3 Things I Don’t Like About Being an Electrician

[@jakesully5402]

First thing I teach my apprentices is never, and I mean NEVER, trust anyone that a circuit is dead. If they ask me, I’ll tell them on or off, but I’ll remind them to check for themselves, and not to trust my word on that. It’s a good way to teach them personal responsibility for their own safety.

[@MikeFizzyD]

god forbid I become a gay mans apprentice

[@m0b_44]

when he went over that part the first thing that went through my head was "I would rather check myself" and vice versa with whoever I'd be working with.

[@ahlzen8614]

Where I worked they required us to work on electrical stuff without even being electricians (So you know... super safe xD). It only took one time (with no electrical experience) of me getting bit by around 24 or so volts that I was like, "You said this was dead." "It should be." "Well it's *****ing NOT!" for me to make sure I had my meter and I don't even ask. If I have to work with someone I just go, "Good?" "Yeah!" then check it. Then shout back either good or not good and we'll put our locks on it. I was working with stuff all the way from 12v up to 480v. Just sucks that after almost 5 years they all still treated me like I was an idiot. I had to get out of that place and thankfully I did.

[@RobertL.Pappas-zl5pf]

OMG I learned that the long way when I was installing a washer machine 😭

[@joekillah3002]

Hotstick and Meter

[@pullen6091]

Honestly man even when I'm beat up I really, really enjoy the physicality. I did come into the trade with a leg up on most in that department but I get excited about stuff like running 4" rigid, pulling/terminating 600's, running 1600A busway, etc. In my first year I was able to lose 60lbs just from working hard and cleaning up my diet. You can use the physicality of the job to your advantage if you so choose.

[@fedfreds832]

Lmao your a clown good try though

[@Jaykapp.]

@@fedfreds832 why?

[@erich1380]

@@fedfreds832 the fuck are you talking about? im the same way. im a pretty built guy and most people i work with give me funny nick names like captain america or arnold when we pull wire or whatever. i worked for a company that always sent me out to wire pulls because i was by far the strongest guy. what the OP said was very true. you can get jacked from this trade if youre in commercial work and do it right

[@fedfreds832]

@@erich1380 lmao yeah buddy keep telling yourself your the strongest guy and how you love pullin wire. It’s different from the KZbin comment section compared to on site. If your really about it then hell yeah but I love my commercial electrician job but the last thing I wanna do is run 4 inch emt or pull wire no doubt I’ll do it that’s no problem but it’s not as fun as running half inch emt or trimming out lights and plugs

[@erich1380]

@@fedfreds832 who said anything about it being fun? Lol I'm just saying it gets you in shape. Nothing more nothing less

[@Philmein2]

As a licensed electrician of over 40 years (and a brother -I.B.E.W) I must say I love your videos. I find them informative and enjoy your perspective on the trade. I sincerely hope it encourages young people to join the trade or any other trade for that matter. I have never regretted my decision to become an electrician even on the bad days that my hands, back and knees are suffering. That all being said, keep up the good work young man.

[@Youngsparky95]

Hey , I’m currently a 4th apprentice with the local 52 union. Do you mind me asking how much you made per year ? After taxes..And do you recommend any tips for keeping your body in shape? I stretch daily because I already notice pains in my body and I’m not even licensed. I do enjoy what I do but often times i think about switching careers to something less dangerous and tolling on the body

[@teachccd]

I’m a retired IBEW electrician and this video is spot on. Everything he said is absolutely true and needs to be considered. I loved the trade but it’s not for the weak.

[@Kylewraps]

If you do IBEW what routes can you go? I don’t wanna be working in houses anymore doing pest control I’d rather work on Powerlines or commercial or something

[@Ironsack91]

As an electrician I feel that some of the things you've brought up as concerns are concerns in most if not all construction jobs. For example, cuts scrapes bruises. Completing a circuit shouldn't happen 99% of the time, between voltage testers, lock out tag out etc. But I'm definitely thumbs upping. I think it's great you're getting people to check out the trades, especially the younger crowd. 👏👏

[@MadElectrician]

Hey Joseph! That’s definitely true. This video pretty much applies to all construction/ trades in general. Thanks! I really appreciate that. I think it’s important for people to know the upsides and downsides to being an electrician/ in the trades. Happy to hear that you are enjoying the content! ⚡️

[@davidellison492]

@@MadElectrician Mad Electrician I am a retired union electrician 51 years. I have to say if one is doing this job for the money forget it. Expect to be traveling end up getting a bad back by the time your fifty years. I had better then average grades in high school. If one is going to get into this he cannot quite be overweight or very short. You have to working outside in all types of conditions and travel long distance and come in on weekends and at early morning hours. If you think you are going to the bathroom and talk on your cell phone do not take this job or think you can come to the job with liquor on your breathe job. You might have to go out after you have become a journey electrician and live out of motels this will cause problems in your marriage. If you have lived a shelter life forget this job. our if you have had mental problems forget this job. If you think your willing to take orders take abuse from foremen and love the job come on down. We need people in the IBEW willing to do the job. Hard drinkers and people taking drugs forget this job. Big companies on a lot of jobs make you take a drug test.

[@papilol141]

@@davidellison492 are you trolling?

[@reptilesgamers00]

@@papilol141 what makes you think he's trolling

[@reptilesgamers00]

@@davidellison492 damn man you make it sound awful

[@MadElectrician]

As stated in the video, I absolutely love being an electrician and I would recommend this career to just about anyone. My hope is this video wouldn’t come across as a list of complaints, but rather as a list of things to consider before you choose to pursue this career. I hope that you find this info to be useful and insightful and that you ultimately decide to pursue this fantastic career despite the downsides ⚡️

[@Abyssaeon]

100%. Every job has its pros and cons/costs and benefits. It just comes down to the individual and whether or not they think the balance is favorable and whether or not they are prepared to commit to that exchange. If it weren't worth it, though, I'd wager it wouldn't be such a competitive field. Your channel is blowing up, because people are swiftly discovering that trades are where it's at, and college is, in my humble opinion, a less and less sensible course, especially for men with an old-school work ethic.

[@PowderMill]

Thanks for your videos! I’m an old-timer and retired // just watching KZbin videos for entertainment. I sure wish I had these resources before I entered the trade. I used to be an electrical contractor with an emphasis on fire alarm / automation systems / standby power. I was also a volunteer firefighter/ EMT before I entered the work arena and stuck with it throughout my career, so was able to see the results of poor quality installs. The tools available now are amazing! Stay safe and learn everything you can about EVERYTHING you can. Always always wear proper PPE whenever risks are present. Good luck and thanks again.!

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks for the encouragement and advice! I really appreciate it! It’s pretty amazing where things are at these days and the recourses that are available to people.

[@Gavin-Ty]

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV

[@tommymack3210]

1. 1:40 2. 4:52 3. 7:35

[@elegantrio]

Top man

[@ni06no]

Thanks man!

[@kregg2850]

You the goat. 3 predictable things that can really apply to every trade. You saved me some time.

[@MadElectrician]

These do definitely apply to just about every trade. ⚡️

[@XGenBoomer]

Spot on! I’ve been an electrician in the IBEW for just short of 36 years and I endorse this! ✊🏿

[@Ken-zh2br]

How much did you make annually around your 5th year or so

[@Greenliight]

@@Ken-zh2brdepends where you live here in ca you would make around 80-100 but could be more or less depending on hours and OT and your title or rank that you earn through the 5 years

[@m0b_44]

I know this was a video about things you don't like about being an electrician but strangely enough it further solidified my decision to apply to my local next month. I love your videos and I've been taking notes. Thank you very much! I'm definitely following a lot of your advice.

[@yuknasty9199]

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Real talk! Great vids man

[@MadElectrician]

100%! Thanks, Jakob! ⚡️

[@brianbean2571]

As an ibew member for 26+ years. Being an electrician has been a great part of my working life. With the training that is available and worker safety that is enforced for workmen this is a great trade

[@DevanHoffer]

Being only 125lbs it's a bit worrisome, looking into this as a career change at 29yrs old. My cousin also died from this job (was resuscitated). But at the same time I really want to provide for my family I'm a better way, and I know this would be a profitable career path. Feeling a bit stuck

[@Bluemann023]

maybe be a plumber its harder on your body tho

[@spawn11]

Plumbing u deal with bio waste 😢​@@Bluemann023

[@melov4]

Gain some weight

[@shawnchristianson324]

I’m not necessarily looking into becoming an electrician, but I love the idea of learning a trade. Great video.

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks Shawn! I appreciate you watching! ⚡️

[@citygirljace]

If you begin working for an electrical contractor, politely ask for their written Lockout/Tagout policy and during your employment, hold them to it. It's 2021 and the proof that we can still "get it done" while responsibly de-energizing is in the fact that the companies that are most strict about this are often the bigger, more profitable ones.

[@viibesvk]

What is a lockout/tagout policy

[@normferguson2769]

Several big oil plants in northern Alberta are now doing psyc tests to weed out the “git er done” people as they are the ones bypassing safety rules and causing accidents and plant outages.

[@jaylin3074]

@@viibesvk lockout/ragout is a process we’re you go through everything that is powering a source of something your working on and turning off the equipment you need to work on instead of working on it hot, correct term would be live. I’m an apprentice in local 613

[@amuladarula1]

local 24 checking in, i’m a 5th year apprentice and i love it, definitely best decision i’ve ever made, i’m currently doing big 500 pulls going home super tired but it’s all worth it and i say im used to it by now, great videos keep it up man!

[@ArchdruidBramimond]

Hey, shout outs. I'm applying to local 24 right now. First time I've seen someone from my local in someone's comments. Hope you're doing well.

