Electricians can look forward to steady
employment at a good salary, because new construction, building
retrofits and new technologies such as robots and automated
manufacturing systems assure an ongoing need for trained electrical
workers. Online training programs for electricians are rare and do not
include an apprenticeship. Nevertheless, the online programs that are
available can start would-be electricians on the path to establishing
themselves.
Overview of an Online Electrician Diploma
Online electrician diploma programs provide some tool instruction but
mostly cover the academic side of electrician training. Students learn
categories of electrical wiring systems, electrical industry practices
and procedures and distinctions between residential, commercial and
industrial electrical installations. There are no explicit academic or
experience requirements for admission to an electrician diploma program.
However, candidates with a high school diploma or GED may be better
prepared for academic study.
Some course materials for an online electrician diploma program are
accessed online through a school's website. Others, such as tools and
sample electrical components, are sent via mail. Finished assignments
and exams are submitted online. Interactions with instructors and other
students are conducted through e-mail and phone. Participation in an
online program requires a personal computer and Internet access. An
electrician diploma can be earned in under six months.
List of Common Electrician Courses
Online diploma programs are tightly focused on electrical principles.
On-campus programs may provide the option to take general education
courses either in class or online.
Electricity Fundamentals Course
This course surveys electrical current generation methods, devices
that control or use electricity and mathematics useful in electrical
work. Specific topics include generators, alternators, motors,
transformers, inductors, circuits and basic trigonometry.
Wiring and Circuits Course
Students in this course learn common configurations of electrical
devices and how to connect them safely. Wiring materials and methods,
splicing, branch circuits, electrical loads and fixture installation are
among the topics covered.
Blueprints Course
This course focuses on the symbols used in blueprints and how to read
a blueprint wiring diagram. Course content touches on outdoor wiring,
pole transformers, grounding, clearances, multi-phase systems and
overcurrent protection.
Motors Course
Students learn the parts of a motor and specific types of motors in
this course. Course work also covers starters, starting current, motor
controls and motor control circuits, power factors and control circuit
diagrams.
Because
electricians
typically work an apprenticeship along with their academic studies,
people who only complete an online electrician diploma program have only
half the training they need to become electricians. Graduates arrange
an apprenticeship with trade organizations such as the Independent
Electrical Contractors Association or the Associated Builders and
Contractors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov),
employment of electricians should increase 12% over 2008-2018. However,
employment is sensitive to economic trends in the construction
industry. As of May 2009, the median annual salary of electricians was
$47,180.
Most states require electricians to be licensed, which usually
entails passing an in-person exam proving a candidate's knowledge of
electrical codes, building codes and electrical theory. Master
electricians need seven years of experience, a bachelor's degree in
electrical engineering or a degree in a related field. Electrical engineering bachelor's degree programs are available online.
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