A day in the life of an electrician - Commercial electrician #1

A day in the life of an electrician! What a commercial electrician does every day and a look at some short tips and tricks!
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[@signsofthetimes886]

Been thinking of becoming an electrician. Ive been looking up electrician videos on KZbin to inform myself more and came across your channel. I'm really liking your electrician content man. Videos like yours motivate me to get into this trade/field of work

[@americanelectrician]

Glad to hear that! It’s a good move if it’s something you end up enjoying!

[@josephflanagan2527]

My passions and dream jobs would be a comic artist and/or bbq pit master lol Those jobs aren’t the easiest to pay the bills, especially with a family so I chose to be an electrician, and it’s been great! It’s a very fulfilling career.

[@rudycastroandthesilhouette2934]

@@josephflanagan2527 did you go to school? Or are doing an apprenticeship?

[@josephflanagan2527]

@@rudycastroandthesilhouette2934 I went to a year long program in Los Angeles and didn’t learn too much lol I learned mostly from job experience and studying via books and KZbin videos. I can’t say there is any right way to start your career but keep an open mind and try to learn from everyone you work with no matter the person 👍

[@aithedon]

@@josephflanagan2527 do you remember what the program was called? I live in LA and was thinking about becoming an electrician as well and looking for some programs/trade schools

[@nickcarlson9440]

Pro tip for the Klein circuit tracer. They say to go over the entire panel first to do a calibration. Then when you do a second scan it will pick out the circuit. Great video either way!

[@americanelectrician]

I appreciate the tip! Thanks for the support!

[@MrMaxyield]

And reset the receiver before you scan...

[@itsfarriswheel4421]

I’m glad to see another craftsman at work. I appreciate seeing you take pride in your work. Bonus points for taping your devices even though it’s not *code*. Also I don’t know if you know but a tip an old journeyman taught me was when terminating devices with stranded if you leave a little insulation at the end of the wire after you strip it, it’ll help keep the stranded wire together instead of fraying and going everywhere. Keep up the good work and be safe man. ⚡️🍻

[@burgessbrooks4435]

Should always hook up 1-ground 2-neutral 3-hot or line This way the last thing you hook up is the hot.. good practice if it's live or not.. when your disconnecting it's the opposite order..if you ever have live work you are performing you will want to follow these steps

[@KitchenerLeslie2]

On light fixtures I hook up ground last. That way if somehow the hot is accidentally energized or you’re doing it live you don’t complete the circuit with the grounded fixture.

[@victormendoza6306]

Your way to explain is clearly and I liked, I’m in your channel to follow your next videos

[@three-phase562]

Great little snippet into your work. I like to see how things are done over in America, quite a different way to working and the style of the apparatus to how I was trained and are apparatus over here in the UK.

[@americanelectrician]

It is quite different! I have watched a bit from over seas and it’s a lot different. Always good to see things from a different angle

[@ItsFlips-jg3tr]

Looking into this because school is just not the move . I’m finishing this year and then going into this trade , hopefully 🙏

[@americanelectrician]

Its a good choice!

[@benjamin-rn5zn]

Same here

[@MrMaxyield]

It's not for everyone... gotta have some brains to be in service... Best decision I ever made though...!!

[@buschtrout1499]

@@MrMaxyield hey I appreciate if you could give me any feedback. What are some common things you see in your field where people either get fired or the mistakes people make where the job isn’t done efficiently. I ask because I’ve never been very book smart, however I’ve always been good using my hands. Anything helps. Thank you!

[@MrMaxyield]

@@buschtrout1499 when ppl overstate their knowledge or ability. That causes problems. This trade requires so much knowledge and the field is so wide that a person can easily specialize in a certain area. Examples are motor controls and lighting. Or solar PV systems and backup generator specialists... The electrical trade isn't going anywhere and there is a constant need for qualified help... If you choose electrical and know your stuff you'll ALWAYS be in demand and can charge what you want... good luck man

[@robertcarroll2840]

Awesome, can't wait for #2

[@americanelectrician]

It will be coming soon!