[@kendellcooper6061]

hey man how is local 24 I plan on applying real soon. I am currently a junior in high school living in the maryland area. Is it possible to make 6 figs in that union and do you enjoy it

[@just_ethanj02]

Great video. Helped to remind me that there are other things to consider than just the pay when looking for a job. I'm in college right now finishing my second semester and I've been looking into the trades because I'm not sure college is something I wish to continue. Thanks for posting this video.

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks! It’s my absolute pleasure. Happy to hear that you enjoyed the video!

[@dillonmaher6265]

What did you end up doing?

[@just_ethanj02]

@@dillonmaher6265 I'm working as an electrician's apprentice making pretty good money. Getting into the trades was the best decision I've ever made.

[@LuisJimenez-pk7tg]

@@just_ethanj02 nice to hear bro 😎

[@hxxdiec428]

@@just_ethanj02 did you have to have any prior experience beforehand?

[@dillonmgw2180]

Thanks man!! I'm thinking about becoming an apprentice. Your content is super helpful!

[@MadElectrician]

It’s my absolute pleasure! Happy to hear you’re enjoying it! ⚡️

[@ryancentnarowicz]

Thanks for being so informative I was debating about being an electrician but I don’t think I can handle this job. Props to you bro for being an electrician it definitely doesn’t sound like a job for everybody.

[@bpavilion8994]

What's your doubts on it?

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

Disabled from your last example. Backfed, not labeled, and I wasn't even working on the box I was getting up to it. Got hung up on 277 full load, ladder saved my life.. the broken back and plethora of other things like a TBI and Narcolepsy however was alternate. On a side note.. Seen Arc Flashes from faulty breakers, dust, and tools. People want to believe they will be safe their entire career, and expect people around them to as well.. complacency and stress can be a killer. 15 years in the trade (IBEW and non). Did commercial, residential, generator/gentech, data facility, industrial, and some tele/fire back in the day. Stay safe everyone!

[@CB_ChaosLove]

40y/o 1st year apprentice. Somewhat worried about repetitive stress injuries in my hands. maybe I'll have some hand ice baths after work

[@kenno6741]

U get used to it I’m a fisherman and I used to get them bad

[@literaryloser4470]

"I can actually cut a pizza now" Me: OH THANK GOD

[@MadElectrician]

Your comment wins 😂 You get a slice of pizza sliced by me 🍕

[@XXXTentaclez]

@@MadElectrician do you have to be good at math?

[@XXXTentaclez]

@@MadElectrician measurements scare me😟

[@GcfSteezy]

Brother I used to be a concrete finisher, Pouring and finishing. I did not expect this job to kick my butt like it did. So many awkward positions and overhead work. I love every second of it

[@JustAnotherOne1]

Hey, Steven. Thank you so much for your knowledge and experience on being an electrician. I’m a veteran and served with the infantry so much of what you mentioned doesn’t bother me at all. I will be going to school to be an electrician soon and debating on a degree on electrical engineering on the side. I have an associates and went more than half way through school to be an accountant just to realize I couldn’t stand sitting still in an office all day because it drives me crazy. I’m glad to hear you enjoy the career. Thanks again for your input. I look forward to more of your videos.

[@MadElectrician]

Hey man, thank you for your service! I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying the videos. Yeah, honestly even the things I listed in this video don’t bother me too much. Most days they are not an issue. I think that either way would be fantastic. Electrical engineering is great, and so is doing the actual electrical work. I can’t speak from personal experience, but you might find that electrical engineering is also potentially a lot of sitting in an office too. That being said, you office might be at home and the stuff you could be designing could be really cool. It guess it depends what direction you decide to go with your degree. Also, if you do decide to apply for the IBEW, just know that we have a huge amount of respect for our veterans and for that reason, you’ll probably have a very easy time getting accepted into the program. Keep in touch and reach out for any more questions! ⚡️

[@rasix6]

Thanks Steven, everything has a a sweet and sour. You are keeping it real. Literally. Cheers

[@MadElectrician]

Absolutely! You’re very welcome. Glad to hear that you are annoying the videos! ⚡️

[@Aquablade95]

Try buying a side sleeper pillow it helped my neck pain and now i wake up and my neck is a lot better

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll definitely look into it!

[@psyo123]

to whom watch this video This is for the people who tend to start from the very beginning. 3 things will be pointless if you keep working and watch other trade workers like plumber working However there is a useful piece of advice on this video. Safety safety safety thank you I really appreciate this video have a good weekend

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks for the comment! I’m glad that you’re enjoying the videos. Safety is definitely something to be stressed to I’m glad that you agree that that’s a good piece of advice. ⚡️

[@BillMaiden-i1n]

I dig your style man. In true electrician fashion, coffee came first and what could have been said in 3 minutes took 10. Well done sir. I myself and having a coffee and getting ready to get ready lol

[@andrewfischer8564]

working outside in the winter. i a ditch along the side of the road in the winter.. the top of a 50 story building in the winter

[@MadElectrician]

Those don't sound like ideal scenarios to me. I'm not a huge fan of working in the freezing cold. That being said, sometimes the job requires it and I'm happy to do whatever needs to be done ⚡️

[@goodolsparky9386]

Spot on with everything you pointed out . And like you even tho these are a factor I still choose to be an electrician today and love it! Don’t see myself making 6 figures a year any other way! Thanks for the video

[@rough_hand]

How much work would you say is outdoors?

