I just started my apprenticeship with IBEW Local 11. They transferred me at the LAX APM and they crew is, for the most part, very helpful and unbiased teaching me how they work. I got a list of tools that the ETI wanted me to get, but after a week I see that I need some that are a bit more productive like a ratchet and certain bits. Not that I'm lazy but it does take time to screw in a bolt by hand.
Im 17 still in hs and your channel has been helping me decide what i wanna do. I feel like i have a passion for music and i know that that path comes with risk so thats why i want a foundation to support myself first and this job looks cool. My dad is also a journeyman as well
Hey Elliott! That's so great to hear! I'm really happy that my videos can be a good resource for others looking into the trade. That's the goal with my channel. I'm actually very passionate about music myself! It's definitely something that you can still pursue even if you're an electrician, but it would likely be something that you do after work and school. Music doesn't necessarily need to be your full time career to be successful, but if you prioritize your time then you can definitely still get after it!
I have a background in illustration but I didn’t want to depend on that as my sole source of income. I’ve been an electrician for a few years now and it’s been great! Best job I’ve ever had
Absolutely bro! It's my pleasure! Sometime soon I'd like to make an updated version of this video, as my setup has changed. Many of the tools I use are still the same though. ⚡️
Hey Stephen! Could you by any chance make a video on common new apprentice mistakes when learning on the job and learning in school? I want to learn ahead of time. Thank you for all you do man!⚡️
Interesting video..I am in the UK and have a telecomms /low voltage background rather than being a sparky. That said, we carried a very similar set of EDC tools but in a small leather grip case rather than on a belt...The main additional thing we carried was a multimeter/tester...
Was flipping through other channels on my fireTV and had to grab my phone to comment... You've got a dedicated subscriber!! I've been a field/service technician in Detroit metro for many years doing commercial work (levelers, doors, dock stuff), but decided to move to the Florida Keys and figure things out here (happy place 😊) .... Came into the inevitable "Electrician" job... Came in with tons of knowledge, but I didn't know sh*t... so, obviously I need to learn daily.... This channel gives me just a little more "oomf" on my jobsites.... it's weird going from working for the big three, to shitty residential rich asses, but your vids give a lot of us an extra edge... And if you're in this industry, that's a massive lead on competing co-workers, or even just showing your boss or lead guy, you're serious about the trade... I rarely say this, but keep this shit up!! You're doing an amazing job! If you don't have a patreon.. you should. I'll subscribe right now to keep this content going! Cheers from the Keys!!
Been using the carharrt apron for years, its great if your just runnin pipe to hold just those specific conduit tools etc etc,, or any other specific task,, still love my electrician boulder bags overall. Good info .
Glad you know how to say it😂 probably still going to catch some heat for it. Can’t go wrong with Knipex! Also with the diagonal cutters I always beat on the side so I don’t mess up the pivot point. Last time that happened to me I put some Ballistol on it and they loosened up! Great content!
I guarantee you that I will 😂 It definitely feels weird saying it the “right” way. That’s a good tip! I always beat it with the back so I’ll have to start doing that. And bro! Holy moly. You have some high quality content on your channel! Seeing the date for your first video, I can’t believe how fast your channel has grown! Keep up the good work ⚡️
@@MadElectrician it feels so weird to say it the right way😂 I did too until I almost ruin my lineman’s. It’s a lot harder to hit but then you don’t have to trash a good set of pliers! Thanks! Yes it’s definitely been growing fast!
Just bought myself a pair of Knipex cobra channel locks 2 days ago. Really well put together tool. I’m a Klein guy but I have my eye out on Knipex hand tools as well.
That right angle screw driver has saved my ass many times. Also, i carry a 3/8s cold chisel. I use It mainly for lock rings but you'll find an array of tasks its good for. $5, small and saves many screwdrivers.
