electricnewf

Hey all,

I'm currently in college completing my Electrician pre-apprenticeship. I really like the program so far, but am still not sure if it's really for me. A few years ago I was in a car accident and hurt my back, so I can't lift anything over 30-40kg. I volunteered as an Electrician apprentice (under supervision) to build a house for Habitat For Humanity. It was a really hot day and I became very exhausted pulling wires through beams and mounting boxes for most of the day. I consider myself to be a very physically fit person (I go to the gym 6 times/week) but does being an electrician mean having to work in very hot conditions where there is a risk of heat exhaustion? I don't mind getting my hands dirty and I've had my share of cuts and bruises during my college program, but if I find myself being exhausted every day after work (when I do start) then this trade might not work for me. Thanks for your input!

drsparky

About 34Kg (75 lbs) is all I feel is safe to lift alone; yes it can be a hot, dirty, cold wet, dry, noisy career.

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electricnewf

Would an Industrial Electrician have to worry about very hot conditions, if they are working in a factory?

barlow

It depends on what kind of factory. Some factorys are hotter than others depending on the season and what not. Some factorys you may not be that busy, you may come in on your shift and swap out a breaker or two or replace a motor and thats it for the rest of the night and sometimes you may wish you called in sick that day. You could try a hi rise office building setting. At least you're in the ac all day.

electricnewf

So I guess I shouldn't have much to worry about in that regard?

drsparky

Yes, Paper mills are well over 100 degrees, I worked in a Cargill that was 132 near the ceiling, down on the floor it was a balmy 104. Many factories use steam so the humidity is at 100%. I worked in founderys with white hot metal passing by. The only factories I can think have that had AC were pharmaceutical and computer chips.

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electricnewf

I'm sure the pros of being an Electrician far outweigh this particular con?

barlow

Near the ceiling? I worked at Anchor Glass where they make beer and Snapple bottles all day. Its 132 on the floor in Jan! It feels like a convection oven in there. But yes most factorys are hot and noisy. I had to wear long sleeves, safety glasses, hard hat, earplugs with a pair of ear muffs and not the furry kind either! All day except for break and lunch.

electricnewf

I left my previous career as a computer helpdesk tech (a glorified call center) for something a bit more hands on. In your experience do you think I will enjoy being an Electrician?

Darkjim

I've worked in a -20 degree F freezer changing out high bay lights to energy saving t5's with motion detectors. Could only stay in there about 45 minutes max, then the hydraulics on the lift would get real sluggish.

BCSparkyGirl

There are all sorts of things you can do. I have been in the trade for 11-12 years now, and I love it, even being outnumbered by the guys by 30-1 in my company. I have back problems due to a car accident myself, and tendonitis in both wrist, and am still able to carry rolls of bx up 28 stories. Come on now, toughen up young man! You can do it!!!

Richard Rowe

The conditions can vary a lot in factories, just depends on what they make. Smaller factories will more likely have maintance personal that can do electrical work as well (or the other way around). Construction work will be job specific to being a true electrician than working in a factory. Now that won’t be the case all the time but I would think mostly it would be true. Electrical work can be really enjoyable, but I hate trouble shooting when you can’t find what’s wrong.

MDShunk

Then, I'd say you should look into something a bit more low impact. Maybe flower arrangement or cake decorating, buff boy.

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One reason not to give DIY advice:
Catch a man a fish and you can sell it to him.
Teach a man to fish and you’ve ruined a good business opportunity.

electricnewf

Haha. You're funny

NolaTigaBait

No, seriously.

Boneshaker

Even though it was funny I'm not sure cake decorating is the way to go. MDShunks point being this is a tough trade. People think electrician they think standing in front of a panel terminating wires. Well, for most this is a very small portion of the trade. Running conduit, pulling wire, mounting gear ,setting transformers, climbing, pounding, crouching, this is more the reality of the trade. If you were exhausted from setting boxes and pulling romex I to think you should look into something else. No offense intended, just the facts. There are alot of tough people in this trade, both mentally and physically and thats part of what makes them good at what they do. Good luck in what ever you choose to do.

gardiner

As an electrician you would work in all conditions, in Canada count on anything from 32 C with humidex up to 40 to -30 with a wind chill to -50.
During your apprenticeship count on working in it all conditions and weather, don't expect to get into any job where you get protection from having to work in them.

NolaTigaBait

Man, I couldn't work in Canada. Too cold.

gardiner

Funny the cold doesn't bother me half as much as the heat. You can always put more clothes on but they tend to start arresting you when you take too much off.

Magnettica

OH the horror, hot cold sweaty dirty tired.

You're right, u might be better off working in a cubicle.