[@pixelllrick]

Previous At&t retail guy myself. Looking into this fun to hear a similar career story.

[@THEBILL1993]

This video is really great. You pointed out some key factors. I am actually leaving my current job to become an electrician BECAUSE of the heat. Standing/walking in the heat really sucks in my opinion. Cold weather is also not very enjoyable. I dont enjoy working above my head either but i figure I will build muscle and it will be okay. I'm personally not concerned about the manual labor if it, but that doesn't mean I enjoy it. I have more research to do, but it appears to be a great career choice.

[@deedolan399]

This was a good video. Gave more insight... Not just focused on the great things but real life hurdles. 👍🏾

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks! That’s really the goal with this video. Some people see it as a list of complaints but that’s not the point at all. I just want people to be well informed and know the potential downsides. Love this trade and I would highly recommend it. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Glad you enjoyed the video ⚡️

[@deedolan399]

@@MadElectrician I am at the interviewing stage. I hope to have soaked up the tips you have displayed in the other video lol following on instagram as well. 🤓

[@amb158]

God nothing makes me more mad than when someone turns a circuit on without calling it out over the radio, especially when you’re at the phase of a job where you have guys energizing equipment and guys also working on circuits and equipment. Lock your shit out, I’ve learned that the hard way. I’m a very calm person by nature but I’ve just about leveled a couple of guys for doing that shit, especially because I call everything out over the radio if I have it turned off, (again this was before I started locking everything out). I agree with most of the stuff you’ve brought up, and to anyone who reads this and is looking to get into the trade, it will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. The first couple years are hard, and you WILL have days or even weeks that it just doesn’t pay to show up and you’ll want to quit. Don’t quit. This can be a very lucrative career both financially and in you own life outside of finances. You will get out what you put in. Show up on time, work hard, and do everything with a smile. Hard as that can be sometimes, faking a smile has gotten me through many a tough day, and I’ll never regret faking a smile. What I do regret is letting minor issues ruin my day, week, or month. And as I touched on before, safety is everything and there is nothing anywhere on any job site worth putting your safety or your life at risk. If you don’t feel safe, find someone who can help you do it safely or provide you with the equipment to do it safely. The old timers might hassle you for your safety glasses or gloves, but at the end of the day, it’s your life on the line, not theirs. And you’re gonna look a lot worse with a glass eye than you will wearing safety glasses with two working eyes.

[@liamjensen7775]

I’m considering this job. I actually wanted to go into the navy as an EM. Thanks for the vid it gave me some things to consider

[@rachael564]

I was an AT, (aviation electronics technician). It helped me get a job as an electronics technician. I do component level repair. If you want to be an electrician, try to become an EM

[@liamjensen7775]

@@rachael564 yeah my dad spoke with me about that. It sounds interesting, what things do ATs do?

[@rachael564]

@@liamjensen7775 they work on aircraft electronics.

[@Meathead193]

Hey thanks man I'm really looking forward too my carrear as an Electrician did my research of the dangers and this was helpful the Laborers Said ysll work in AC mostly but I knew yall work in different elements

[@freedasouth1]

I’ve never ever been good in school, my grades have always been sub par, never been able to complete homework ever at least never had the discipline too, but I know being an electrician is such a good career option and I’ve been doing extensive research, what’s the workload like if u take a college course

[@Aceses]

Was an automotive apprentice/technican for 6 years. I've had enough of the trade, just not for me. I've been considering going this route as currently I'm working as an advisor for the technicians and I miss working with my hands

[@towngrass201]

Why? What's wrong with the industry?

[@williameisenberg1999]

All good points ,I would add ,,double ! triple ! check the circuit you are working on is off , never trust anyone to tell you the circuit is off … mistakes do happen and you don’t want to be the recipient of some else’s mistake especially electricity . Being a business owner and Master Electrician for over 40 years it’s a great trade to be in .. There is Good and bad in all fields …

[@weasel964]

Thanks, good to know!

[@MadElectrician]

You’re very welcome!

[@Techprone1]

Great 👍 3 main reasons for sure!

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks! I appreciate you watching! ⚡️

[@PeaceunknownandunspokenJesus]

Thank you for this! Great information!

[@KjKase]

Agreed. The thing I dislike most is doing really repetitive work. Putting in 1000's of receptacles or lights as an apprentice sucked... But it's gotta get done. Also, sometimes you gotta work in unheated buildings in the winter, or worse, out in the elements during winter, that's shitty and I try not to get in a bad mood, but I don't look forward to those days. Especially if it's < -30 outside.

[@johndoe-lr9qc]

Thank you for your channel. I’ve been binge watching and have gotten a lot of good information. I just had my interview with IBEW. Looking forward to joining the brotherhood.

