Inside Wiremen install conduit, electrical wiring, fixtures, and electrical apparatus inside commercial buildings and in a multitude of industrial settings. Major duties for Inside Wiremen include:
- Planning and initiating projects
- Establishing temporary power during construction
- Establishing grounding systems
- Installing service to buildings and other structures
- Establishing power distribution within a project
- Planning and installing raceway systems
- Installing new wiring and repairing old wiring
- Providing power and controls to motors, HVAC and other equipment
- Installing receptacles, lighting systems and fixtures
- Troubleshooting and repairing electrical systems
- Installing and repairing traffic signals, outdoor lighting and outdoor power feeders
- Installing fire alarm systems
In performing these duties, Inside Wiremen must use many different kinds of tools, ranging from simple one and two-hand tools (such as pliers, screwdrivers, and cable-cutters) to power assisted tools like electric drills and cable pullers. They occasionally operate heavy equipment such as trenchers and aerial lifts.
Over the course of the five-year Inside Wiremen apprenticeship program, apprentices must acquire a wealth of technical knowledge. A recent job analysis identified 83 specific knowledge areas that are important for successful job performance. A few of the most important ones are knowledge of:
- The national electrical code
- How to work with energized circuits
- Blueprints (including symbols used)
- Electrical schematic diagrams
- State and local electrical codes
- First aid
- Hazardous materials
- Specific job safety rules
Some of the most important skills to be learned are:
- CPR
- Reading a wire table to determine conductor size required
- Terminating aluminum or copper cable
- Terminating high voltage cable
- Splicing high voltage cable
Contact Northern Nevada Electrical Training Center to learn more about becoming an Inside Wiremen.