Wiring of finished buildings, that is to say of the structures which were not wired at the time they were built, is almost a specialty in itself. Much of this work is done, because the electric utility companies expend considerable effort in their endeavor to see to it that all buildings, old and new, are wired, so that they may become possible customers. In wiring finished buildings much ingenuity may be exercised by the wireman in routing of conductors through the structure so as to insure the least removal of flooring and cutting of walls.
Qualifications of wiremen.—Requirements for wiring are determined to a large extent by the special line or lines of the activity taken up. While some wiring work requires little physical exertion, often considerable lifting and pulling is necessary. The necessary boring, sawing, and bending all require strength and endurance. Also it may be necessary to climb from floor to floor of buildings under construction. Some of the jobs may be in heated inclosed buildings, but the bulk of it is in structures under construction which are open to the weather.
As to technical qualifications, a good wireman should be able to read the architects’ blue prints, which specify the panel box and outlet locations, and he should be able to route his conductors properly. This requires that he have some general knowledge of electrical circuits, and be quite familiar with wiring methods and wiring code requirements. Often the wireman must order his own material for a job. Hence, he should be able to select and specify this intelligently. It follows that there is little opportunity in cities for a person who has had no previous experience or wiring training to immediately assume the duties of a journeyman wireman. But each wireman usually has working with him a helper. A helper can start with little or no previous experience, and work up. As in practically all other vocations, some theoretical and practical training will be of great value, and such training a prospective wireman can obtain at a trade school.
Wages of wiremen.—Compensation varies in different communities and with the skill of the workman. In practically all cities wiremen are unionized, but not usually in the smaller towns. An eight-hour day with time and a half for overtime prevails. In the cities the rate per day for a journeyman wireman will vary from $4.80 to $6.40, and in the smaller towns from $3.60 to $4.80. In cities a helper will receive from $2.80 to $4, and in the smaller towns from $2 to $4.40.
PLAN No. 1193. ESTIMATORS
Estimators in electrical contractors’ organizations compile estimates of the labor and material required and the cost thereof, for each job on which a bid is to be submitted by the contractor. On the basis of this cost of time and material the estimator determines the price which is quoted to the prospective purchaser. Most successful estimators are men who have worked at the wiring trade and thereby appreciate how much work can be accomplished under given conditions in a given time. Cost of material can readily be determined with accuracy, but to estimate closely the cost of labor—the time that will be consumed in putting in the job—requires experience and judgment. A returned soldier who has had previous electrical construction experience but whose physical qualifications are such that he can no longer do heavy work, should be able to qualify ultimately as an estimator. It may be that before he actually accepts such a position, he should have some supplementary theoretical training in a trade school in drawing, mathematics, and electrical theory. But after he has this training and some estimating practice he should, if his natural qualifications adapt him for the work, be able to do well at it. The work is mostly indoors, although the estimators sometimes visit sites of jobs under construction. The work is usually eight hours a day, and the salary may range from $100 to $250 per month. A competent estimator may make a great deal of money for his concern and an incompetent one can lose much more.
PLAN No. 1194. SALESMEN
A salesman for an electrical contracting business may be either an inside man or an outside man, or combine inside and outside duties. An inside or store salesman will sell the various electrical appliances and devices which the contractor may stock. Such may include electric fans, electric-washing machines, small motors, irons, heaters, incandescent lamps, and similar devices and material. He should be well informed as to the uses and applications of this equipment, and he should also be competent to advise prospective customers about any wiring and the cost thereof, which may be required for the installation of the equipment. Outside salesmen are frequently assigned territories or districts which they are expected to cover and from which they obtain orders for about the same equipment and services as do the inside men. Their work is somewhat similar to that of an electric-company solicitor.
This sales work offers attractive possibilities for returned soldiers who have had some previous electrical experience, and whose physical disabilities are such that they can no longer do heavy work. While technical knowledge is an extremely valuable asset to a salesman, the essential qualification of a man who is selling anything is that he have the “selling instinct.” He should like to meet people of all sorts, and feel at ease when talking to them. For a man who has the qualifications, the opportunities for him in sales work are probably better than those in any other line. If a man can get around and see and talk to people, hear what they have to say, and write, he should be able to qualify physically for this work. Many salesmen earn very moderate salaries, but others command very high ones. The compensation depends very largely on the man. Often it is on a salary and commission basis. In this selling work, a man may expect to earn from $70 to $150 per month, or even more, depending upon his abilities and application. Sometimes a man may combine the duties of salesman and estimator.