Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
Significant Points
Knowledge of electrical equipment and electronics is necessary
for employment; many applicants complete 1 to 2 years at vocational
schools and community colleges, although some less skilled repairers
may have only a high school diploma.
Employment is projected to grow more slowly than average,
but prospects vary by occupational specialty.
Job opportunities will be best for applicants with a thorough
knowledge of electrical and electronic equipment as well as
repair experience.
Nature of the Work
Businesses and other organizations depend on complex electronic
equipment for a variety of functions. Industrial controls
automatically monitor and direct production processes on the
factory floor. Transmitters and antennae provide communication
links for many organizations. Electric power companies use
electronic equipment to operate and control generating plants,
substations, and monitoring equipment. The Federal Government
uses radar and missile control systems to provide for the
national defense and to direct commercial air traffic. These
complex pieces of electronic equipment are installed, maintained,
and repaired by electrical and electronics installers and
repairers.
Electrical equipment and electronic equipment are two distinct
types of industrial equipment, although much equipment contains
both electrical and electronic components. In general, electrical
portions provide the power for the equipment, while electronic
components control the device, although many types of equipment
still are controlled with electrical devices. Electronic sensors
monitor the equipment and the manufacturing process, providing
feedback to the programmable logic control (PLC), which controls
the equipment. The PLC processes the information provided
by the sensors and makes adjustments to optimize output. To
adjust the output, the PLC sends signals to the electrical,
hydraulic, and pneumatic devices that power the machine—changing
feed rates, pressures, and other variables in the manufacturing
process.Many installers and repairers, known as field
technicians, travel to factories or other locations to
repair equipment. These workers often have assigned areas
in which they perform preventive maintenance on a regular
basis. When equipment breaks down, field technicians go to
a customer’s site to repair the equipment. Bench technicians
work in repair shops located in factories and service centers,
fixing components that cannot be repaired on the factory floor.
Some industrial electronic equipment is self-monitoring and
alerts repairers to malfunctions. When equipment breaks down,
repairers first check for common causes of trouble, such as
loose connections or obviously defective components. If routine
checks do not locate the trouble, repairers may refer to schematics
and manufacturers’ specifications that show connections and
provide instructions on how to locate problems. Automated
electronic control systems are increasing in complexity, making
diagnosis more challenging. With these systems, repairers
use software programs and testing equipment to diagnose malfunctions.
Among their diagnostic tools are multimeters, which measure
voltage, current, and resistance, and advanced multimeters,
which measure capacitance, inductance, and current gain of
transistors. Repairers also use signal generators, which provide
test signals,and oscilloscopes, which display signals
graphically. Finally, repairers use handtools such as pliers,
screwdrivers, soldering irons, and wrenches to replace faulty
parts and adjust equipment.
Because repairing components is a complex activity and factories
cannot allow production equipment to stand idle, repairers
on the factory floor usually remove and replace defective
units, such as circuit boards, instead of fixing them. Defective
units are discarded or returned to the manufacturer or a specialized
shop for repair. Bench technicians at these locations have
the training, tools, and parts needed to thoroughly diagnose
and repair circuit boards or other complex components. These
workers also locate and repair circuit defects, such as poorly
soldered joints, blown fuses, or malfunctioning transistors.
Electrical and electronics installers often fit older manufacturing
equipment with new automated control devices. Older manufacturing
machines are frequently in good working order but are limited
by inefficient control systems for which replacement parts
are no longer available. Installers replace old electronic
control units with new PLCs. Setting up and installing a new
PLC involves connecting it to different sensors and electrically
powered devices (electric motors, switches, and pumps) and
writing a computer program to operate the PLC. Electronics
installers coordinate their efforts with those of other workers
who are installing and maintaining equipment. (See the statement
on industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers
elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation
equipment install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronic
communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security,
navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft,
or other vehicles. Electrical and electronics repairers,
powerhouse, substation, and relay inspect, test, maintain,
or repair electrical equipment used in generating stations,
substations, and in-service relays. These workers may be known
as powerhouse electricians, relay technicians, or power transformer
repairers. Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers—such
as armature winders, generator mechanics, and electric golf
cart repairers—specialize in installing, maintaining,
and repairing electric motors, wiring, or switches.
Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles
have a significantly different job. They install, diagnose,
and repair communication, sound, security, and navigation
equipment in motor vehicles. Most installation work involves
either new alarm or sound systems. New sound systems vary
significantly in cost and complexity of installation. Replacing
a head unit (radio) with a new CD player is simple, requiring
the removal of a few screws and the connection of a few wires.
Installing a new sound system with a subwoofer, amplifier,
and fuses is far more complicated. The installer builds a
fiberglass or wood box designed to hold the subwoofer and
to fit inside the unique dimensions of the automobile. Installing
sound-deadening material, which often is necessary with more
powerful speakers, requires an installer to remove many parts
of a car (for example, seats, carpeting, or interiors of doors),
add sound-absorbing material in empty spaces, and reinstall
the interior parts. The installer also runs new speaker and
electrical cables. The new system may require additional fuses,
a new electrical line to be run from the battery through a
newly drilled hole in the firewall into the interior of the
vehicle, or an additional or more powerful alternator or battery.
Motor vehicle installers and repairers work with an increasingly
complex range of electronic equipment, including DVD players,
satellite navigation equipment, passive security systems,
and active security systems.
Many electrical and electronics installers and repairers
work on factory floors, where they are subject to noise, dirt,
vibration, and heat. Bench technicians work primarily in repair
shops, where the surroundings are relatively quiet, comfortable,
and well lighted.
Installers and repairers may have to do heavy lifting and
work in a variety of positions. They must follow safety guidelines
and often wear protective goggles and hardhats. When working
on ladders or on elevated equipment, repairers must wear harnesses
to avoid falls. Before repairing a piece of machinery, these
workers must follow procedures to ensure that others cannot
start the equipment during the repair process. They also must
take precautions against electric shock by locking off power
to the unit under repair.
Motor vehicle electronic equipment installers and repairers
normally work indoors in well-ventilated and well-lighted
repair shops. Minor cuts and bruises are common, but serious
accidents usually are avoided when safety practices are observed.
Knowledge of electrical equipment and electronics is necessary
for employment. Many applicants gain this knowledge through
programs lasting 1 to 2 years at vocational schools or community
colleges, although some less skilled repairers may have only
a high school diploma. Entry-level repairers may work closely
with more experienced technicians who provide technical guidance.
Installers and repairers should have good eyesight and color
perception to work with the intricate components used in electronic
equipment. Field technicians work closely with customers and
should have good communication skills and a neat appearance.
Employers also may require that field technicians have a driver’s
license.
Various organizations offer certification. Repairers may
specialize—in industrial electronics, for example. To receive
certification, repairers must pass qualifying exams corresponding
to their level of training and experience.
Experienced repairers with advanced training may become specialists
or troubleshooters who help other repairers diagnose difficult
problems. Workers with leadership ability may become supervisors
of other repairers. Some experienced workers open their own
repair shops.
Employment
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers held
about 158,000 jobs in 2004. The following tabulation breaks
down their employment by occupational specialty:
Electrical and electronics repairers,
commercial and industrial equipment
72,000
Electric motor, power tool, and related
repairers
28,000
Electrical and electronics repairers,
powerhouse, substation, and relay
21,000
Electronic equipment installers and
repairers, motor vehicles
19,000
Electrical and electronics installers
and repairers, transportation equipment
18,000
Many repairers worked for utilities; building equipment contractors;
machinery and equipment repair shops; wholesalers; the Federal
Government; retailers of automotive parts and accessories;
rail transportation companies; and manufacturers of electrical,
electronic, and transportation equipment.