[@MadElectrician]

Hey John! You're very welcome! That's really cool to hear. How to you feel like your interview went?

[@elgavilan7731]

1.Danger: arc flash, live circuit. 2. Physically demanding: repetitive tasks, carpal tunnel, raising, lifting, digging. 3. Conditions: hot, cold, silica, fiberglass, asbestos, chemicals.

[@MadElectrician]

The real MVP ⚡️

[@neils9739]

Really nice video. I've learned as I have gotten older that if conditions are not so great I make my own conditions. Meaning I do everything in my power to improve my conditions for myself and others.

[@coopermcneil5552]

I really appreciate channels like yours man great video

[@notfortune598]

I appreciate this video. Mainly since I realize this may not be the profession for me.

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks for watching! Like I said in the video, these are just the main downsides that I want people to be aware of, but to me these aren't a list of complaints or a deal breaker for me. Just some of the realities of the trade. That being said, this kind of work definitely isn't for everyone and there isn't anything wrong with that.

[@lacethefabgirl1055]

What advice do you have for female electricians or apprenticeship members?

[@dereksmith8177]

4th year apprentice IBEW Local 134 Chicago IL. Great video for newbies covers alot of very real topics that everyone in this line of work will experience sooner rather than later. Despite all this I still love what I do and look forward to a long career and a great retirement.

[@The_Ladder_Perspective]

Unions are communist

[@dereksmith8177]

@@The_Ladder_Perspective then communism pay me 150k a year. plus pay my PPO BCBS healthcare and 2 pension plans plus and annuity worth well over a Mil when I retire then fuck yah for communism!

[@sumidk7674]

How has it been since being topped put as a Journeyman and working in Chicagoland area

[@dereksmith8177]

@@sumidk7674 I love it dude! It was a lot of hard work to get to this point but it is very rewarding and I have become a skilled tradesman. Just got done with United Airlines build out at Willis Tower now I’m doing another build out for Core Industrial at 110N Wacker Dr. We need more people in the trades and I’ve been trying to encourage more people to join but the work is not for everyone.

[@barryginder498]

thanks for this .... your style and content was great.... just want to suggest increasing the sound volume somehow. Thanks again

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks! Glad you like it! This is a pretty old video. My overall quality (sound included) is much improved since these older videos ⚡️

[@TheOnlyValken]

My aptitude test is on Saturday and I'm nervous af! I hope I get the chance to rep the IBEW local 241!

[@MadElectrician]

Hey man! Right on! I’m sure you’ve already seen my aptitude test video, but if you haven’t be sure to check that one out. Where is Local 241 located? I’m sure you’ll kill it man. Wishing you the best of luck and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you 🤞🏼⚡️

[@TheOnlyValken]

@@MadElectrician 241 is located in and around Ithaca, NY. Way less populated than Portland for sure but I'm not taking anything for granted. I poured over your test video but ill probably watch it daily until Saturday lol. I haven't been in school since 2009 so the math has me spooked but I've been studying best I can using Kahn Academy.

[@MadElectrician]

Oh wow, nice. A less populated areas sounds nice 😂 Haha, awesome! Yeah, Khan academy is really a life saver when it comes to preparing for the aptitude test.

[@gretelsgooch1676]

How'd it go

[@rtex8563]

I think the worst thing for me is crawling around hot attics in 100 degree temperatures, plowing through loose fiberglass insulation, while maneuvering through tight ranch house attic!

[@z1lla4]

Pffft residential noob

[@briceduggan7004]

Your videos are great. I’ve been sending them to my nephew to try and convince him that it is a great career. Also a Local 26 electrician that specializes in fire alarm like you did. Keep making these videos. They speak the truth.

[@panchotheaddict420]

the toughest thing is wire pulling, but if you can get in a comfortable position its also the funnest. the over head work was tough until i started paying attention to my form and now its no problem aside from the akward postions you gotta be in sometimes.

[@danielhady3021]

Having just topped out I can agree with these points. My first jobsite had me on a wire pulling crew, pulling massive cables. I almost quit lmao, I was a softie coming from working at a call center prior for 2 yrs. Also working in FL sucks! It's so hot and humid, but you do get used to it, still not super enjoyable weather.

[@DailyElectrician]

This man speaks 100% truth.

[@theseedoflife5825]

Is it worth it?

[@MadElectrician]

You flatter me bro @dailyelectrician.

[@pullen6091]

@@theseedoflife5825 10,000% Trades are where it's at and being a sparky is the best thing to be

[@davidoneill7554]

@@theseedoflife5825 that feeling you get when you are looking at a clean and square run of EMT that all bends nicely to land into a nicely made-up panel that you made up makes all the aches+pains+cuts+bruises worth it. Being able to grab a couple sticks of conduit whether it’s 1/2” EMT or 4” rigid and using your hands and imagination to make the material sing is an indescribable thing to admire if the end result is not only up to code/functional but aesthetically pleasing.

