Profession automotive electrician

Automotive electricians install, maintain and repair electrical and electronic systems in motor vehicles such as air conditioning systems, lamps, radios, heating systems, batteries, electrical wiring and alternators. They use diagnostic testing equipment to inspect vehicles and find faults. To do repair work, they use hand tools and specialised electrical instruments and machines.

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Personality Type

• Realistic / Investigative
• Enterprising / Conventional
• Realistic / Conventional

Knowledge

• Electricity

  Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

• Electrical wiring plans

  Pictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices. It gives information about the relative position and arrangement of devices and terminals on the devices, to help in building or servicing the device. A wiring diagram is often used to troubleshoot problems and to make sure that all the connections have been made and that everything is present.

• Vehicle electrical systems

  Know vehicle electrical systems, including components such as the battery, starter, and alternator. The battery provides energy to the starter. The alternator provides the battery the energy it requires to power the vehicle. Understand the interplay of these components to resolve malfunctions.

• Mechanics of motor vehicles

  The way energy forces interact and affect components in motor vehicles such as cars, buses, invalid carriages and other motorised vehicles. 

• Electronics

  The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.

• Mechanics

  Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

• Types of vehicles

  Field of information which distinguishes rental agency classification systems, containing types and classes of vehicles and their functioning and components.

• Automotive diagnostic equipment

  The equipment used to examine automotive systems and components.

• Car controls

  The functioning of specific car equipment such as how to operate and handle the clutch, throttle, lighting, instrumentation, transmission and the brakes.

Skills

• Inspect for faults in the vehicle's electric system

  Search for flaws in a vehicle's electric system; understand manufacturer's circuit diagrams and specification manuals.

• Read standard blueprints

  Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.

• Use automotive diagnostic equipment

  Use diagnostic equipment to perform test on motor vehicles, components and systems to detect defects.

• Apply health and safety standards

  Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.

• Perform test run

  Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.

• Fasten components

  Fasten components together according to blueprints and technical plans in order to create subassemblies or finished products.

• Carry out improvised vehicle repairs

  Identify mechanical/technical car problems; perform improvised or intermediate repairs on vehicles; take into account individual customer requests.

• Install automotive electrical equipment

  Place electrical circuits and wiring in vehicles such as lighting and voltage gauges. These distribute and regulate electrical power and supply it to meters and other devices in the car.

• Perform vehicle diagnostic procedures

  Perform diagnostic procedures on vehicle systems; determine and perform all required repair and maintenance operations.

• Repair vehicle's electrical equipment

  Repair and replace electrical equipment inside vehicles, such as lighting and air conditioning systems.

• Wear appropriate protective gear

  Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.

• Use specialised tools in electric repairs

  Use of a variety of specialised tools, instruments and machines, such as presses, drills and grinders; employ them to carry out repairs in a safety manner.

• Perform manual work autonomously

  Show the ability to pursue basic manual tasks without the help or assistance of others, not needing supervision or guidance, and taking responsibility for one's actions.

• Use technical documentation

  Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.

• Install car electronics

  Place electrically operated accessories in vehicles such as batteries which power heating systems, radios and anti-theft systems.

• Troubleshoot

  Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB