Overview of Free Online Electrician Courses
Would you like to learn to be an electrician? Maybe you're hoping to train to be an electrician for free? Electricians are responsible for setting up, wiring and repairing electrical systems, like lighting or appliances, in homes and commercial buildings. In addition to technical skills, an electrician needs to be proficient in critical thinking, trouble-shooting, and customer service. The job often requires good physical stamina and strength, and electricians must have the visual ability to distinguish colors when working with wires.
The electrical industry is a good place to find employment. In 2019, BLS reports that electricians earned a median salary of $56,180. The BLS projects a growth of 8% between 2019 and 2029, which is higher than average.
There are some free online electrician courses available, as well as other learning materials about topics related to electrical work, that may be interesting for current electricians or those considering electrician careers. Electrician school online can be found through online learning platforms, colleges or other organizations. There are also written resources available. However, it is important to note that these free electrician courses aren't enough to become an electrician. To become a journeyman electrician, one generally needs to complete apprenticeships and get licensed in their state; some also attend a trade school.
Basic Electrical Courses through Alison
Alison, a free online learning platform, offers various courses related to skilled trades, as well as other topics. It has six electrician classes online. The following beginner electrical classes take less than three hours to complete:
- Basics of Electrical Technology is a beginner course about electrical engineering and safety when working with electrical systems.
- Introduction to the Electrical Trade introduces students to electrical theory and career options for electricians.
- Introduction to Basic Electrical Drawings and Test Equipment shows students how to read electrical drawings and covers the purpose of a range of electrical test equipment.
- Introduction to Electrical Wiring Systems teaches students about these different systems, including conductors, raceways, fittings and cables.
- Maintaining and Servicing Home Appliances covers appliances like light fittings, food processors and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).
There is also the Diploma in Electrical Studies, a longer course that takes about six to ten hours to complete. It covers many of the same topics as the individual courses listed above. Alison offers this diploma in both digital in physical forms; both must be purchased.
Other Free Online Electrical Courses
Other free electrician training options are available. The following platforms offer electrician education online.
- MIT OpenCourseWare Circuits and Electronics course: This course is part of MIT's OpenCourseWare, which makes the university's course materials available online for free to the general public. This course serves as an introduction to electrical engineering. It offers 24 video lectures, along with lecture notes and resources, and is accompanied by assignments and exams. Topics covered include different types of circuits, amplification, energy and more.
- MIT OpenCourseWare Soldering Guide: This guide is also through MIT's free platform but is geared toward high school students. It shows how to solder electrical wires, which is a skill useful to electricians. It is a written guide with accompanying photos about how to strip wires and use a soldering gun.
- ibiblio Lessons in Electric Circuits: The free online database ibiblo offers online electrician training in the form of a series of books available online about electricity and electric circuits, including AC and DC power, semiconductors and more. There are six volumes.
- OSHAcademy Electrical Safety for Technicians and Supervisors: This resource focuses on staying safe during electrical work. It is comprised of 10 modules that cover topics from electrical burns to how to recognize potential electrical hazards. It takes about seven hours to complete all of the modules.
- InterNACHI Electrical Inspector course: The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors offers a certificate of completion in electrical inspection. Electricians can become electrical inspectors, so this course can be useful for them. It covers the basics of electricity and electrical safety, so students will complete the course knowing how to do electrical inspections in homes. The course has over two hours of content, including six quizzes and a 100-question final exam.
Options for Electrician School Online
Those seeking to learn electrician work are required to have a high school diploma. After high school, candidates may attend a technical school to take electrician beginner courses, such as basic electrical information, circuitry, safety practices, blueprint reading, and elements of residential and commercial electricity. Candidates also have the option of enrolling in a college to earn an associate's degree in electrical technology or a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.
Whether or not they attend technical school, electricians usually complete a four- or five-year apprenticeship. An apprenticeship includes on-the-job training with a licensed electrician as well as technical instruction. Apprentices are paid at a lower rate than a licensed electrician.
At the completion of their apprenticeship, electrician candidates must apply for licensure. Licensure is granted by individual states, and requirements vary, so check with your state for details. Some states require electricians to take classes periodically in order to maintain their licenses. Online electrician programs can be a good way for electricians to meet this type of requirement.
Are you looking to become an electrician online? Free online electrical courses with certificates are rare. Electrician trade school online may conclude in a diploma or certificate, but won't be free. However, online electrical courses might be worthwhile for those who are interested in becoming electricians. For accredited online electrical courses, check out these institutions that offer online electrical certification programs.
