In-House Skilled Trades
Industrial Electrical Services
Industrial Electrical Contractors develop projects with clients, manages projects, and coordinate with local union representatives to engage or hire electricians. They differ from commercial electrical contractors by their focus on industrial environments instead of facilities that are largely used by the public, such as offices or shopping malls.
SilMan Electrical
As an electrical contractor, our senior account and project leaders oversee budgets, procurement, and timelines, and nurture relationships with clients and prospects.
In contrast, electricians are licensed professionals who can execute all tasks required in an industrial setting which may include: the installation of raceways, conductors, power distribution panels, motor control panels, disconnects, troubleshooting, terminating, commissioning of equipment, and conducting a variety of tests.
In the end, it is our master electricians in the field that produce extraordinary results for our clients.
Working closely with our Millwright Team, they form the core of our industrial services. This Mechanical-Electrical combination is commonly referred to as "M&E".
An M&E team can work hand-in-hand to effectively install, maintain, repair, and remove industrial equipment. The Electrical team ensures that machinery is safely powered down for mechanical teams to work. In turn, the mechanical team provides their electrical cohorts with a safe workspace. Once the device(s) are ready to go online, the electrical team provides power and commissions the machine for normal operations.
Thanks to their wide range of training and experience, our Electrical team and their Mechanical partners are a nimble, multi-skilled resource that can be deployed locally, regionally, and nationally.
They are also excellent communicators, utilizing digital communication platforms to coordinate with clients, project managers, and fellow field teams.
SilMan is a licensed electrical contractor in nearly 20 states.
Industrial Electrical Installation
SilMan commonly supports general construction and specialized industrial projects. These activities bring together an assortment of skilled professionals and work environments.
An Industrial Electrical Installation Team may deploy as a standalone unit executing projects such as:
- Charging station system for an airport eGSE fleet
- Power, electrical wiring, and data lines for emergency power system at a medical facility
- Data wiring for process equipment and conveyor controls for a manufacturer
However, electricians commonly work in collaboration with other skilled trades. For instance:
- Conveyor line modification, installation, and commissioning for e-commerce distribution centers with SilMan Millwrights
- Facility improvements, including underground utilities and power generation, for a dairy operation with SilMan Civil Team
Material Handling Systems
The SilMan Material Handling Group is a nationally renowned system integrator, serving clients such as FedEx, Levi Strauss, and leading e-commerce and logistics concerns.
By tapping into their in-house M&E colleagues, the material handing group is able to provide exceptional quality, efficiency, and project control by minimizing 3rd party sub-contractors.
National Industrial Electrical Services
SilMan’s national expansion has been driven by our M&E capabilities.
Projects like those discussed above, often take SilMan’s M&E team on the road from coast to coast. At times, the company may have “boots on the ground” in seven or more states on any given day.
Project management teams in California and our engineering office in Mississippi coordinate these teams. And of course, tapping into our national network of Union Electricians.
These rapid-strike teams often tap into the civil and concrete skills of our Millwrights, preparing infrastructure for equipment without third-party subcontractors: Fast, reliable, end-to-end quality assurance for our clients.
All of it thanks to our top-flight Millwright and Electrical teams.
What is an Industrial Electrician?
Electrical Panels, Circuits, and Wiring
The typical scope of work for commercial and residential electricians includes wiring for residential or professional buildings, and in modern times includes data and cable lines.
In the industrial sector, however, the equipment and worksite present an entirely different range of complexity.
An industrial electrician has specialized knowledge, training, and experience to effectively and safely work in facilities such as manufacturing, distribution, chemical processing, or bottling plants.
On any given day an industrial electrician may be required to address a broad range of technical circumstances:
- Install and troubleshoot PLC, motor controls, drives, and electronic components
- Install or service power and controls for robots and automated devices
- Interpret engineering drawings, electrical prints, and schematics
- Produce parts lists and work plans based on drawings or field walks
- Test and commission machinery and equipment
- Work with high-voltage levels
- Collaborate with other trades, such as civil, structural, and mechanical
Most importantly, these are potentially deadly environments. A skilled electrician has a thorough understanding of industrial safety best practices, allowing them to perform complex tasks while being continually aware of job site hazards.
For individuals interested in becoming an Industrial Electrician, the first suggested step is to start a relationship with a local union. These organizations can provide a clear pathway to becoming a trade professional.
Trade unions provide training and certification for members and assist members to connect with job opportunities. And for contractors and industrial companies who hire industrial electricians, union affiliation is a guarantee of quality workmanship, technical proficiency, and safety awareness.
Moreover, unions provide training and apprenticeship opportunities through the Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC). There are Electrical JATC facilities in most metropolitan areas in the US, such as this state-of-the-art facility in Las Vegas.
Education and Training
A high school degree (or equivalent) is required to become an electrician.
Vocation school is not required. However, it is a great way to get the best foundation for your new career. Moreover, many states will count vocational school hours toward required job experience.
Once accepted into an apprenticeship program, up-and-coming electricians can expect to undertake a rigorous program of education and paid on-the-job training.
What is an electrical apprenticeship?
An electrician apprentice is a trainee enrolled in an apprenticeship program to become a certified electrician.
As mentioned, it is typically suggested to seek basic related education from a vocational school before applying for an apprenticeship, but it is not required.
An apprenticeship program may include:
- Deciphering technical diagrams and construction blueprints for electrical plans
- Installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring, and electricity-distribution equipment
- Ensuring that all work is done in compliance with national, state, and local regulations
- Using special devices to test and inspect electrical systems for issues
Regardless of region, electrician licensure requirements fall within this range:
- 576 to 1,000 hours spent in the classroom
- 8,000 to 10,000 hours (four to five years) spent getting on-the-job training
A Journeyman electrical can expect to work 4-6 years before final state licensing and certification.
[Source: How to Become an Electrician, Indeed.com]Electrical work doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
Wiring and circuitry tasks are undertaken in complex industrial environments. Oftentimes, these locations are not easily accessible, requiring tools, mechanical skills, and physical coordination.
Furthermore, maintenance of equipment and tools and managing the administrative aspects of projects point to an entirely different set of proficiencies needed beyond electrical training.
Skills commonly utilized by industrial electricians:
- Read and understand diagrams and instructions
- Effectively use digital devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and web applications
- Administrative skills, such as requisition materials, and digital sharing of documents or photos
- Hand tools and construction equipment
- Finger strength and dexterity
- Clearly identify colors (color-coded wires)
Labor and related skills:
- Maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment
- Manage parts and supplies
- Perform semi-skilled and unskilled labor duties related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of a wide variety of electrical systems and equipment
- Disassemble defective electrical equipment, replace defective or worn parts, and reassemble equipment, using hand tools
People Skills
Industrial electrical professionals operate in team settings. Strong interpersonal skills are imperative in order to effectively interact with clients, managers, and fellow tradespersons.
Work Ethic
These skills – electrical or otherwise – presume a solid work ethic, whether working in groups or alone. Like all trades, the tradition of hard work, drive, and personal responsibility is alive within the electrical community.