[@bradbeaton6144]

I see a new addition to your tool kit - the preschool chair!

[@shawncherry1475]

I just finished trade school, and am looking to start a apprenticeship, your videos have really gotten me excited and looking forward to starting one

[@desertoutlaw3317]

you dont need trade school before you start

[@assassin7250]

@@desertoutlaw3317 I’m confused. What he’s saying?

[@christopherdelcastillo0077]

@@desertoutlaw3317 it does help a lot when you are trying to go for a certain industry, like industrial electrician for example, learning the theory and hands on experience helps you get an entry industrial electrician job easier.

[@desertoutlaw3317]

@@christopherdelcastillo0077 no, waste of money and time

[@dylanlink9798]

@@desertoutlaw3317 Depending on your age, he is right. Start an apprenticeship with a union who will send you to school for free while you work and learn on the job with a contractor. It's free schooling but it doesn't pay much per hour at the beginning. If you are young and can afford it, definitely worth it in the long run. If you're a little older with kids/payments/bills then a cheaper trade school and going non union is most likely a better route. You probably will not make as much or get all of the usual union retirement and insurance benefits in the long term this way though. Wish I went the union route when I was out of high school, now it's too late.

[@CGrib16]

Great how-to keep it up!

[@americanelectrician]

Thank you Colin!

[@galawangelectrical]

a day in a life of an electrician good job man!

[@americanelectrician]

I appreciate it!

[@keis9396]

Buen video, espero el segundo capitulo de "A day in the life of an electrician". Es entretenido ver como trabajan los gringos en electricidad y hacen un buen trabajo en las ediciones de videos. Saludos viejo!

[@americanelectrician]

¡Gracias! ¡Publicaré más pronto!

[@rjrosa2438]

Great job!!Can't help but look forward to your next video!

[@aaronbrown5631]

This is good content. The interweb sorely lacks for content of electricians doing real work, with a detailed look.

[@americanelectrician]

I’m trying to get better at getting all the details in. Filmmaking is still tough for me but I’m starting to understand it more!

[@shanen.6210]

I have a screw gun with a 1/4" chuck that has torque settings. I put it on a low setting and finish tightening by hand. Way easier on the hands and I don't have to worry about over over tightening the screws or stripping them out

[@americanelectrician]

That is fantastic. Yes it’s definitely much easier to use a power tool then by hand

[@tommymack3210]

I use Wiha Speede II :) I have motor and hand tool in one, can also put a torque chuck on it.

[@TomLeg]

The square is called a Robertson. Robertson presented his square screws to Ford back in 191x or 192x. Henry loved the idea and wanted to set up a factory to make his own screws, but Robertsoin wouldn't go for it, so for most of the last 100 years, they've only been used in Canada. Silly Bugger.

[@Aquablade95]

What is the tools you used in the beginning of the video like brand and name please?

[@a1motivation734]

Good information sir

[@oswaldjh]

Testing one of two outputs on the receptacle to be replaced will not tell you if it's a dual feed circuit.

[@jonathanb9037]

Love the content, wouldn't hurt to lockout the breaker also.

[@americanelectrician]

Thanks man! Yeah that is for sure something that is a good practice. In any occupied building or if I had other people working with me I definitely would have

[@johnkulpowich5260]

Definitely.

[@Its_Esoteric]

If my boss saw me doing receptacles without a impact or a squiggly and adding electrical tape there would probably be a fight.

[@TheFacilityguy]

Interested in seeing what else you get into, it’s tough finding good electrical video’s from the field.

[@americanelectrician]

Thank you! Hopefully I get to do some more soon. It’s hard to make them most places so i try not to push it.

[@bisayangelectriciantvofficial]

Philippine electrician here... watching from philippines...

