Advice for newly qualified electricians

[Lou]

What is the best piece of advice you've been given over the years by other electricians that you would like to pass on to newly qualified ones?

 

[westward10]

Are you sure that isn't live.

 

[Pete999]

Go to the stores and get me a bucket of Volts, the 240 ones, sorry really, never give up learning, and don't take silly chances with yours and others lives.

 

[Octopus]

When posting threads, include as much information as possible AND answer questions raised promptly and constructively....

 

[Pete999]

When posting threads, include as much information as possible AND answer questions raised promptly and constructively....

And fill in the information on the profile page.

 

[stummish]

Me: "is this live?"
Sage: "find out for yourself, the painful way or the right way."

Only you can keep yourself and others safe.

Me: "which cable is which?"
Sage: "did you label or write on them all?"
Me: "no."
Sage: "well you'd better find out in your lunch break."

Label or mark all cables at both ends!

Work fast enough to get the job done within price, but too fast and you'll feel forced cut corners, or make mistakes which in the long run will cost you more.

There's usually many solutions to a problem, never asume you know it all, and failures are just lessons you'll never forget.

 

[Toneyz]

Every day's a learning curve, but these days cover your back side get things signed off/for take photo's sorry but on some jobs that's how it is. Keep a diary with notes

 

[stummish]

Every day's a learning curve, but these days cover your back side get things signed off/for take photo's sorry but on some jobs that's how it is. Keep a diary with notes

This. You can even show potential customers your before/after work pics. Show off your good work, it'll give you an edge when you're proud of your work and show it.

And when the excretion hits the rotating kinetic atmosphere redistributor, having all the notes to hand shows your serious and you can back up your arguments.

 

[Octopus]

Taking pictures can also "prove" when somebody has been meddling!

 

[7029 dave]

Keep your back warm, and wear thermals in winter.

 

[Bob Geldoff1234]

Drink lots of tea!

 

[Mumfi]

What is the best piece of advice you've been given over the years by other electricians that you would like to pass on to newly qualified ones?

 

[Mumfi]

Get out of the electrical trade and get a job that pays a proper wage

 

[Dave the spark]

When faced with a fault finding exercise don't panic and don't go at it gung ho and in a scatter gun manner. Take your time, look at it and think about it. Approach it logically and methodically and don't discount anything as I've seen some strange things and causes of such.

 

[Des 56]

Never lose heart with the mundane existence this trade will generate, just remember to keep doing the 6 lottery numbers that will free you of its shackles

 

[KennyKen]

Take pride in your work.. you can tell a decent spark by the way he or she approaches their install. Too many youngsters who don't even know how to install correctly to there specific specifications. Let alone test or fault find. Remember the basics first.

 

[westward10]

To avoid disappointment have no expectations.

 

[GMES]

Never expose the back of your neck too your mentor if he is wielding an hot teaspoon.
We've all been there as youngsters

 

[Wilko]

Every cable is live

 

[David M]

Protect your knees, ears and eyes at all times!!
If you don't, by the time you get to my age (21 ) they will be cream cracker ed!

 

[David M]

Protect your knees, ears and eyes at all times!!
If you don't, by the time you get to my age (21 ) they will be cream cracker ed!

Oh and I forgot to mention - Dust Masks!!! a must!

 

[Teridactyl]

Never assume = --- (out of) u (and) me
Take the time to check.

 

[Rpa07]

Having mothers voice in my head at the crucial "measure twice, cut once" times has ensured 'less' mistakes!
Preparing the area with dust sheets and carpet protectors takes time but is an investment.
Always have sweeping and cleaning equipment with you. Sit 'Henry' in the front seat then you can ride the 2+ lanes!

 

[David M]

Having mothers voice in my head at the crucial "measure twice, cut once" times has ensured 'less' mistakes!
Preparing the area with dust sheets and carpet protectors takes time but is an investment.
Always have sweeping and cleaning equipment with you. Sit 'Henry' in the front seat then you can ride the 2+ lanes!

A motto (my bold) that has served me well for many years! I even take it one step further these days:- If I'm measuring in metric and wanting to remember the size for example, lets say 1110mm I also note the closest imperial size (that's "inches" to you young ones) which would be 43". What this does, is it ensures that I don't cut something at 1010mm by accident. Which is easily done if you are just relying on memory or accidentally misread the tape.
Trust me it happens quite easily
I have seen this done at my cost, a guy working for me misread the tape and cut a kitchen work top 100mm too short!

 

[Diddy]

Fail to prepare = Prepare to fail. As above with regards protecting your body inside and out......Smile knowingly as the "Hero's" Slag you off and laugh at you.....Then smile some more when their backs,legs,knees,eyes,ears and lungs start to fall apart while you are still going strong like a 20 year old on heat.

 

[Pete999]

Listen to your Mentors, wear your PPE, don't let other Trades bully you, don't leave you tools and equipment lying around, give your self 20 mins at the end of the working day to account for all your kit and listen to your Mum if you aren't married, the you will have to to listen to Her.