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What an electrician does
An electrician installs and connects electrical wiring, fittings, distribution boards and equipment, then tests and maintains them so that power, lighting and connected systems run safely. The work spans new installations, fault-finding and planned maintenance.
Because electrical work carries clear safety and compliance obligations, an electrician is expected to hold the qualifications or registration recognised in their country and to work to the relevant wiring regulations and inspection requirements.
Core responsibilities
- Reading drawings and specifications to plan an installation.
- Installing wiring, cabling, sockets, switches and distribution boards.
- Connecting and commissioning lighting, power and control circuits.
- Testing and inspecting installations and recording the results.
- Diagnosing faults and carrying out repairs or upgrades.
- Working safely with isolation procedures and to wiring regulations.
Skills and qualities
- A recognised electrical qualification or registration for the jurisdiction.
- Sound knowledge of wiring regulations and safe isolation.
- Accuracy when testing, measuring and recording results.
- Methodical fault-finding and problem-solving.
- Good hand skills and care with tools and materials.
- Clear communication with clients, site teams and inspectors.
Typical employers and settings
- Electrical contractors and building-services firms.
- Construction companies and main contractors.
- Facilities-management and maintenance teams.
- Manufacturing, utilities and industrial sites.
- Domestic and commercial property owners.
How the role is recruited
- Roles are filled directly or through trade and labour agencies, with qualifications usually a precondition.
- Screening confirms the qualification, registration and right to work.
- Interviews are practical and may include a skills assessment or test of regulations knowledge.
- Employers often check references and any required safety cards or scheme membership.
- Onboarding covers site rules, the specific systems and any in-house procedures.
Documents involved
- A job description listing the qualifications and registrations required.
- Proof of electrical qualification, registration or scheme membership.
- An employment contract or assignment terms for agency work.
- An offer letter confirming role, location and start date.
- Right-to-work and identity checks as required.
- A safety induction and onboarding checklist.
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