An electrician often utilizes diverse skills while on the job. These skills and abilities fall under several categories. You can use the following list as guidance for the skills needed to be an electrician and perform successfully:

Technical skills

Technical skills are also known as hard skills. These skills demonstrate that you have the knowledge needed to perform specific electrician tasks. You can often gain these skills through electrician training and apprenticeships. These skills may vary on the role but typically are related to performing electrical installations, repairs and maintenance tasks. As an electrician, you must know relevant safety regulations and electrical codes to complete your job correctly. Some examples of the technical skills required for electricians include:

1. Installing and maintaining electrical systems, equipment and devices
2. Using and maintaining hand and power tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers and drills
3. Repairing wiring systems
4. Installing electrical conduits, cables, tubing
5. Testing equipment, instruments and systems
6. Knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
7. Knowledge of National Electric Code and local electric codes
8. Knowledge of safety standards and procedures
9. Commercial experience, construction experience or industrial experience
10. Quality assurance skills

Problem-solving skills

One of your primary responsibilities as an electrician is to diagnose and solve electrical issues for customers. When working independently, you must identify solutions yourself and cannot rely on others for help. Problem-solving skills enable you to assess various situations and use technical knowledge and critical thinking to determine solutions. As part of this process, you need analytical skills to compare different options against one another until you find the most appropriate one. Some examples of the necessary problem-solving skills and abilities for electricians include:

1. Reading and analyzing blueprints and schematics
2. Diagnosing electrical system malfunctions and failures
3. Performing electrical risk assessments
4. Assessing electrical processes and procedures
5. Pursuing knowledge and training on evolving practices or technology
6. Troubleshooting
7. Critical thinking skills
8. Decision-making skills
9. Attention to detail
10. Research skills

Physical skills

The role of an electrician can be demanding, so employers appreciate candidates with general good health and particular physical abilities. While there are no specific physical requirements, you should have the physical strength to work with and hold heavy objects. Beyond strength, you also need physical abilities such as stamina, agility and good vision and hearing to perform the manual tasks associated with the job. Depending on your role, you may also work in various environments, both indoors and outdoors. Some of the physical skills necessary for electricians include:

1. Lifting and carrying heavy objects
2. Standing, bending or crouching for long periods
3. Performing work from tall heights
4. Climbing ladders, scaffolding or stairs
5. Performing electrical work in adverse weather conditions or temperatures
6. Fitting into and working within tight spaces
7. Manual dexterity
8. Ability to distinguish between different colors for wiring tasks
9. Good hearing and ability to distinguish different sounds
10. Ability to drive vehicles

Interpersonal skills

As an electrician, you may conduct some of your work independently, but you also will spend time interacting with others. These interactions may include collaborating with colleagues on projects or working for customers to solve their electrical needs. These interactions may be with colleagues or customers. Interpersonal skills represent how you communicate with other people. When effective, these skills help you build relationships and create positive work environments that make people want to work with you or hire you. Some examples of interpersonal skills and abilities for electricians include:

1. Customer service skills
2. Collaborating with other electricians or construction team members
3. Following directions from clients or supervisors
4. Providing instructions or directions to colleagues or subordinates
5. Making recommendations
6. Adapting plans to meet clients’ needs or changing priorities
7. Active listening skills
8. Verbal communication skills
9. Written communication skills to draft diagrams or project records
10. Displaying professionalism and tidiness during work

Business management skills

Electricians sometimes go on to run businesses or work as independent contractors. Even when employed by someone else, you may need to perform particular administrative tasks. You must also build organizational skills to manage your work more effectively and efficiently. You may find opportunities to develop such skills while working or through specific training programs. Some examples of the business management skills that aid electricians include:

1. Creating invoices
2. Developing project plans and budgets
3. Performing cost estimates
4. Supervising and leading employees
5. Keeping written records or documentation regarding projects
6. Time management
7. Negotiation skills
8. Setting priorities
9. Basic math skills
10. Inventory tracking and management