PACE NONCREDIT COURSE:
Residential Electrician
Areas of Study
Course Type
Overview
Hours: 144 | CEUs: 14.4 | Duration: 12 months
With booming infrastructure, new energy conservation projects, and an aging workforce, demand for skilled electricians is on the rise. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for electricians will increase 9% through 2030, with around 84,000 job openings for electricians estimated each year.
The Residential Electrician course is designed to teach you the fundamental skills needed to work with residential electrical systems—no previous experience is required. You will learn electrical theory, wiring and installation, safety procedures, use of common hardware and materials, use of building plans, and more. You will also have access to more than 30 virtual simulations that simulate hands-on practice and 10 lessons on customer service, which is one of the most important soft skills employers are looking for and a skill that will help you grow quickly in your career.
In addition, you will be prepared for electrician licensing tests, generally required by most states and localities. While tests differ, you will need to understand the common situations in electrical work, including the use of the National Electrical Code®, local electrical codes, circuits, and various types of wiring methods.
By course completion, you will be prepared to pass your state’s electrical licensing exam and start an entry-level career as a residential electrician or electrician apprentice. Please check with your state, county, or city for residential electrician licensing rules and whether this course’s hours will be accepted towards licensing. *This course does not count towards getting a Massachusetts Electrician license
Key Concepts
What you will learn
- Branch and feeder circuits with various types of cable and conduit
- Service of circuit breakers, lighting fixtures, receptacles, switches, paddle fans, and electric motors
- Identifying and fixing electrical problems on “service calls”
- Installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting photovoltaic renewable energy systems
- 10 lessons on customer service
How you will benefit
- This course provides foundational knowledge and skills that are required of an entry-level electrician
- You will understand how to use the National Electrical Code, sizing electrical boxes, sizing circuit conductors, sizing fuses or circuit breakers, and sizing service entrance conductors
- You will gain valuable wiring skills, such as proper use of hand and power tools, splicing wires together properly, attaching electrical boxes to building framing members, fishing a cable in an existing wall, and installing an overhead service entrance
- You will receive a 25% discount on tools from Ideal Industries, a company that produces connectors, hand tools, testers, meters, and more that are needed as an electrician
- Enrolled students are invited to attend our exclusive annual virtual National Apprenticeship Week events, featuring live webinars, workshops, and employer interactions
Curriculum
Syllabus
- Preparing and Planning a Residential Wiring Job
- Residential Workplace Safety
- Hardware and Materials Used in Residential Wiring
- Tools Used in Residential Wiring
- Test and Measurement Instruments Used in Residential Wiring
- Understanding Residential Building Plans
- Determining Branch Circuit, Feeder Circuit, and Service Entrance Requirements
- Residential Service Entrances and Equipment
- Introduction to Residential Service Entrances
- Service Entrance Equipment and Installation
- Residential Electrical System Rough-In
- General Nec® Requirements for Rough-In Wiring
- Electrical Box Installation
- Cable Installation
- Raceway Installation
- Midterm Exam
- Switching Circuit Installation
- Branch-Circuit Installation
- Special Residential Wiring Situations
- Video, Voice, and Data Wiring Installation
- Residential Electrical System Trim-Out
- Lighting Fixture Installation
- Device Installation
- Service Panel Trim-Out
- Maintaining and Troubleshooting a Residential Electrical Wiring System
- Checking Out and Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring Systems
- Green House Wiring Techniques
- Green Wiring Practices
- Photovoltaic (PV) System Installation
- Managing Customer Service
- Winning Customer Service
- Customers Revealed
- Customer Expectations
- Customer Service: Why Do It?
- The Decline (and Revival) of Customer Service
- Moving Forward with the Four P’s
- Traits of Outstanding Customer Reps
- Measuring Customer Service
- Customer Service Communication
- Helping Upset Customers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a residential electrician?
A residential electrician or home electrician is a tradesperson who handles the repair and installation of electrical systems in residential buildings. Their job could include new wiring and lighting installations, panel changes, surge protection, and more.
What does a residential electrician do?
A residential electrician is responsible for installing, repairing, inspecting, and maintaining the electrical systems in residential buildings. Depending on their position and expertise, a residential electrician may also be responsible for overseeing teams of workers and assisting with planning electrical projects.
How to become a residential electrician?
Becoming a residential electrician typically involves undergoing skill training and gaining necessary certifications. However, the specific residential electrician requirements may vary for each state. Please check the required educational hours and hands-on training necessary to become a licensed residential electrician in your state.
How much does a residential electrician make a year?
According to Salary.com, the average salary for residential electricians in the U.S is $52,173 per year, while Glassdoor reports an average base salary of $49,101 with an additional $20,194 in additional pay (e.g., cash bonus, commission, tips, and profit-sharing). The salary can vary depending on factors such as certifications, years of experience, and additional skills.
How long does it take to become a residential electrician?
The duration of becoming a residential electrician varies based on the unique requirements of each state or county. Please check with your state or county about the necessary licensing and educational hours.
What is the required training and license?
The typical process of becoming a residential electrician starts with a skill training course, after which candidates need to get hands-on training by working as an apprentice. Each state or country has different requirements for certification, licenses, and educational hours to become a residential electrician. Please check with your state or county about all the necessary requirements for becoming a licensed residential electrician.