[@mattbastow4627]

Sat in my hotel room over the pond 🇬🇧 cold beer and seen the notification, already know this is gonna be epic

[@americanelectrician]

I appreciate the support!

[@jlmrballgame]

Great video man, keep it up. Loving the Wera screw drivers brother

[@americanelectrician]

Wera is the best! Thank you!

[@virus_mxcoc2683]

Buen video amigo !!

[@americanelectrician]

Thank you!

[@Bigdawgjon]

Hello been thinking about becoming a electrician. Some guys tell me that the job is not that bad as long as you what your doing right?

[@americanelectrician]

It’s a lot of fun! It become a lot more enjoyable once you understand stuff. Everyone starts from scratch though so it’s not like you have to have a base of knowledge to begin!

[@brodyjenner2389]

American electrician!!!

[@americanelectrician]

Brody!

[@angellg237]

Currently a high end residential painter, looking to join the electrical trade as I just finished my painting apprenticeship. Any tips or info I should consider before joining???

[@americanelectrician]

Find someone who is good and take everything you can from them! It is much easier and faster to learn that way

[@georgioe8553]

Easy money! Good video! Keep em coming!

[@americanelectrician]

Thanks! I appreciate the support!

[@xylexut2589]

Just so you know, you can twist a outlet so its more flush with the plate/wall if you twist the top and bottom metal part with pliers like wire strippers, or with a 3 prong tester. Looked a little off to me but not that I'd complain. Everyone else does so I just got to notice it before they do.

[@americanelectrician]

Great tip!

[@Bludcharg4214]

Lol bro pretty sure he knows that, thats like something you learn the first day

[@Bludcharg4214]

Wow great tip!!! Another tip from me, the black wire should always be clockwise on the green screw!

[@bakedfish3200]

I usually don't subscribe to too many channels. But I like your content. Subscribed. Keep up the great work man. Can't wait til I can be an electrician

[@americanelectrician]

I appreciate the support! It’s definitely something I have loved doing and I hope it’s the same for you!

[@JG-ys6bq]

after I graduate high school i’ll still be 17 since my birthday is in October , how long after that does it take to become an electrician? honestly this is the most interesting trade to me out of all of them

[@MrMaxyield]

Depends on how mechanically inclined you are and also how bright you are with the math and formulas. But a guy with decent mechanical know how and average school ability can get a journeyman card in 4yrs... Edit: keep in mind when you graduate you'll be DEBT FREE and be making top wages. You'll also be earning while you go through the program. Something college just can't match...!! There is a shortage of qualified electricians and you'll ALWAYS be in demand anywhere you go... Go for it man...!!!🤘

[@arthurvasquez8795]

Great content. I could tell you take pride in your work.

[@americanelectrician]

Thank you!

[@tylerramos5500]

Yo the veto pro pac tech pac blackout you have, I’m deciding is the Velcro is gonna be a pain the ass compared to the regular one. Have you been liking the blackout so far? I know you were concerned about how the Velcro would hold up

[@americanelectrician]

I thought the same thing at first. The Velcro is good and definitely not going to be a problem. Plus they’re coming out with more of the V swipe panels so it’ll let you customize it if you see one that you like. I definitely would say go with the black out!

[@Lisa-sq3zl]

Hey question for you. How physical is this job in terms of heavy lifting? I am a woman in my 30s. I used to work in the glass industry but left bc I didn't want to end up with shoulder problems from lifting 100 pound shower doors all day long. I really miss construction though. Thoughts?

[@pronounshismajesty3542]

Stay out unless you have balls femoid

[@johnkulpowich5260]

It's physical. What was shown was nothing. Pulling in feeders. Blowing holes in walls. Installing 3" pipe. Installing switch gear. The weather It's all in there

[@claytheist6736]

Don’t be discouraged. There’s older dudes in their 50s still doing it. It’s the least physical of the trades really. Go residential if you think commercial will be too difficult.

