Electrician
What do Electricians do?
Within the nuclear industry, electricians play a vital role – primarily in ensuring the correct, safe and efficient functioning of facilities. Installing, maintaining and ensuring the safe operation of electrical systems within nuclear facilities, including power plants, is therefore their bread and butter. Across these facilities, electricians handle various components, such as wiring, circuits, outlets, switches and lighting fixtures.
Typical duties and responsibilities of a Nuclear Electrician
Typical duties and responsibilities include:
- Installation and Connection of Electrical Systems: Nuclear electricians perform routine installation and commissioning of various electrical systems; these include control systems, communication devices, lighting fixtures and complicated machinery.
- Planning and Preparation of Equipment: An electrician should choose appropriate equipment this should then be properly set up, used and tested.
- Examination, Inspection and Maintenance: Throughout plant life, electricians inspect the electrical systems visually and perform non-destructive testing (NDT) methods to check for correct function or defects.
- Regulatory Compliance: Nuclear electricians must have extensive knowledge of electrical codes, safety protocols and legal requirements; safety is paramount due to the high voltages involved and the sensitive nature of nuclear facilities.
Skills and knowledge required to be a Nuclear Electrician
Typically, the skills and knowledge required to be an electrician include:
- Technical Knowledge: A strong understanding of the fundamental principles of electricity is essential for electricians; this includes knowledge of Ohm's Law, circuits, voltage, current, resistance, power and electrical symbols.
- Engineering Competency: Electricians must be able to interpret engineering drawings and specifications to understand the requirements for the systems they install and maintain.
- Fault Finding and Troubleshooting: Electricians need strong problem-solving skills to diagnose and rectify electrical faults and issues.
- Precision: Nuclear electricians must work precisely and identify any imprecision, whilst maintaining accurate documentation, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Certifications and Training: In the UK, nuclear electricians must obtain specific certifications to ensure competence and adherence to safety standards; this ensures familiarity with the British Standard wiring regulations, also known as BS 7671, and the IET Wiring Regulations.
How do I become an Electrician?
There are several pathways you can take to pursue a career as an electrician within the nuclear industry:
College
Start by obtaining a solid foundation in electrical engineering or a related field. You can pursue a relevant degree programme at a university or college, focusing on electrical engineering, electrical systems, or a related discipline. While a degree is not always required, it can provide valuable theoretical knowledge that complements practical training. By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills and industry experience, individuals can develop a well-rounded skill set and position themselves for a successful career in the electrical industry.
Apprenticeship
To become an electrician in the UK, seek apprenticeships for hands-on experience and a salary. Aspiring electricians undergo vocational training, including NVQs or City & Guilds qualifications, supervised and mentored by experienced professionals. After training, obtaining relevant qualifications, and registering with a competent person scheme (like NICEIC or NAPIT), they can legally perform electrical work.
Working towards the role
A sensible strategy to become a fully licenced nuclear electrician is to begin at an entry-level position and work your way up. Give top priority to honing your foundational skills, comprehending safety procedures, and gaining real-world experience while continuously picking up knowledge from peers and experience. Seek necessary credentials, think about specialty, and grab opportunities to progress and get promoted.