What is the difference between a residential electrician and an electrical technician?
A residential electrician works on the installation, repair, and maintenance of wiring and electrical systems in residential buildings. On the other hand, an electrical technician works on the electrical systems in machinery, equipment, and other mechanical devices, typically in manufacturing environments.
Would you be ready for an apprenticeship after the program?
Yes, this course prepares candidates with the fundamental skills and knowledge to start work as an apprentice. This course covers electrical theory, wiring and installation, safety procedures, and the use of common hardware, materials, and building plans. Before registering for the course, we recommend that candidates review the state or local requirements for becoming an apprentice.
Is this course equivalent to an apprenticeship?
No, this course is not equivalent to an apprenticeship. However, it prepares candidates to become electrical apprentices. Each state has specific requirements for electrical apprenticeships. Please check with your state or local government about all the necessary requirements for becoming an electrician’s apprentice.
Is it all online, or is there hands-on labs and training?
This is a 100% online course, which means there is no hands-on training in a lab setting. However, students will be able to access simulations to test their skills and get similar training as a hands-on course.
Are externships available?
Externships are currently not available for this course.
What career paths can I take after completing this course?
After completing the course, students can apply for electrical apprentice opportunities. Upon completing the necessary work hour requirements, they can proceed to become a journeyman and then a master electrician.
What are soft skills and what are the top soft skills for residential electricians?
Soft skills are the character traits, professional attitudes, and interpersonal skills that are transferrable across different professions. These may include communication skills, time management, problem-solving, and creative thinking to name a few.
According to the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), 97% of employers surveyed believed soft skills were either equally or more important than hard skills. Out of the 46% of new employees that fail within 18 months, 89% were because they lacked essential soft skills such as professionalism and the ability to get along with others.
The top soft skills for residential electricians are troubleshooting, teamwork/collaboration, physical abilities, communication skills, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
What soft skills does this course focus on?
This course will provide students with key soft skills related to troubleshooting, teamwork and collaboration, communication skills, problem-solving, and organizational skills. It will also cover 10 lessons on customer service.
What is the 25% tools discount for students?
When starting a career as a residential electrician, you need to make a substantial investment in tools. To help ease the financial burden, students are eligible for a 25% discount on tools from Ideal Industries through local distributors. Please contact your Student Advisor or Instructor for more details on the discount.
Does this course prepare for a certification?
No.
Can I register for a course if I am an international student?
Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country’s regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.
When can I start the course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
How long does it take to complete this course?
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you’ll receive twelve (12) months to complete the course.
What if I don’t have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
What kind of support will I receive?
The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also receive support from the student advising team.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
Am I guaranteed a job?
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
Can I get financial assistance?
This course is noncredit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the “Contact Us” form.
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Course Requirements
Requirements: Hardware Requirements: Software Requirements: Other: Simulation Requirements: Instructional Material Requirements: The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment: Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder. Prerequisites: While not required, it is recommended that a person taking this course have some basic knowledge of direct current and alternating current electrical theory.
Course Prerequisites
Instructor(s):
Greg Fletcher
Greg Fletcher has over 40 years of experience in the electrical field as both a practicing electrician and as an electrical instructor. He has been a licensed electrician since 1976 and currently holds a Master Electrician’s License in the State of Maine. In 1988, he was appointed as the Department Chairman of the Trades and Technology Department and Program Director/Instructor of the Electrical Technology program at Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield, Maine. He is the author of several textbooks including Residential Construction Academy: House Wiring, Guide to Using the National Electrical Code, and The Electrician’s Guide to Photovoltaic System Installation. He has an associate’s in Electrical Construction and Maintenance, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Technical Education, and a Master of Science in Industrial Education.
Jorge Garcia
Jorge Garcia has over 20 years of experience in the electrical field as both a practicing and electrical instructor. He has been a licensed electrician since 2000 and currently holds an Electrical Contractor and Master Electrician license from Texas. Jorge currently serves as the Department Chair for Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation Technology at Texas Southmost College. Additionally, he has over 15 years in business as an Electrical Contractor for Exit Light Services. Jorge has an Associate degree in Electrician Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science in Management and Leadership, and is currently in a Learning Technology Ph.D. program. He also holds a Fire Suppression License from the State Fire Marshal Office, Licensed Irrigator, Limited License Electrician from Tennessee, License in Bilingual & Technology Education from Texas Education Agency, National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Electrical Instructor Certification, and an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Authorized Trainer license.
Todd M. Warda
Todd M. Warda has over 30 years of electrical experience. He is skilled in the diagnosis, repair, and installation in commercial, industrial, residential, and agricultural environments.
After college Todd went into the pharmaceutical business and worked there for 14 years as an area sales trainer, district sales manager, and worked for some of the largest pharma companies in the world. He has also owned and operated a family-run, successful electrical contracting business since 2002. During this time, he has mentored students, apprentices, and others each year.
Todd was the program director and lead electrical instructor at Rockford Career College for many years and graduated 1800 successful graduates into the workplace. Most recently, he was the technical training manager and skills leader at IDEAL Electrical. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and an associate degree in business.