[@jerrysadkowski2179]

Didn’t see lock out tag out at circuit breaker also looked like black wire came right off

[@johnkulpowich5260]

It did pop out. Plus why didn't they know the outlets were wrong. It was a spec job

[@adamsmithelec]

Is it not a requirement in the regulations that the consumer unit must be labelled to identify the circuits? Asking from the UK (where it is a requirement). Thanks

[@ThreePhase470]

Unless a specific job requires it, generally no. Although hospitals , at least in my area will almost always have the circuit labeled on the cover plate

[@americanelectrician]

At the panel yes. In order to pas an inspection circuits do have to be labeled. This is a new panel but was swapped for the old which didn’t have any identifying marks on it which is why it is not labeled. But yes in commercial settings labels are usually printed off and stuck on receptacles and switches to show what circuit they are

[@J-Jim]

While in the US it is a requirement to label the circuit at the panel, quite often in commercial work the labels simply state something like ‘Floor Receptacle’ and are therefore not helpful. What about the UK?

[@renesalinas9491]

I worke mostely with screwles sokets for the cabels

[@americanelectrician]

Most of ours are this way in America

[@johnstancliff7328]

daily life: wake up... touches metal coffee maker, gets shocked..... goes to shave, gets shocked.... goes to close front door, gets shocked.... etc., etc., etc.....shocking, isn't it....

[@CB_ChaosLove]

Ok, so the tape wrap on the outlet. That isn't a code regulation in your area right? I assume you just learned that from someone and continued to do it yourself?

[@americanelectrician]

No not a code. It helps to prevent accidental contact with the box or someone’s fingers of they can find their way into the box somehow

[@Alex90Wilson]

Why wouldn’t you use 20 amp TR receps. The circuit is already 20amps

[@americanelectrician]

Haha good catch. For the same reason there weren’t TR receptacles put in in the first place. Just a step missed in ordering. It’s been resolved!

[@zucc3039]

Should I dropout of college and become an electrician? I’m majoring in engineering but I’ve been thinking about dropping everything and starting this trade at 18

[@yuyuyu9029]

That’s what I did lol, did u end up doing it?

[@danielcampbell4372]

Song?

[@manresaelectric]

yea those Klein tracers are hit or miss

[@garethblake3941]

As a Brit l am still amazed that all your receptacles don't come fitted with shutters and all the electrical connections are not shrouded in some way as a legal requirement. Keep up the good work and stay safe.

[@Rhino1687]

If you just replaced the panel why wouldn’t you have labeled the circuits?

[@doesntmatter7389]

That’s exactly what I wondered. Proper labeling is something guys always cut corners on and I don’t understand why.

[@Rhino1687]

@@doesntmatter7389 Just makes your life harder in the future

[@esam2017]

👍👍👍

[@diid17]

What is the time duration of studying electricity as a trade in USA

[@triguer1]

In a UNION ELECTRICIANS school: 5 years, In a community college: 3 years, In a private school: 1 year, it is best to find a job as a helper electrician, and go to electrical school at night, that way you will start seeing good money just after 3 years in the trade.

[@diid17]

@@triguer1 I thought it was months not more Than a year

[@mattbastow4627]

Do you not have to lock off the breaker? We’re supposed to lock off the breaker incase anybody flicks it back live

[@americanelectrician]

In a normal setting yes. In this video no because I was in a secure location. Normally everything is locked out and tagged out

[@johnkulpowich5260]

@@americanelectrician bullshit. You should show repetitive practice

[@isaacromero8331]

You do seem like a guy that would quick wire. 18 and I never take shortcuts in this kind of work

[@whoknowsbb5705]

Hey, I’m really thinking of becoming an Electrician! I’ve read horror stories though about people’s bodies being destroyed after 15 years on the job. Is it really that bad?

