Career change, commissioning and certification?

[DWinFl]

I've been a licensed electrician since 1988. I'm ready to try something new.
Recently I came across a guy with a lap top connected to the main switch gear. He was running a program to test the gear and to verify that all was within factory specifications. The work involves traveling (which I can do) and pays well.
With my background and related capabilities I think this type of work is "right up my alley" I'm just not sure if I got the description (title) right.
I know it will require some schooling but so far have been unable to find what I need and who to get it from.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
DWinFl

 

[ATSman]

FSE

FSE

I've been a licensed electrician since 1988. I'm ready to try something new.
Recently I came across a guy with a lap top connected to the main switch gear. He was running a program to test the gear and to verify that all was within factory specifications. The work involves traveling (which I can do) and pays well.
With my background and related capabilities I think this type of work is "right up my alley" I'm just not sure if I got the description (title) right.
I know it will require some schooling but so far have been unable to find what I need and who to get it from.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
DWinFl

The person you met , I suspect, was a Field Service Engineer for the manufacturer of the switchgear. Or he could have worked for an independent testing company. My advice would be to go work for a manufacturer such as Eaton, GE, or Square D. Learn the testing business: circuit breakers, GFRs, protective relays, MCCs, transformers, cable hipot, etc. Most of this type of work is very specialized and not covered in college courses. Best way to learn it OJT with an experienced guy and work your way up the ladder. Get all the knowledge you can and make contacts with customers.
This is the way I started in the business. In the 70's after college I work for Westinghouse (now Siemens) then with an ind. testing co (11yrs) then went on my own doing switchgear control t-shooting, repairs, modifications till I settled into becoming an ATS specialist (26yrs.) You will eventually reach a point where you will make a name for yourself and they will come after you to have the work done. There will always be a need for a person like this. You are correct about the money, it can be very lucrative since you can name your price and still charge under what the big corps (GE, Eaton, etc) charge. Being a journeyman electrician you know the electrical basics and enough to not get yourself blown up. Good luck.

Forgot to mention once employed by one of these companies you can apply for school classes with AVO (who owns Megger) that teach you how to test and start up all types of equipment you will run into in the field. It will help to make you a better tester and improve the value of the company as well.

 

[zog]

I've been a licensed electrician since 1988. I'm ready to try something new.
Recently I came across a guy with a lap top connected to the main switch gear. He was running a program to test the gear and to verify that all was within factory specifications. The work involves traveling (which I can do) and pays well.
With my background and related capabilities I think this type of work is "right up my alley" I'm just not sure if I got the description (title) right.
I know it will require some schooling but so far have been unable to find what I need and who to get it from.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
DWinFl

Keep in mind to get into this type of work you will likely take a pay cut since they will have to train you. You will be starting as an entry level guy. ATS man was spot on though, great industry and very lucrative once you gain some experience. Been doing this work for 20 years.