[@jaredkilgore7194]

Working at a chicken plant is about as raw of a nasty environment as you can be in. I mean, just the pink foul smelling ooze that creeps out the wall after hammer drilling an anchor hole was enough for some of the guys/gals to "drag-up". Paper mills can be pretty gnarly as well. Different types of "liquor soaps" will straight up cause your work boots to smoke in the process of chemically eating your boots away! Conversely you could be working in an ultrasanitary environment like certain "clean rooms" needed for scientific work and ite server equipment rooms as well. Started in this trade in 2002 with the JATC, topped out top of my class in 2007, now here it is already 2021! yet I still really enjoy and appreciate this trade. Probably hands down the smartest decision I ever made. There is a lot of opportunity in different directions this trade could take you that you wouldn't possibly imagine was out there when you first started. Keep up the great work. IBEW Local 80 member here. Look forward to watching your channel grow brother! ✊

[@deanlester5554]

I've been an electrician for 42 years and still get a charge ( no pun intended) from running a light circuit, flipping the switch on and it works! Kinda silly, but true.

[@whynot2734]

been a electrician since 83 it not a easy life but its not a bad job you don t go to the same place all the time and you can travel if you like but what he said is right its not for ever body and your hands will look rough after a couple decades and you will get shocked no way around it if you stay in it long but most people that do it are good people

[@brucebernal65]

I've been a master electrician for 25 years half my life. I'm self employed and have the privilege of not working around people who are mentally inclined to understand our job . You say about getting hurt could be cus of someone else fault just don't put yourself in that situation . Always know what the environment around you consist of . Just saying be aware of the task at hand and you will be ok. I actually insisted my son not to become an electrician. You guys stay safe and always alert.

[@unknownman1035]

Damn so it’s that dangerous of being an electrician?

[@Mike-kj1pd]

@unknownman1035 it is if you’re stupid

[@Bonavire]

having only been an apprentice five months now my arms are already well aquainted with freakin insulation

[@MadElectrician]

Welcome to the trade my friend 😂 Despite the downsides I mentioned in the video, this is an awesome career and I really love it. ⚡️

[@josephflanagan2527]

Yeah, insulation sucks. I’ve recently heard that covering your arms in corn starch helps filling in your pores and prevents fiber glass from stick to your skin.

[@Bonavire]

@@josephflanagan2527 that sounds worhh a try, thanks! I posted that comment after an afternoon spending hours in a hot attic without long sleeves so I was a little salty about the situation lmao

[@jean-yveswatts5048]

Great videos. I would add that in terms of the physical strain on the body, that tradespeople should seek the therapy they need to recover their bodies. I see many tradesmen even in the union sector that don't use their medical benefits. Just like professional athletes that have the best physio and massage therapists, we are so blessed in the union to have these benefits and I think all should use them to avoid pain at work and in their personal life. Find a good team of therapists and stick with them through out your career!

[@vgrepairs]

What benefits? In southern California our hospitals are so damn expensive you can get $8,000 worth of treatment and still have to pay around $3,000. And turns out the "treatment" was 5 mins with a doctor and an ibuprofen!

[@picksey4736]

@@vgrepairs they mean physical therapy and massage, which is not stuff you'd typically get at a hospital. medical benefits can be used to pay for a physical therapist and/or a massage therapist, it's not just for hospitals and seeing a medical doctor.

[@vgrepairs]

@@picksey4736 WHAT Healthcare do you have. I don't get any of that and my coworkers rave about how good our insurance is.

[@vgrepairs]

@@duncangale945 noone uses pronouns bro thats some 0.00000001% of the population sh't.

[@billyjoel6023]

I've been an auto/ diesel tech for ten years and can't wait to make the switch

[@frankrizzo1433]

Proudly retired from IBEW #3 after 30+ years. You are %100 correct it is a physically demanding job and it can be dangerous. Your Local should pay attention to physical conditioning the members for the job. I have watched to many brothers who were not physically fit and put both themselves and other brothers at risk. This is something the IBEW needs to pay attention to. This would help reduce the job injury rate and lower the disabilty rates for the contractors. One more comment it is a lot easier being an electrician than humping a M-16 in Vietnam!

[@r3251]

Do you think it’s possible to be an electrician and not have physical issues when older

[@deanlester5554]

​@@r3251Try being a millwright once.

[@Neil-ym8vy]

I was in the IBEW Apprenticeship , but didn't finish it. I think over the years the IBEW let to many people into the program and it's easy to get pushed aside if you don't already have experience or some background in it coming out of high school. So, I would recommend that new people work at least 1 year non-union or take a first year non-union electrical course before joining the IBEW if you didn't go to tech or trade school.

[@taylorgoodman7764]

I’m starting my eltricle apprenticeship out of high school soon, and for the last three years I’ve worked In carpentry and framing, along with tile and many others, and no job is ever 100% safe and no matter how much gloves etc you were, will always end up with scratches, bruises etc. lifting and carrying heavy stuff happens more often than many people think. The trades can be for just about anyone, and they offer so many advantages over other careers, but you pay for your advantages in ways like these. And this isn’t to try and deter anyone, it’s just to help better prepare you for whatever your choice is. I personally think the rewards outweigh the risk is eltricle or carpentry or plumbing simply because of the community that you can be a part of and juts because these are the best jobs ever in my opinion.

[@GetDownLoC]

I’m doing my ocean 10 class right now it’s a 10 week program and I’m debating on being a electrician for my apprenticeship good video showed the up and downs

[@gilangladisadewa8438]

Your channel is amazing! so informative! keep the good work!!!

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks man! Glad that you’re enjoying it! That’s the plan 😎⚡️

[@dustinketelhut6046]

Drilling into the concrete ceiling. Safety Glasses!

[@MadElectrician]

My favorite. Good times ⚡️

[@mostlycod]

i wanna be just like u when i grow up

[@MadElectrician]

Be careful what you wish for 😉

[@0BlueEyesWhiteDragon]

I love your videos and I’m getting myself psyched up to get into the apprenticeship. Now that it’s raining, how do you guys stay safe when you’re working outside?

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks man! Glad to hear that! Aside from that first project I was on, I’ve been working inside. Most of the time we work inside and weather isn’t an issue. For the electricians that are unfortunately working outside during this time, it would probably come down to just bundling up, wearing rain gear, and making it happen. I think that if was pouring down rain then contractors might not want or allow people to work outside. Depending on the contractor of course.

[@amb158]

I live the Salt Lake City area, and started my career in Denver, and if you live in an area that gets cold all winter long, I hate to tell you there’s not much getting out of it. You may a few times in your career get snowed or rained out of a job site, but its not common. My advice, invest in some thermals, bibs or flannel lined pants, and good gloves (I use polar penguins). Embrace the suck. The longer you do it, the less it will phase you. My first two winters were brutal, but after that I got used to it. Bitching about it only makes the time go slower, and it only makes you feel colder. Put a smile on your face and power through.

[@Neil-ym8vy]

Been hung up doing 277v lighting in a warehouse renovation on the neutral. My wrist was tingling the rest of the day.

[@tonythomas951]

Dont know why I havent come across your channel til now. Ive been a JW since 87 and I check out electrician channels just to see if they know what they are saying but the title of this vid definitely caught my eye. Id say you nailed it. Most people realize the danger of the electricity but dont consider the danger of the environments you will work in. Its hard work. People think its not and all you do is turn screwdrivers and twist wire. They have never carried that wire and pulled it into pipes. Big wire pull days are the worst. Anyhow you earned a new sub. Very nicely done.

[@elc2k385]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@chrisrogers2848]

Don’t you guys have a version of ‘safe isolation’ procedures in the US? In the UK we use voltage testers to check circuits are dead and ‘proving units’ to check the tester before working. And of course lock off devices to prevent people from turning the power back on while you work.

[@MadElectrician]

Hey Chris! Yes, we do have a lot of safety/ isolation procedures here. It’s something that’s definitely drilled into and something that most of us take seriously. I was more thinking of instances where the person who worked before you or even a long time ago might have accidental left a tool in a panel or something and it falls inside or something. I’ve heard all sorts of crazy stories. Or if a homeowner uses the color normally used for ground as their hot and then you are the unsuspecting electrician who works in their house and gets bit on what you thought was the ground. I’ve heard that one too. I personally check everything and always lock out.

[@dawg-talk2472]

Worst shit about it for me 1.) Hands: hands are constantly getting beat to death like flathead bludgeons ya palm, sharp metal etc 2.) Attics/Crawlspaces: hot or cold af, and insulation and pests and rat shit are not fun places to be, nor on your hands and knees on studs where’s if u raise up just slightly too high, might catch a nail/screw in the cranium cap 3.) Flood lights and areas up high you can’t get to very easily, ground might not be level, might be bushes, very shitty But at the end of the day it’s better than being a plumber HVAC or any other trade really the job when done safely can be really chill work

[@brycenwhitesides6866]

1. Is dangerous and can be not your fault if you get hurt. 2. Physically demanding- on feet looking up all day, repetitive movements hard on body. 3. Work environment can be challenging (too cold hot or disgusting)

[@kamelkani4051]

I like the honesty

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks! I really enjoy this trade and I highly recommend it, but I also like to keep it real. Thanks for watching! ⚡️

[@JJJJuancho]

The hard work is worth the pay what reallllllyyyyy sucks is driving to the job sites. I have to drive 1 to 2 hours for work everyday

[@MadElectrician]

That would be rough. I’m fortunate to work only about 45 minutes on average away from home. I have helped out on some other jobs that were a couple of hours away, but that was just for optional overtime.

[@AreaThirteenThirteen]

I got out of the construction side of electrical work and into maintenance at a facility close to home for that reason, was tired of the long drives, the traffic and out of pocket expenses for gas and wear and tear on my personal truck that I bought new (and not the first one either) which had over 200K miles on it while still making payments. I could have been a foreman or even a general foreman with a company truck and avoided that part but didn't want the headaches of running a crew or dealing with the pressure of the general contractor pushing ridiculous deadlines to complete a large job.