[@jman210210]

constant bending, kneeling, climbing up and down ladders, in and out of lifts, lifting heavy items so yeah it's definitely not for the weak! I'm an electrical contractor, 31 years old and my knees just started bothering me last year. If you do preventative exercise it's not bad at all though. Just get used to getting into weird spaces. Go in your kitchen and crawl inside your cabinet under the sink, that'll give you a good idea if you really want to be an electrician or not :)

[@whoknowsbb5705]

@@jman210210 so do you think a guy who stays at a healthy weight, workouts, and eats right, should he fine after retirement? Maybe some stiffness but nothing serious?

[@americanelectrician]

I can agree with his response!

[@americanelectrician]

Yes should be fine. I know some old electricians who are in great shape for their age and have done it all their life

[@carolinaanthony4142]

Waiting to get into the apprenticeship I’m going commercial too. I’m gettin out of construction rebar it sucks

[@americanelectrician]

That’s a good decision! Especially for a life long career. Best of luck to you!

[@MatthewSmith-uf6tr]

being an electrician sucks around here. Jobs sites all over the places lots of travel.

[@americanelectrician]

Definitely one of the downfalls. I think it depends on the contractor though

[@rorotheking4520]

Tryna get out of Contruction and do service

[@nswst8]

Need to ensure that you disengage the auto focus.

[@americanelectrician]

Hahahaha thanks! Definitely still trying to figure out the camera that’s for sure

[@1poinucantdothat955]

We likes speed in the south dewalt impact attachments for everything needed

[@jimanderson4495]

Thanks, but please focus camera.

[@pytis]

The electrical tape around the receptacle gets yucky and gnarly after a few years and does nothing to help you not get shocked, if anything you're more likely to get shocked from doing the extra work of removing the tape and cleaning the residue.

[@americanelectrician]

Thanks for the tip!

[@bryanscott1225]

Who uses electrical tape around an outlet? That is for beginners! I've been an electrician for 30 years and I don't even turn the damn power off to replace an outlet.

[@rwdtk000000]

Good clickbait with pretty girl. Good info too

[@theizzoshow5180]

How much did you get paid for a job this small?

[@americanelectrician]

This was an entire remodel and is part of the contract!

[@TheLogneo]

Hello, at 7:17 you do something wrong, juste before you said how to put Ground around screw, and the next thing you do is the reverse...:)

[@americanelectrician]

Thanks...:)

[@Deniscakir69]

dude im a german electrician i literaly get anxiteys from this work is nicely done but those outlets and the whole system makes me worry for the children

[@americanelectrician]

Thanks. Why anxious?

[@johnparkinson2855]

I’m shocked how poor protection is actually on that socket- I mean your relying on tape 😖 It would fail in uk this work- but it’s your regulations I suppose Great video

[@marsmith1907]

Your last grounding conductor was on counter-clockwise.

[@massactrician]

I'm japanese electrician。 watsup?

[@americanelectrician]

Welcome! Glad you could make it!

[@uio86a]

I am a young man in Korean history. Can I learn electricity from you?

[@americanelectrician]

Anything for my channel but you’ll learn much more if you find someone close to you and spend time working with them

[@giovanniflores5343]

Backstabbing dam

[@adanmartinez6490]

Lol “commercial electrician “

[@TheComplexCurve]

No PPE, no lock out tag out... Nice Wera though.

[@doesntmatter7389]

At 7:18 - Bad practice to wrap your wire counter-clockwise. Not trying to be mean but that’s a very basic industry standard.

[@kaziwill]

Really? a chair? Are you trying to get future apprentices fired? so lazy

[@MrIlovebmw86]

Commercial is easy. Residential is garbage.

[@assassin7250]

???? Why is it garbage

[@MrIlovebmw86]

@@assassin7250 well it’s just that extra layer of being in someone’s home. You gotta be respectful. You have to make small talk. I can’t really explain it. Also this is my opinion. The work is different. Attics and crawl spaces. Don’t let it dissuade you from taking any path. You have to do what’s right for YOU period.

[@johnkulpowich5260]

Residential dose suck. You get all the hack jobs