Great video as always, this channel has been extremely helpful. I have my aptitude test this Tuesday with IBEW local 68, appreciate all the vids! I don't know if you've covered this already but a solid video idea would be what you wear to work for different sites such as jackets or boots/shoes you prefer. Coming from an office job I'm clueless lol, thanks again for all the great content 🙌
Thanks! That's awesome to hear! How did your test go? I've definitely thought about doing a video about that. One of these day's I"ll do that. It really all comes down to the job site and type of work that you're doing though. I was in the same situation too, I had absolutely no idea what to get when I first started 😂
@@MadElectrician for sure haha, gonna be a crazy transition but I'm stoked! Just heard back from the local today and passed the test, got my interview this Wednesday! ⚡
Hey, I think you covered this a bit in another video but I wonder if you could reiterate how difficult it is, if at all, to move into the union after a non-union apprenticeship? I ask because you've said it is very competitive to obtain the union apprenticeship, and no wonder. From my understanding, at the IBEW in Portland, journeyman wages are 100k, while non-union jobs are typically around 60k. Maybe you could direct me to another one of your videos if you've already gone over this? Thanks for all your work on this channel man!
Hey man love your videos. Im out in silverton, OR and have made the decision to apply to #48. I am a college grad but wondering what math touch up resources would be? Heck, id even buy you a coffee and lunch if you ever wanted to meet. Im all in and as Im 40, I really wanna get this ball rolling.
Man I don’t know how you manage with such a small rig. More power to you, but I NEED to have every tool for every eventuality on my belt. I always have. I’ve tried using a smaller load out but it just don’t work for me. My back definitely wishes I could have a smaller rig but I hate having to go get tools or parts from my bag or packout.
I think it would be an interesting video if you were to review your tool cart. Not a normal bit of kit for the field but perfect for your hospital gig. Thanks for the content.
I will eventually be doing videos like that! A video like that will have to be filmed the next time that I have an opportunity to do that. I appreciate the suggestion ⚡️
I actually have a ratcheting screwdriver by them! I love it but I don't find myself in many situations where I need to use it. Seeing the quality though, I'll definitely be getting more screwdrivers from them in the future!
Nope! Not in my tool belt anyways. I'll definitely have to see what all of the Veto hype is all about one of these days. I hear people rave about them all of the time. It's always good to see comments from you. Thanks for watching!
I'm a huge fan of your channel and electrician u! But yeah I have the small pouch from them and it holds my common hand tools... I have a milwaukee backpack with everything else in it... I'm still new so I'm trying to feel it out lol
Just curious, could you show a vid of you splicing wires without a lineman’s and with? Then taking the wirenut off to show the difference between the two. In NYC lineman’s are a stable, no one just uses wirenuts, we always pretwist using lineman’s. Most journeyman just carry lineman and a multi-screwdriver in their back pocket. I can cut 12-3 Mc with one hand using my knipex lineman’s easy, even 10-3 Mc with two hands.
Hey Anibel! That’s interesting because almost nobody here in Oregon that I’ve worked with use lineman’s pliers very often. Just in rare situations. Do you guys normally work with solid or stranded wire there? We almost exclusively work with stranded.
@@MadElectrician almost exclusively solid. It’s so crazy to hear the difference between different states. In nyc the apprenticeship is accurately 5 1/2 years. Other states it’s just 4.
Aaron is correct! But before you jump in head first consider building a resume that tells them you're invested in this career path. Loads of people apply every year. And now that the process is open indefinitely, those that place lower on the list could potentially never get into the program. With every interview cycle more candidates get placed on that list. so I encourage you to do what you can to stand out. Pick up a hobby project and take pictures. Volunteer for anything construction related. Take a class at a community college. Good luck!
Solid suggestions from my brother (Aaron) and good friend (Zach). Check out my How to Become an Electrician series if you haven't yet. I think that series will help out a lot when it comes to figuring out how to get in. I'm a huge fan of going the material handler route first too, so check out my video on that as well. Thanks for watching!
That's definitely a great way to increase your chances. The other thing that I would highly recommend doing is looking into becoming a material handler. That's one of the best ways to get your foot in the door, gain some experience, and increase your chances of getting in. I actually have a full video talking about it. Check it out if that interests you. Thanks for watching!
Hey man been watching you since October! Kind of in a tuff spot right now in my life. I’m a senior in high school and really want to get in my local IBEW. But they have recently closed their apprenticeship applications because of COVID back in March of 2020. I really want to be an electrician but don’t know what to do meanwhile I wait for applications to open up again. I want to get in construction for a while and then apply when they resume applications. Or go to community college and take some engineering courses as I wait. Or trade school or some like that. What would you do? Really stressed right now
im in a similar position, what I did when i was in your position last year was take a 5th year of high school. Im currently in my 5th year and have been taking co-op after co-op. last semester I was with a high rise electrical company, this semester im with a commercial company, its great experience. Where Im at co-op programs are still running even through covid. Hope this helped a little, stay strong hopefully we can both get ahead in our careers soon!
Not necessarily. Some electricians will work on roofs (solar), some installing conduit on ladders, others working on lifts. Some electricians may do none of these.
I agree with what Aaron said. It will all depend on the job sites that you work on and what type of work you end up doing. Typically you will be in situations where you might need to work from heights, but not all of the time or even often. As long as you are fine working from a 6'-8' ladder then you should be fine for most situations. Hope that helps!
Question! I’m an alternative human and I do enjoy being such. Heavily tattooed and pierced. I’m also well spoken and quite good at communications, written and spoken. Will my appearance be a problem in this particular field?
I would apply with the ibew njatc. From what I've been told, you'll get the greatest amount of experience during your apprenticeship. Not only that but most companies on indeed only really hire people who are already in the trade. Go with the union apprenticeship. Its worth it
Pro tip: Spray a considerable amount of WD-40 on those Knipex diagonal cutters and they’ll open just like they did or better then when you first got them. Thank me later.
Hey Stuart! To be completely honest I'm not really sure what those are. I've heard of the IEC but not the ABC. What are those? There are lots of great ways to become an electrician and you can always switch over to the union side later on. If at all possible (and I know you have already tried) I would suggest trying to start off your apprenticeship with the IBEW. The benefits especially as an apprentice are just incredible. Have you seen my, "What if IBEW Isn't Accepting Applications" video? In that I talk about ways that you can use the time while your local isn't accepting applications to make yourself the best possible applicant that you can be. One way that I recommend to do that is by becoming a material handler (which I also have a video on). That's a great way to get your foot in the door and also gain some really great experience so that when your local is accepting application, you'll have a really great chance of getting in. Anyways, hope that helps! Thanks for watching and reaching out!
would it be a good idea to take a industrial maintenance class at my local community college, and then go into the ibew apprenticeship program. or just go directly into the apprenticeship program. I'm am graduating high school this year
That's a great question! It definitely would increase your chances. I think the best thing that you could do though to get your foot in the door, gain some experience, and increase your chances would definitely be to become a material handler. You can also apply for the apprenticeship program while you are a material handler. I have a whole video talking about it, but if you're willing to wait just a little bit longer before starting your apprenticeship then it can be a really great way to go. Or you could do both. Either way, it sounds like you're on the right track! Hope that helps!
@@MadElectrician I just got an email back from my local 141 JATC director. He said since 25% of apprentices are laid off and work is slow they’re not going to take any more unindentured apprentices until work picks back up. So it looks like I’m going to take the two year program and try to get a job as a material handler in that time!
I just haven’t gotten around to it yet, but I definitely still should! I also just really wanted to try out the Knipex diagonal cutters so it was a good excuse to buy them 😂
@@MadElectrician oh don't get me wrong I have both klien and knipex. I have more tools than I could possibly use 😅. It's just nice sending in your old Kleins and getting brand new ones back.
Get rid of the Klein tools. Lol Knipex, Wera or Wiha, and Fluke is all you need. Haha. Oh and for strippers I personally use rack a tiers croc strippers. I wish they would make them without the romex cutters. Like make a different stripper for commercial guys/gals. I’m commercial and I use my crocs all the time. It doesn’t make a difference to me. Keep up the good work.
