Inside Wireman

While the Outside Lineman works on the distribution network, bringing power from sources of generation to the customers, the Inside Wireman's job is to distribute and connect the customer's electrical equipment to that power source. The Inside Wireman installs and maintains all of the various types of electrical systems found in commercial and industrial facilities. Equipment used may include lighting, receptacles, motors, heating equipment, and systems that control the operation of all of a facility's energy usage.

The Inside Wireman installs conduit systems that contain the wire from the motor control centers or panelboards to all of the equipment that uses electricity. Those conduits may contain power cables or control cables. Many of the conduit systems are exposed and must be installed to exacting standards using neat and workmanlike craftsmanship.

The work of an Inside Wireman can vary. One day the Inside Wireman could be installing a Fire Alarm System or Security System in a high rise building and the next day he or she could be installing conduit in a ditch on the outside of the building. Inside Wiremen also install electrical systems in industrial facilities such as chemical plants, power plants, chip manufacturing facilities and automobile plants. Each type of installation has specific electrical needs and systems to support those needs. While there are many tasks associated with the Inside Wireman classification, the apprenticeship training provides all of the knowledge necessary.

Job Description

The duties of an Inside Wireman are listed below. The number next to each duty is the average of the percentage of journeymen reporting that they perform that task.

Installing New Wiring and Repairing Old Wiring
99%
Installing Receptacles, Lighting Systems and Fixtures
98%
Planning and Installing Raceway Systems
97%
Troubleshooting and Repairing Electrical Systems
94%
Planning and Initiating Project
92%
Supervising Journey-Level Workersand Apprentices
92%
Establishing Temporary Power During Construction
88%
Establishing Power Distribution within Project
88%
Establishing Grounding System
87%
Installing Service to Buildings and Other Structures
86%
Providing Power and Controls to Motors, HVAC, and Other Equipment
86%
Installing Fire Alarm Systems
82%
Installing and Repairing Traffic Signals, Outdoor Lighting, and Outdoor Power Feeders
71%
Establishing OSHA and Customer Safety Requirements
67%
Installing Instrumentation and Process Control Systems, Including Energy Management Systems
67%
Erecting and Assembling Power Generation Equipment
64%
Installing Security Systems
57%
Installing, Maintaining and Repairing Lightning] Protection Systems
56%
Installing and Repairing Telephone and Data Systems
36%