Automotive Electrician

Job overview
Automotive electricians manufacture, install and repair motor vehicles' electrical systems and equipment.

What do people do in this job?
Their work requires a thorough knowledge of starter mechanisms, lights, windscreen wipers, hooters and indicators, as well as accessories such as electrically-controlled windows and car radios.

Although a fair amount of work is of a routine nature, the ambitious electrician will find plenty of opportunity to progress to more specialised training in the diagnosis of electrical defects using efficient modern equipment.

The modern motor car has two electrical systems.

First, the ignition system, comprising mainly the battery, distributor, induction coil, high-tension wires and spark plugs.

The second includes, the starter motor, alternator or generator, voltage regulators, lights, windscreen wipers, hooters, indicators, etc., as well as electrically operated windows, aerials, radios, tape players, revolution counters and fuel gauges.

While automotive electricians should have a sound knowledge of both systems, since a defect in one system may have an effect on the vehicle's electrical system as a whole.

They are involved mainly with the repair and maintenance of the second system. 

They are trained as tune-up specialists and are consequently able to understand the influence of the accessory system on the ignition and carburettor system.

The modern equipment used today means that the dirty greasy conditions, which used to be part of the job, are a thing of the past.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Both a mechanical and a practical aptitude are essential for this job.

Other important qualities are the ability to think logically and work accurately, in order to diagnose complex faults, plus self-discipline and caution, so as to avoid unnecessary accidents.

Automotive electricians are employed in the motor manufacturing and repair industry, working either in motor assembly plants, or in garage workshops.

What qualifications are needed?
Automotive electricians normally learn their job by serving an apprenticeship.