During our interactions on sites we find that customers are inundated with choice for electrical contractors. However not all electrical contractors are equal, and choosing the right team for the type of work is important. As the owner of your electrical infrastructure, you should understand your requirements so that you can select a company that best fits your needs. In this article we will discuss what you should be looking for in an industrial electrical contractor.

Electrical Licensing Requirements

First you must understand the licensing requirements for your locality. In Western Australia electricians must have an Electrical Contracting License. This is in addition to the Electrical Workers license that each individual worker is required to have. Electrical Contractors are also required to maintain a current Public Liability insurance policy to continue offering services to the public.

The Role of an Industrial Electrical Contractor

While a domestic electrician focuses on wiring homes and a commercial electrician looks after shops offices and light industrial applications; an industrial electrician works in much larger and more complex environments. Think factories, power plants, mines, manufacturing facilities, and other large-scale industrial sites. These environments demand specialized knowledge and skills due to the high-voltage equipment, rotating and mechanical plant, intricate control systems, and strict safety regulations involved.

Key Responsibilities of an Industrial Electrician:

  • Installation and Maintenance of Electrical Systems: This includes wiring for machinery, lighting systems, power distribution networks, and other electrical infrastructure within industrial facilities.
  • Troubleshooting and Repair: Identifying and resolving electrical faults in complex systems, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operations.
  • Working with Medium/High-Voltage Equipment: Handling high-voltage transformers, switchgear, and other equipment requires specialized training and adherence to strict safety protocols.
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Many industrial processes are automated using PLCs. Industrial electricians often install, program, and maintain these systems.
  • Motor Control Systems: Installing, maintaining, and repairing motor control centers, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and other motor control equipment.
  • Adhering to Safety Regulations: Industrial electricians must have a thorough understanding of operating plant environments that create additional hazards
  • Reading and Interpreting Schematics, single lines and GA drawings: Understanding complex electrical diagrams is essential for accurate installation and troubleshooting.

Skills and Qualifications

  • Becoming a qualified industrial electrician requires a combination of formal training and on-the-job experience. Typically, this involves:
  • Apprenticeship & Licensing: Completing a formal apprenticeship program, which combines classroom instruction with practical experience under the supervision of a qualified electrician.
  • On the Job Training: Completing on the job training including Hazard identification and mitigation in processing/production environments. Commissioning and cause and effect testing PLC interface training Fault finding and rectification Working alongside heavy plant and equipment such as Cranes, Rigging and mechanical fitting.
  • Continuing Education: Training in Instrumentation, EEHA, Section 26 etc

Why Industrial Electricians are Essential:

  • Industrial electricians play a vital role in keeping industries running smoothly and safely. Their expertise ensures:
  • Operational Efficiency: Properly functioning electrical systems are crucial for maximizing productivity and minimizing downtime.
  • Safety: Industrial environments can be hazardous. Skilled electricians ensure that electrical systems are installed and maintained to the highest safety standards, preventing accidents and injuries.
  • Technological Advancement: As industries become increasingly automated and reliant on complex electrical systems, the expertise of industrial electricians is more critical than ever.

Who Should engage an industrial electrical contractor

  • You should be looking for an industrial electrician if you work in an environment that utilizes any of the following equipment or are engaged in the following activities:
  • PLC's and Instrumentation
  • Manufacturing
  • Power Generation
  • Industrial sized water/liquid pumping
  • Oil & Gas
  • Mining
  • Materials Handling
  • When engaging with the contractor ask... What experience in the following industries do you have.

When NOT to use an industrial electrical contractor

  • Industrial electricians are used to working in environments that require careful planning, attention to detail and complexed problem solving skills.
  • Domestic and light commercial jobs at times require a different set of skills and general approach to doing business.
  • In general, the following activities would involve engaging a quality domestic electrician.
  • Installing or maintaining electrical equipment in a house
  • Installing or maintaining electrical equipment in apartment buildings
  • Installing or maintaining electrical equipment in small office buildings

LECE PTY LTD: Your Partner in Industrial Electrical Solutions

  • At LECE PTY LTD, we provide a range of industrial electrical services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. Our team of highly skilled and experienced industrial electricians is committed to delivering quality workmanship and exceptional service.
  • Our field electricians are supported by S26 trained supervisors and Inhouse engineering support.
  • Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your industrial electrical needs by emailing us service@lecegroup.com.au
  • Obviously we are biased however some other quality local industrial contractors include: