It was the last call of the day, and I felt fortunate to be alongside one of our top electrical technicians for my first week of field training. We headed out to fill a seemingly straightforward request to replace a faulty dimmer switch. Little did I know, this call was going to present a major challenge.
Upon arrival, we realized the “faulty” dimmer switch controlled a ceiling fan instead of a light. We opened the 4-gang box to install a standard switch and found an electrical nightmare left behind by a general contractor’s kitchen renovation.
The back side of the electrical box was cut out, and the extra space had been used as a poorly connected junction for every branch in the kitchen. Power was sourced from one leg of a defunct electric stove via its rerouted, wire-nicked 30A circuit. Resistance burning was hiding in several places. I was curious to see how the technician would translate this mess to the customer. Would the customer understand the severity of the problem? Would she ask us to correct it immediately or postpone until catastrophe struck?
The technician spoke to the customer with an on-the-level attitude and avoided diving too deeply into technical details. There was no mention of the “f” (fire) word as a scare tactic. He concluded the conversation with direct eye contact and firm resolve as he spoke these words: “This installation is NOT okay.”
At midnight, we finished our 17-hr shift, confident that we had prevented a disaster waiting to happen.
The tradition of guidance from skilled professional to newcomer is invaluable. This example of dedication positively shaped my apprenticeship, and I learned a lot from this hands-on approach.
The following are key lessons I’ve learned during my journey:
1. Quality tools contribute to quality work. Subpar tools will slip, strip, bend, and break more frequently and catch you off guard at critical moments. The price tag for good tools is steep, and many apprentices cannot afford it all at once. I budgeted and used overtime pay to transition from a beaten set of mechanic tools to the new set of tools I have today. Take pride and use diligence to preserve their integrity, which will increase work confidence.
2. Quick questions can avoid lengthy reversals of incorrect work. An experienced coworker will be disappointed if you don’t stop to ask questions before venturing into high uncertainty and making mistakes. I keep notes when possible, but not everything I learn sticks the first time. My coworkers are supportive and help ease the apprehension of asking what I may perceive as repetitive or irritating.
3. Certain methods fit certain people. Observe and replicate different methods to find the best combination for yourself without compromising the proper outcome. If your grasp is deep enough, you might find your own way to improve upon what you see. For example, my car mechanic experience taught me about the variety of specialty tools for specific jobs and the importance of not selling yourself short with workarounds or brute force. Some aspects of electrical installations left me wondering if a better tool (or any tool at all) existed to expedite work and avoid complications. Busted knuckles and strained muscles motivated my search for smarter ways to accomplish tasks.
These are some of the lessons I’ve learned. Each day offers new experiences and opportunities to excel.
Talbot is a licensed, master electrician in Georgia, where he was born and raised. He has been in the industry for 19 years and is currently the operations manager for Mister Sparky Atlanta. He can be reached at [email protected].
