Fellow Canadian

20'sStarter said:

Hey guys, Just started in the trade with some family. Doing pretty simple stuff like plugs, etc. but lovin the heck out of it haha blew a chunk outta my linemans a few days ago due to someone turning back on the panel when I was cutting some 12-2 wire. Anyone have some really great stories of when they first started and where green as hell

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Are you serious? Are you really signed up as an apprentice? If so, you better start working for someone else that teaches safety first. When your as green as you say you are, you have absolutely no business touching anything. Have you been taught lock out tag out?

Hey TSMIL,

Thanks for the concern.

I'm just a helper and unfortunately it's a new development so not really a way to "Lock-out" the panel, was just a miscommunication between some people.

But I see your point, Safety is definitely a must in the field.

20'sStarter said:

Hey TSMIL, Thanks for the concern. I'm just a helper and unfortunately it's a new development so not really a way to "Lock-out" the panel, was just a miscommunication between some people. But I see your point, Safety is definitely a must in the field.

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What province are you in? When someone says that they are just a helper, I get a little concerned. In Ontario, there is no such classification as an electricians helper. Also, as a helper, if there is such a thing in your area, you still have absolutely no business touching anything that could be livened up. You carry tools and supplies, push a broom and clean up. If your lucky, maybe even install the faceplates on receptacles or switches.

Everything can be locked out. There are lockout devices for every need and this is what you need to learn about and use. Learn about arc flash and how to protect yourself. Family or not, safeguard still has to be first priority.

Thanks TSMIL, I'll look into what you noted

What is your history with the trade?

20'sStarter said:

Thanks TSMIL, I'll look into what you noted What is your history with the trade?

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I started as a smart mouth kid working in a factory in a dead end job. Wasn't until age 35 did I realize that all the problems in life weren't someone else's fault. I had a wife and kids and a mortgage. I changed my attitude and work ethics and 5 years later I was given the opportunity to enter the apprenticeship program. Two years in and the factory shut down. I found a contractor that specialized in industrial and he took a chance on me. I completed my apprenticeship and wrote my test and got an 86 on my first try. I should have taken the time to double check before I left with half the time still available.
I now specialize in control systems and enjoy almost every day at work. But what I absolutely enjoy most is I come home safe each day and so do the people that work under me. If one of my guys fail to LOTO, they go home. No second chances.

Don't worry TSMIL,

I got your point on the first reply. I don't think I know better than a journeymen with years of experience, and like I said I'll look into what you noted & I meant that.

I appreciate the advice

I'd love to ask you some questions about the industrial side. I hear a lot of it but no one around these parts has any experience in that area. It's to remote and residental.

20'sStarter said:

Hey guys,

Just started in the trade with some family. Doing pretty simple stuff like plugs, etc. but lovin the heck out of it

haha blew a chunk outta my linemans a few days ago due to someone turning back on the panel when I was cutting some 12-2 wire.

Anyone have some really great stories of when they first started and where green as hell

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It's illegal for you to touch anything electrical related as a "helper" A helper sweeps. Gets tools. Supplies and hands them to the apprentice or Jman.

Your 'family' can lose their license if anyone found out.

YYCApprentice said:

It's illegal for you to touch anything electrical related as a "helper" A helper sweeps. Gets tools. Supplies and hands them to the apprentice or Jman.

Your 'family' can lose their license if anyone found out.

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In BC we can have 4 "helpers" doing resi Electrical so much for having to be indentured to work in the trade. That was years of a waste of time from the Govt . then the BCSA took over

Hi Tsmil

I read your story how you got started and I'm in the same boat. I am 32 and quit my desk job to go to school for a pre-apprentice program. I wanted to gain some bkgrd and confidence. Program is done this April and I'm excited to get started. I hope that someone gives me a shot so I can prove my worth. Being a little older I'm fully invested.

Tsmil said:

In Ontario, there is no such classification as an electricians helper.

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Actually there is.They are only allowed to moved electrical materials but not install or work on anything. I.E. a material handler, but home many shops do you know that follow that?

Pre-apprenticeship programs are a farce as far as I have seen, what better way to lead a potentially great electrician on for low wages for a few years until they're broke and leave the trade? No wonder we're the lowest paid, it's pounded into you until you get your ticket!

The Ontario government better start assisting the trades soon before we have no one to fill our work boots- I do want to retire someday.

And 20'sStarter, they do have individual breaker lockouts as Tsmil recommended.

Hey guys, just wanted to give a heads up that I did look into all the appropriate lock-out and tag recommendations and will be following this in the future.

Want to thank TSMIL, 99 cents, etc.

I'll also make sure that I start following the recommendation of testing energized lines, etc. to make sure they are de-energized.