Occupation intelligence

street lighting electrician

Key facts

Ensure safe and reliable illumination in your community as a street lighting electrician. This role combines electrical expertise with outdoor work, contributing to public safety and visibility.

Summary

Street lighting electricians are vital for maintaining the functionality and safety of public lighting systems. Your daily work involves inspecting, testing, repairing, and replacing components of street lights, ensuring they operate efficiently and meet safety standards. This often includes working outdoors in various weather conditions and following strict electrical safety protocols. As an associate professional, you'll be expected to apply established procedures and seek guidance when needed, while also developing your skills and knowledge.

Key responsibilities
  • • Diagnose and repair faults in street lighting circuits and fixtures.
  • • Install new street lighting systems and upgrade existing ones.
  • • Perform routine maintenance and testing to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Ensure safe and reliable illumination in your community as a street lighting electrician. This role combines electrical expertise with outdoor work, contributing to public safety and visibility.

Construction Upper secondary education
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Day in the life

What people in this role usually do

Construction

Day in the life

A typical day as a street lighting electrician

09
09:00 · Morning
inspect underground power cables
Inspect the underground power cables during installation or repair activities in order to identify faults and assess the extent of damage or need for repairs, and to ensure they are correctly installed and maintained.
10
10:30 · Mid-morning
comply with electrical safety regulations
Comply with safety measures, standards and regulations for working with electrical equipment and the installation, operation and maintenance of electrical wiring and installations.
12
12:00 · Midday
prevent technical problems with lighting equipment
Anticipate possible technical problems with lighting equipment.
14
14:00 · Afternoon
install power lines
Install cables and networks for electricity distribution on the street, in the fields and in buildings, and put them into operation.
15
15:30 · Late afternoon
repair underground power cables
Identify damage and perform the required repairs, as well as perform routine maintenance, to underground power cables used in the transmission and distribution of electrical energy.
17
17:00 · Wrap-up
wear appropriate protective gear
Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.

Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.

Software & Technologies & Knowledge areas
Software & Technologies
Autodesk AutoCADFileMaker ProMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Internet ExplorerMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectProgrammable logic controller PLC softwareRockwell RSLogixSAP Maintenance
Knowledge areas
  • artificial lighting systems

    Types of artificial lighting and their power consumption. HF fluorescent lighting, LED lighting, natural daylight and programmed control systems allow an efficient use of energy.

Cross-sector skills
  • electric current
  • electrical discharge
  • electrical power safety regulations
Essential skills
complying with health and safety procedures
  • work ergonomically

    Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

  • wear appropriate protective gear

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

  • comply with electrical safety regulations

    Comply with safety measures, standards and regulations for working with electrical equipment and the installation, operation and maintenance of electrical wiring and installations.

installing and repairing electrical, electronic and precision equipment
  • install power lines

    Install cables and networks for electricity distribution on the street, in the fields and in buildings, and put them into operation.

  • repair underground power cables

    Identify damage and perform the required repairs, as well as perform routine maintenance, to underground power cables used in the transmission and distribution of electrical energy.

maintaining electrical, electronic and precision equipment
  • prevent technical problems with lighting equipment

    Anticipate possible technical problems with lighting equipment.

installing wooden and metal components
  • inspect underground power cables

    Inspect the underground power cables during installation or repair activities in order to identify faults and assess the extent of damage or need for repairs, and to ensure they are correctly installed and maintained.

Career progression

Growth Pathways & Similar Roles

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What kind of training is needed to become a street lighting electrician?
Typically, a combination of vocational training, an apprenticeship program, and relevant electrical certifications are required. Many employers prefer candidates with a formal qualification in electrical work.
Are street lighting electricians typically employed or self-employed?
This occupation is mostly employee-based, with many street lighting electricians working for local governments, utility companies, or electrical contractors. However, it is also commonly a self-employed business, particularly for smaller maintenance and repair services.
What safety precautions are most important in this role?
Working with electricity presents inherent risks. Strict adherence to safety protocols, including lockout/tagout procedures, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and awareness of underground utilities, is paramount.