Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures; ensuring that work is in accordance with relevant codes. Electricians may install service streetlights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems along with a variety of other tasks.

Primary skills include: analyze operation of malfunctioning electrical or electronic equipment; bend and install tubing and conduit; install electrical fixtures or components; install electronic power, communication, control, or security equipment or systems; install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices; lay out, string and install electrical wiring for buildings, etc.; inspect electrical installation for code conformance; repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment; use low-voltage and high-voltage apparatus; follow safety procedures; read technical drawings and schematics. Other skills needed to become an electrician include manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, physical fitness, and a good sense of balance. They also need good color vision because workers frequently must identify electrical wires by color.