What Is a High Voltage Electrician and How to Become One

High voltage electricians design, install, maintain, and repair electrical systems. As a high voltage electrician, you work with potentially dangerous equipment and must know and follow safety protocols at all times. Depending on your employer, your job duties may include troubleshooting power outages, servicing power lines and electrical towers, and monitoring large circuits and electrical systems. As power lines and transformers can be suspended high above ground, you should be comfortable with heights. You may be required to engage in some travel to reach the source of power problems, particularly if the system you oversee covers a large geographical distance.

A career as a high voltage electrician requires you have some post-secondary education and a good deal of experience. You must earn a high school diploma or GED certificate and then apply for an electrical apprenticeship. These programs are usually available at community colleges or trade schools, and may take up to four years. During your apprenticeship, you should aim to gain skills and as much hands-on experience with high voltage systems and equipment as possible, with a special focus on relevant safety codes and procedures. After your apprenticeship, you may obtain your license to become a journeyman electrician.