Control!

In my most recent class, we talked more about Building Automation, which revolves around "control processes". (That would be turning equipment off and on at particular times, or when otherwise called upon.)

Traditionally, when we think of the work that electricians do, lights & power comes to mind. That is, we install all the parts of an electrical system that allows energy to flow to end devices that utilize it, ie. lights and receptacles, and other miscellaneous equipment in between that either uses power or controls it. (Often we supply power to HVAC components like condenser pumps or Variable Air Volume units for example.)

Originally, large equipment like motors and big industrial machines were controlled the same way that we basically control lights -- manual switches that get flipped on and off. However, industrial switches are rather souped up and reinforced to withstand the higher voltages & currents. As more and more systems go automated vis a vis computerization, we're seeing more "control guys" out in the field. The issue right now is, to whom does this type of work belong?

When I first started in this field, I wondered who these "control guys" really were. What trade actually does this kind of work? Telecom? Inside wireman? Mechanical contractor? It seems currently that the job is up for grabs because there's always new technology reaching us in the field, yet the majority of installers who work on these control systems are in fact Mechanical contractors. I find that very interesting, seeing as most of the control work involves electrical components, varying from transformers & fuses to circuit boards and programmable logic controllers (industrial computers). What's even more interesting is how few electricians are actually comfortable with this type of work.

One of the topics that we covered as 3rd year apprentices was Motor Control. We learned how to interpret and even build a very basic control diagram. The stuff I thought was gobbledeguke at the beginning of the lessons turned out to be very simple (once we learned it of course). Strangely enough, I have yet to come across a Motor Control Schematic per se, on the job. However, I have found that the knowledge I gained in those lessons prepared me to feel comfortable with control diagrams of all sorts. Lighting control, fire alarm and other low-voltage systems aren't so intimidating to me anymore.

My question is, if control work is "big brain" work for electricians, then why are the mechanical guys doing it all? Is it that electrical contractors just don't want to bother with it? I understand that there may be somewhat of a disparity as to how many electricians are qualified to do it, but just like fire alarm systems, electrical contractors must pick and choose which individuals they'd like to train to do the highly specialized work. Shouldn't it be just as important to train a few to work on mechanical controls?

Trades at Work

On the job where I am now, I get to work around lots of people. Particularly impressive to be around are the union carpenters. They're installing some gorgeous wood panelling (that we, as electricians have to coordinate with, in order to get our devices in just right). It's really heavy stuff, so there's an unusually large number of men working from the same shop all in the same little area. The electricians are completely outnumbered -- our 2 to their 12, all working in the elevator lobbies found on two floors. Not to mention the elevator guys who tend to pop in and out of their contraptions!

Needless to say, there's not much room to maneuver out there. I've been going back and forth on the fire alarm tenant fit-out on these two floors for the past few weeks, so we're all starting to get acquainted with each other. Being around these guys reminds me of the days when I worked on a "base-building" crew. The differences are astounding between "base-building" and "tenant" work. I find that these days, I end up working alone for long stretches, getting assigned to small projects, and working through until it's complete and I'm ready for another project. But on base-building jobs, there's always at least 3-4 other electricians you're working near, if not working together on the same project.

The carpenters reminded me of the comradery found in working together toward the same goal. You know, you joke around, make the day go by together, all in good fun, while still working steady throughout the day. The entire crew eats together and learns from one another above and beyond the trade -- they talk together about personal issues and about coping strategies, economic welfare and relationship strife. Because of the rapport that they share, no topic is taboo, and conversation runs the gamut. There is a wealth of knowledge out there, if only we take a breath, and listen.

Union Meeting TODAY!

Special Called Meeting on Thursday, May 28, 7pm

Vote on diversion of wage funds.

Total Wage Increases:

6/1/09 - $1.70

6/1/10 - $2.00

6/1/11 - $2.20

Divert from increase each year:

Pension, $0.25

(@6000hrs = $1,500.)

Health & Welfare, $0.20

(@6000hrs = $1,200.)

JATC, $0.05

(@6000hrs = $300.)

(Total @6000hrs = $3,000 per person over three years.)

Come to the meeting to find out details.

OTJ (On the Job) - TORK Timeclock

This past Friday I had the opportunity to wire up my first lighting contactor and TORK digital time clock. We briefly talked about lighting contactors back in Book 4, but standing in front of an empty box and sorting through six different control diagrams trying to make sense of it all is a much more intimidating feat than I had originally imagined it to be, what with the mix of mechanical and electronic components, the mix of 277 and 120 lighting circuits, and the control circuit to boot!

As much practice as we got in the motor control lab at school, and as much as I felt I truly understood those concepts, I must honestly say I did get a little confused trying to interpret the schematics that came with the equipment. Bit by bit however, I did piece it together as best I could, and with just a couple final questions (with some help from Tom Myers) about the override switch inputs, I at least finished wiring the whole thing. Before I get it *hot* you can bet that some preliminary testing shall take place.

I think it's somewhat reassuring that my foreman simply handed me the project and said "I haven't even looked at this in detail yet, so... yeah." Reassuring, in that I suppose he trusts me to get it done. On the other hand, it's also a sort of trial by fire (I hope not literally). I'm just thankful that I have a slew of brains to pick, and plenty of phone numbers to call if ever I need the help. It's not so bad knowing there's this HUGE safety net of people I've met and worked with on the job, not to mention the instructors -- whose lives revolve around us apprentices! Hahahahahahahahaha. Sorry, couldn't help that one.

A Brief History of Me

It seems I always get the same few questions that pop up when they see me on the job for the first time. So I suppose I'll start there.

1) "So... how long have you been doing this?" Well, let's see... I started working as an apprentice in February 2006, so WOW! going on 3+ years. Yeah, it's been a while.

2) "How'd you end up doing this kind of work anyway?" This question always gets me. I seriously wonder if any of my male counter-parts get this question at the rate of occurrence that I do. But I suppose that comes with the territory of choosing this line of work as a woman. Alas, c'est la vie. And in order to remain on friendly terms with the drywall guys or the carpenters, or whomever it is that's making conversation, I give the following spiel: Well, I was remodeling my house some years ago, and I happened to be installing some pendant lights when I realized, 'hey, I could get paid to do this. Yeah, I could do this for 8 hours a day, easy.'

In retrospect, I can say the past 3+ years have blasted past. Honestly, I can't even believe that the end of day school shall soon be upon me. (Not to mention another pay grade!!!! Yeah I can't wait for that. Trust me. Counting down the days.) I'm sure I'll miss being able to say to my foreman, "don't forget, I'm not going to be here on Friday!" And I'll definitely miss hearing the typical response, "Wait, weren't you in school last week?" Haha, haha, haha.

Now I'm eagerly awaiting the release of course offerings for journeyman's classes. I know one class for sure I'd like to take: renewable energies. But more on that later.