Oh and for flashlight. Got to go with Olight M2R pro. Better that streamlight,Klein all of them from what I have found so far. Plus with that light I can clip it onto my hat.
Don't know any electricians that have journeyed out in the last 2 decades that carry linemans. As soon as wire nuts started being manufactured to not require pretwisting linemans instantly became superfluous.
Hey brother I’m sorry to bother you but I was just wondering my local IBEW isn’t taking applications at the moment and even if they do I don’t know if I’ll be able to get in. Is there any other option for me to become a licensed electrician without the IBEW? Could I get the same sufficient schooling somewhere else without their apprenticeship?
Varies by region as to what non-union options will exist. Requirements for becoming a licensed electrician vary state by state. Some states don't license electricians. There's a wide range when it comes to requirements, but it does seem like 8000 hours is the general standard for general/commercial/industrial/all-inclusive electrical work. Short answer though - non-union shops can get people their license basically the same as union. Training programs will vary company to company, and to a lesser extent(?) from local to local.
Every plier is just a fancy hammer if you ask me 😂 In all seriousness, I used to use my linesman's more when I first got into the trade. I would often use them for beating things in a pinch. Here in the PNW we almost never work with solid conductors so I rarely carry lineman's pliers in my tool belt anymore. Those and my hammer are always close by though.
Mad Electrician I’m Canadian friend, love your video btw I’m binge watching them right now hehe I really want to know learn and thank you for your hard word
It's funny that Knipex employees have sort of acquiesced to the notion that Germans and Americans will both officially pronounce the company name two different ways (German - K-nee-pex, American - Kuh-nip-ex). They're not too worried about it I guess. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1EdLcerx9Qg.html
I used to live/work in Germany. German pronunciation/spelling is very consistent, and I can't imagine them ever pronouncing "kni" like "k-nee." It would have to be spelled "kniepex" to be pronounced that way. Even in the comments in the video you linked a German was saying that was incorrect. I'm dropping a line to some of my friends there to see what they say. We're going to get to the bottom of this once and for all.
@@darkwing_don2391 All individuals being Knipex employees: A German (with translator) using 'K-nip-ex' pronounciation. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-q7ybaIWJkRE.html A German, speaking English, says again 'K-nip-ex'. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cCb7gTfGOr4.html A video with assorted employees (American and German) using a range of pronounciations. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0ElThr0GNd4.html 1:17 - American GM and CEO, "Nip-ex". 1:25 - Same guy. 'K-nip-ex'. 1:32 - UK guy. 'Nip-ex'. 1:53 - German manager of some type. 'K-nee-pex'. 2:13 - Two more Germans say 'K-nee-pex'. 2:23 - Narrated video, German says 'K-nee-pex'. 11 years ago, American narrator says K-nip-ex. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-iwzfaII3zYw.html Think I'm sold on K-nip-ex, though pretty clearly either is correct. Just not Nip-ex. Dunno what was up with those couple guys ha.
@@aaronbrown5631 Nip-ex is horrible lol. I find this fascinating. One of my friends got back to me today, and his wife (who is German) says, "K-nip-ex," but some of those German guys were clearly saying, "k-nee-pex." I wonder if that's a regional dialect thing? I decided to dig a little more. The company was founded in Wuppertal, and four language groups converge in the Wupper valley. The lady I know grew up just outside of the valley, so maybe I can get a little more information on it. From the evidence we currently have, there are two correct German pronunciations.
Only on RU-vid 😂 Never in person. In fact, many other union members I work with also are a big fan or German tools. I still also love me some American made tools though.
@@MadElectrician That’s good to know. I’ll be at eight years of non-union work next month and have decided that constantly trying to get paid what I deserve is futile, so I’m going to join my local like I should’ve done from the get go. I won’t be able to give up my Knipex tools though. Glad that the ball busting seems to be mostly online. Anyhow, love your videos.
