A panel technician is generally defined as a professional who helps businesses work on various types of electrical panels. These job descriptions usually involve working on low voltage panels. Some panel technicians can end up working on various kinds of specialty panels, as well, including solar panels or other new technology installations.
The typical panel technician works on AC/DC electrical circuits that run through an electrical panel. This requires experience with wiring panels and assembling electrical components of larger systems. Specific wiring tasks often include cutting or stripping cable ends, as well as doing wire termination and accomplishing different kinds of wire connections. Techniques for crimping and wire termination are valuable to panel technicians who need to work on a broad volume of wire connections in panels.
Apart from the physical work of assembling electrical components, successful panel technicians need to understand the many standards for electrical work in the country where they are practicing. These professionals are often required to be competent in standardized electrical work and hold appropriate degrees or certifications in the core electrical standards of a country or region of the world. This includes being able to read standard electrical plans or building blueprints. Panel technicians may also need to understand the issues of compliance with various regulatory agencies in their countries of practice.
Although a successful panel technician needs to have a detailed understanding of general electrical assemblies and installations, these types of job roles also require some considerable physical work. Employers will often assess whether a candidate for a panel technician job can stand for long periods of time, use various kinds of power tools or hand tools, or move through an interior to access electrical panels or boxes. These individuals may also need to carry heavy equipment, so the ability to heft specific weight loads may be assessed.
In today’s changing electrical industry, a panel technician may be asked to understand more specialized types of technology than what is commonly installed in the average building. As electrical panels accommodate more data ports and other types of new technology, the range of knowledge for a panel technician is increasing, and it’s important for these professionals to understand the future of their roles in a specialized industry, and to stay current with the latest developments. Continuing education will likely be a part of what a panel technician engages in to accomplish this.