Underslab

In Florida, very few buildings have basements. Both residential and commercial structures are built on a concrete floor. Before the concrete is poured, electricians may lay "conduit" (plastic or metal pipe) in the ground. Electricians must be skilled in blueprint reading to accurately measure where the conduits are placed under the building.

In a house, you may have to run one piece of conduit to provide access for the power to an island in the kitchen. In a commercial building, multiple runs of conduit may be laid to later provide power for receptacles, sub-panels and equipment.

The electricians may dig the ditch with a back-hoe, a trencher or the old-fashioned way - with a shovel. The next step is the "rough-in".

The Rough-In

Rough-in can start as the building is going up. If underslab work was done and the building made of concrete block, one or more "mason-chasers" stay on the jobsite extending the conduit and mounting "boxes" as the walls are being built. After the roof has been put on and the outside sheathing has been installed, the electricians "rough" the building. Electricians use both hand and power tools in their work.

In commercial work, conduit must be installed and wires pulled in the conduit (a special pre-wired conduit may be used). On residential jobs, cable will be run to the boxes. Structured cabling for voice, data, and TV/video systems may be installed.

To reach high ceilings, electricians use a ladder, scaffolding or a lift. The next part of the job is the trim.

The Trim

"Devices" (receptacles, switches and low-voltage interfaces) are connected to the wires and installed in the boxes; light fixtures are hung. Air conditioners and other equipment are connected. Wires are terminated on the breakers.

Electricians have pride in their work. They take care that their installation looks good and is problem free. Working in new construction may be only the beginning of a rewarding career path in the electrical trade.

Would you like to know more about FEAT's electrical apprenticeship program? Take a look at the apprenticeship information page.