Job Outlook
Job opportunities should be best for applicants with a thorough
knowledge of electrical equipment and electronics as well
as with repair experience. Overall employment of electrical
and electronics installers and repairers is expected to grow
more slowly than the average for all occupations during the
2004–14 period, but prospects vary by occupational specialty.
In addition to employment growth, the need to replace workers
who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force
will result in many job openings.
Average employment growth is projected for electrical and
electronics installers and repairers of commercial and industrial
equipment. This equipment will become more sophisticated and
will be used more frequently as businesses strive to lower
costs by increasing and improving automation. Companies will
install electronic controls, robots, sensors, and other equipment
to automate processes such as assembly and testing. As prices
decline, applications will be found across a number of industries,
including services, utilities, and construction, as well as
manufacturing. Improved reliability of equipment should not
constrain employment growth, however: companies increasingly
will rely on repairers because malfunctions that idle commercial
and industrial equipment will continue to be costly.
Employment of motor vehicle electronic equipment installers
and repairers also is expected to grow about as fast as the
average. However, as motor vehicle manufacturers install more
and better sound, security, entertainment, and navigation
systems in new vehicles, and as newer electronic systems require
progressively less maintenance, employment growth for aftermarket
electronic equipment installers will be limited.
Employment of electric motor, power tool, and related repairers
is expected to grow more slowly than average. Improvements
in electrical and electronic equipment design should limit
job growth by simplifying repair tasks. The design of more
parts that are easily disposable will further reduce employment
growth.
Employment of electrical and electronic installers and repairers
of transportation equipment is also expected to grow more
slowly than the average because of declining industry employment
in railroad rolling stock manufacturing and shipbuilding and
boatbuilding.
Employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers,
powerhouse, substation, and relay is expected to decline slightly.
Consolidation and privatization in utilities industries should
improve productivity, reducing employment. Newer equipment
will be more reliable and easier to repair, further limiting
employment.
Earnings
Median hourly earnings of electrical and electronics repairers,
commercial and industrial equipment were $20.48 in May 2004.
The middle 50 percent earned between $16.04 and $25.07. The
lowest 10 percent earned less than $12.55, and the highest
10 percent earned more than $28.68. In May 2004, median hourly
earnings were $23.79 in the Federal Government and $17.82
in building equipment contractors, the industries employing
the largest numbers of electrical and electronics repairers,
commercial and industrial equipment.
Median hourly earnings of electric motor, power tool, and
related repairers were $15.54 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent
earned between $12.12 and $19.71. The lowest 10 percent earned
less than $9.48, and the highest 10 percent earned more than
$23.90. In May 2004, median hourly earnings were $15.02 in
commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except
automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance, the industry
employing the largest number of electronic motor, power tool,
and related repairers.
Median hourly earnings of electrical and electronics repairers,
powerhouse, substation, and relay were $25.86 in May 2004.
The middle 50 percent earned between $22.47 and $29.73. The
lowest 10 percent earned less than $18.01, and the highest
10 percent earned more than $33.82. In May 2004, median hourly
earnings were $26.37 in electric power generation, transmission,
and distribution—the industry employing the largest number
of these repairers.
Median hourly earnings of electronics installers and repairers,
motor vehicles were $12.79 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent
earned between $10.27 and $16.55. The lowest 10 percent earned
less than $8.85, and the highest 10 percent earned more than
$22.02.
Median hourly earnings of electrical and electronics repairers,
transportation equipment were $19.25 in May 2004. The middle
50 percent earned between $15.06 and $23.57. The lowest 10
percent earned less than $11.86, and the highest 10 percent
earned more than $27.70.
Related Occupations
Workers in other occupations who install and repair electronic
equipment include broadcast and sound technicians and radio
operators; computer, automated teller, and office machine
repairers; electronic home entertainment equipment installers
and repairers; and radio and telecommunications equipment
installers and repairers. Industrial machinery mechanics and
maintenance workers also install, maintain, and repair industrial
machinery.
Sources of Additional Information
For information on careers and certification, contact any
of the following organizations:
