Electrical maintenance revolves around maintaining and repairing electronic equipment used in large facilities. Facets of the work include testing, fixing and replacing equipment in buildings owned by corporations, government entities and modern industrial plants. Electrical maintenance is performed on hardware, systems, controls and components of the equipment.
In order to perform electrical maintenance, technicians must know several key components of electrical equipment systems. Transformers, electrical machines, hydraulics, pneumatics, digital communications and fundamentals of electricity are all important aspects of electrical maintenance. One essential ingredient is knowledge of the National Electric Code, in addition to familiarity with local codes.
Electrical systems have become more complicated as much machinery is now run by computer software. In response many vocational and technical schools offer certified training for electrical maintenance technicians. Two-year degrees prepare students to work with complex machines, manufacturing systems and industrial equipment. Jobs revolving around electrical maintenance include service technicians, installers, field service technicians, electricians and electrical maintainers.
The annual median salary of an electrical maintenance technician was $51,220 in 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those who specialize in fixing electrical systems work for firms in the telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation and utilities industries. The Department of Labor predicts a 1 percent increase in demand for electrical technicians by 2022.