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Career and Job Search Guide
  

Electrical and Electronics Installer and Repairer

Companies rely on electronic equipment to complete their business operations. For example, automated industrial control machines utilized in factories controls industrial production. Many organizations use telecommunication equipment only functioning when connected to the necessary antennas and transmitters. Radar is utilized by air traffic controllers to track the positions of commercial and private aircraft. Electrical and electronics repair and installation specialists install and maintain the above mentioned electronic devices.

Electronic repair and installation specialists, commonly referred to as field technicians, are usually mobile, traveling to the worksites where they maintain equipment, and they frequently visit worksites to examine equipment to prevent major problems. When a machine malfunctions, technicians visit their clients' business to fix the machines. Bench technicians repair equipment brought into service centers or repair shops.

Electronic and electrical technology is different forms of technology. Electrical technology powers machines, and electronic technology controls machines. Certain electronic machines notify users when repairs are required. If a machine malfunctions, technicians check the machine for common malfunctions. If technicians cannot locate problems from these common malfunction checks, they may refer to instructions from the manufacturer to determine how to diagnose problems. However, diagnosing problems on modern machinery can be very difficult, so technicians usually use computers to diagnose these machines' problems. Technicians can also use multimeters, signal generators, and oscilloscopes to diagnose problems with transistors and signal problems within machinery. Once problems have been diagnosed, technicians use handtools to perform repairs.

Since many companies do not want to shut down their factories to repair equipment, defective parts are often replaced instead of repaired. After a part has been removed, it is usually sent back to the manufacturer to be fixed. These repairs are usually performed by bench technicians.

Electrical and electronics installation and repair specialists install automated control technology into older machines since these machines still work properly. One type of technology technicians install into these machines is programming logic controls (PLCs). To install a PLC, technicians must connect sensors to electrically powered devices such as pumps and motors and design a computer program to control it. These technicians must collaborate with other installation and repair professionals to complete their work.

Transportation equipment installation and repair specialists maintain electronic communication equipment that can be moved, such as navigation equipment and sonar as well as security and surveillance equipment installed in vehicles and watercraft. Powerhouse, substation, and relay specialists maintain equipment utilized in generating and substations. Power tool and electric motor repair specialists are experts in the wiring and electric motors that power these devices.

Specialists with expertise in vehicle electrical equipment install and repair navigation, security, and communication equipment utilized in cars and trucks. Technicians spend most their time installing and repairing alarms or stereo equipment. Installing this equipment is usually not very complicated, but sometimes technicians must remove parts to finish a project. Sometimes, when equipment is installed that requires a lot of power, technicians install extra fuses or a more powerful batteries. Technicians are now installing navigation systems.

Work environment. A lot of electrical and electronics installation and repair specialists work in loud, dirty, and hot factories. Bench technicians usually work in brightly lit and comfortable repair stores.

These specialists often lift heavy loads and work in awkward positions while repairing equipment. They must wear protective clothing and follow safety protocols, and if they are climbing a ladder, they must be securely fastened with a harness. If they performing maintenance on equipment, it must be shut down so others cannot turn it on during the repairs. Moreover, they must be cautious to avoid electrocution.

Those who repair electronic equipment in cars and trucks often work inside brightly lit and well ventilated buildings. Technicians can prevent major injuries if safety procedures are followed.
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