
Eventually, I invested in a van, which made things much easier.
Do you need to be good at maths to take the electrical course?
Don't worry; you're not alone, most people aren't great at maths.
While there are certain equations you need to learn, it's manageable.
If you're straight out of college, your maths skills will be fresher than mine were after a ten-year gap.
Take it easy, get help if needed, and you'll be fine.
What minimal tools do I need to get started, and what would they cost?
You need some basic hand tools, all GS38 compliant.
This includes electrical screwdrivers, pliers, snips, and a tool bag.
If you're doing test and inspection work, you'll need a tester, which can be pricey.
You'll also need PPE for job sites, such as steel-toe cap boots, high-visibility jackets, and a hard hat.
Start with a good set of insulated hand tools, a reliable drill with battery-operated bits, and the necessary safety gear.
Do I need to be good at design to be an electrician?
Not necessarily, but you need an eye for detail.
Keep sockets straight and use tools like laser levels, which are now affordable.
For home projects, match the existing design or ask your client for their preferences.
Ultimately, you're working for the client, so their opinion matters most.
What are the most important values you should have as a Sparky?
Be honest, and reliable, and take pride in your work.
Don’t cut corners or do a slapdash job.
While we all work for money, building a good reputation is crucial.
Ensure your work is neat and any damage caused during installation is repaired, especially if another tradesperson isn't following up behind you.
Thanks for all your questions! Keep them coming, and we'll put them to Sam to answer.
If there's anything I've missed or you have more to add, please leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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