Electricity is essential to daily living. It powers homes and businesses, factories, computers, mobile devices, and even automobiles. An array of skilled professionals are responsible for designing, installing, maintaining, and repairing the complex low-voltage electrical systems and equipment that people use every day, including electricians, engineers, and electrical systems technicians.
Electrical systems technicians support the design, testing, maintenance, and repair of a variety of electrical systems and equipment — everything from circuit boards and transformers to LED TVs. Their work is vital to ensuring that these low-voltage systems and the components that power them work safely and efficiently.
For those who are interested in a career as an electrical systems technician, it is essential to understand the role’s typical responsibilities and key skills of the trade, which can be developed in a technician training program.
What Does an Electrical Systems Technician Do?
Electrical systems technicians are involved in the design, testing, installation, maintenance, and repair of a wide range of low-voltage electrical systems and equipment, including computers, semiconductors, circuit boards, communications technology, medical and navigational equipment, and more.
Technicians often work closely with electrical engineers to develop engineering plans for various types of electrical equipment and systems, typically for industrial and commercial settings. Technicians are primarily responsible for inspecting and testing the designs drawn up by engineers to identify potential issues and recommend any necessary adjustments. They may also support product evaluation and testing, using diagnostic devices to test, adjust, and repair low-voltage electrical equipment.
While the job description of an electrical systems technician may vary depending on the industry they work in or the organization they work for, most technicians share some common responsibilities, such as:
Installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and equipment
Troubleshooting issues with electrical systems and equipment, such as checking for faulty wiring or short circuits
Servicing the components that power electrical systems and equipment
Supporting electrical engineers in the development of engineering plans for electrical systems, including inspecting designs for quality control and recommending improvements
Testing the performance of electrical systems and equipment under simulated conditions
Work Environment for Electrical Systems Technicians
Electrical systems technicians may work in a variety of settings, including offices, laboratories, construction and factories, depending on the industry in which they work.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians held approximately 102,500 jobs in 2022. The following sectors were among the largest employers of these professionals:
Engineering services: 13%
Federal government: 12%
Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing: 12%
Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing: 7%
Utilities: 6%
Electricians vs. Electrical Systems Technicians
Although at first glance they may appear to be very similar roles, there are several differences between electricians and electrical systems technicians.
Electricians generally have a broader range of responsibilities, while electrical systems technicians have a more specialized role. Both electricians and technicians maintain and repair all manner of electrical systems and equipment. Electricians, however, are typically more involved in installation than technicians and most of these installations will be for high-voltage electrical systems.
Technicians usually specialize in working with low-voltage systems, which generally range between 0 to 50 volts. Examples of low-voltage applications include audio/video integration, home security systems, and household appliances. For example, a large growth area for low-voltage applications is smart home technology.
High-voltage systems (1,000 to 500,000 volts) are used in power generation, transmission, and distribution. They can also be used to power electrical equipment, such as motors, generators, and transformers. Electricians typically work with both high- and low-voltage systems.
Many technicians work in commercial and industrial settings, such as offices or factories. Electricians often work in a broader range of settings, including commercial, industrial, and residential. They may be hired by homeowners, landlords, or business owners to install or repair electrical systems and equipment.
One additional difference is that electrical systems technicians typically work for an organization, often in support of electrical engineers. Electricians, on the other hand, may work independently as a business owner or they may be employed by an organization or union of electricians.
Education and Experience Requirements for Electrical Systems Technicians
Electrical systems technicians typically need at least a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Training programs combine classroom instruction and hands-on learning, enabling students to gain foundational knowledge and develop the key skills they need to launch their electrical systems technician careers.
Electrical systems technician training programs introduce students to crucial subjects like national, state, and local regulations; building codes; and safety practices. Students in the program also explore the basic concepts of electrical theory and learn about topics such as Ohm’s Law, electrical quantities, resistors, and circuits.
Laboratory activities allow students to engage in real-world simulations where they can develop practical skills they can apply in the field, including how to install and troubleshoot digitally integrated systems and networks.
Certification
Although they are typically optional, there are also a number of professional certifications electrical systems technicians can earn to further hone their skills and expertise — as well as demonstrate their commitment to their craft to potential employers. The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, ETA International, and the International Society of Automation are among the organizations that offer relevant certifications.
Key Skills
Aspiring electrical systems technicians can develop the key skills of the trade through education, practical experience, and certification. Among the most important skills technicians should possess are:
Attention to detail. Technicians need to have a keen eye for detail to ensure the utmost accuracy when assembling, maintaining, or repairing electrical systems and equipment.
Ability to read technical documents. Technicians must be able to understand and interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, and diagrams.
Mechanical skills. Technicians need to be adept at using hand tools and other equipment, particularly when working with small circuitry and other sensitive components.
Proficiency in math. Technicians rely on mathematical skills for a variety of tasks, including analyzing designs for electrical systems and troubleshooting issues with faulty equipment.
Teamwork and communication: Technicians work as part of a team, often supporting electrical engineers, and they may collaborate with electricians and other professionals on projects.
Employment Outlook for Electrical Systems Technicians
New construction, technological advancements, and a shift toward alternative power generation, such as solar and wind, are expected to contribute to a promising job market for electrical systems technicians and similar professions over the next decade. While the BLS forecasts relatively limited growth in the net number of new jobs for electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians between 2022 and 2032, the agency expects nearly 10,000 job openings for those roles each year in that period, largely due to the need to replace retiring technicians who are leaving the workforce.
Several factors point to a bright future for aspiring electrical systems technicians: the ongoing integration of computer and electronics systems, like those in automobiles, mobile devices, and household products; an increasing number of alternative energy projects; and the continuing development of sophisticated consumer electronics, semiconductors, and communications technologies.
In addition, as communities and states add more electronic toll collection (ETC) technology to roadways, bridges, and tunnels, there will be a growing need for skilled electrical technicians to install, maintain, and repair these systems.
Take Charge of Your Future With Fortis
The work of electrical systems technicians helps ensure the efficiency, reliability, and safety of a range of electrical systems and equipment. Electricity consumption is expected to continue to increase over the next few decades, driving demand for technicians and other electrical professionals.
If you are interested in becoming an electrical systems technician, Fortis can help you develop the skills and expertise you need to start your professional journey. The Fortis Electrical Systems Technician program — offered only at our Wayne, N.J., and Lawrenceville, N.J., campuses — balances classroom instruction with hands-on lab activities, giving students an opportunity to gain practical experience in this growing field.
Learn more about how Fortis can help you launch your career today.
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