[@WalkHard1]

Huh I commented at like 30 seconds about IDW and at 2:40 when you mentioned it I just wanted to say that I knew LOL

[@jpizzel9629]

Do you have to travel a lot? I am worried about traveling straining personal relationships.

[@rogertorrez1798]

I don’t travel all that far, as an apprentice myself I’ve only traveled out of state a few times out of the three years on the job.

[@lane9043]

My biggest apprehension is hours; what times of day do you work usually, and what length of shifts do you normally have? Thank u !!

[@MadElectrician]

Hey Lana! It definitely depends on the company that you end up working for, what job you're on, and what hours they choose to work. My schedule is from 6am-2:30. I get home from work just after 3:00 so I feel like I still have most of the day to spend with my family. It's much better than my previous job at AT&T where I would often times work from 9am-6pm. There's not really any way of knowing for sure what your schedule will be like before you get in, but the trades in general start early and get off early. Hope that helps!

[@mikekotarba5828]

Thanks for the video

[@NathanCEnyart]

I didn't think about the hospital one. Removing duct work a ND diseases.

[@NathanCEnyart]

and diseases. Sorry fat fingers

[@issacgonzalez1451]

Thank you for the video

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks for watching it!

[@The325dmc]

something my boss told me is to not be afraid of the electricity but respect it. also keep a 2x4 handy incase you gotta push someone off lmao

[@kuqie1]

when i had internship in a trade school, they gave me hidraulic cutters to cut i think it was a 10kv line, they had it dug out and put on the cutters for me cause it was my first week and i wasnt really allowed to do anything apart from carrying stuff and pressing a button or whatever, they said everything is safe and to pump the cutters, i did that and there was a loud buzz and a massive bolt came out of the ground. Turns out they didnt do the lab tests and just assumed they dug up the right cable next to the road. I was around 2 meters away from the hole, while there was a worker inside the hole like 1 meter away from the place that was cut, no one was hurt luckly, but we had extra 4 hours of work that day, the project manager got in trouble and everyone elses legs were shaking for the rest of the day.

[@michaelk5765]

hey man , i am really interested in becoming an electrician & really appreciate the information you are putting on youtube! maybe in the longrun it is good to get one of those expensive massage armchairs , i mean not the cheap ones, but realy the expensive , they can do wonders when it comes to stiffness after a hard day of work

[@BrianLopez-gz8ux]

like everyone has been saying you experience these things in every trade, but electrical work is one of the least labor intensive trades. Some specialty work might be exempt from this but in general its light work. No pun intended.

[@jacksonkendall7077]

Great video! Can't wait to start my journey!

[@MadElectrician]

Thanks Jackson! I’m excited for you!

[@ericmeekey7886]

Dust would be my biggest concern, surely working in PPE includes wearing masks/respirators, right?

[@johnal4560]

I am trying to installing two LED mirror in the washroom each consumes 468w total 936 Watt and 2 vanity light each takes 3 bulbs w and each of those led bulbs are 5 w total 30 Watt connecting all of these the single wire that was already there for washroom vanity light so just wondering is it safe to do that do not want that it cause fire or anything thanks

[@YouTubeSFscript]

Also just to let you know just bc someone has a electrical license it doesn’t mean there good bc the test is just looking things up in a code book

[@ni06no]

You have a point but every job has it’s ups and downs.

[@MadElectrician]

Absolutely! This video is just pointing out the downsides specific to electrical work, though in my opinion they aren’t big enough reasons not to become one. Just trying to help inform people who are interested in the trade and curious about it. ⚡️

[@chrisoconnor3119]

For me it is no indoor plumbing and no air conditioning in the summer!

[@alieninstallation50]

thanks for the vid

[@MadElectrician]

It's my pleasure! Thanks for watching, Dakota! ⚡️

[@RunOs3]

Thank you!

[@migalhougaard1516]

Your videos are grwat and informative thankyou

[@rachelw8182]

I have an interview on the 17th and I’m super nervous! I hope I get into it because I love this trade!

[@MadElectrician]

Hey Rachel! That’s awesome, congrats about the interview! Just spend this time right now preparing the best that you can by thinking of answers to possible interview questions and also by working on your portfolio. (Check out my Applying for the IBEW Apprenticeship video if you’re not sure what I mean by portfolio.) Having a good portfolio will be the proof you need to prove to the training committee that you’re a great candidate for the apprenticeship. You still have plenty of time to work on that now if you haven’t yet. Also, just be aware that you might not be able to physically pass out portfolios due to the pandemic, so just be mentally prepared to talk over your portfolio without passing them out. I hope that doesn’t make you more nervous and hopefully that gives you some good ideas of how to use this time before your interview. You got this! Feel free to reach out with any questions you have regarding your interview. ⚡️