Description
Repair, maintain, calibrate, and install electrical switches and switchgear. Diagnose faults, service contacts and mechanisms, rewire or replace components, and verify safe, code-compliant operation through testing and inspection.
- • Measure voltage, current, resistance, and continuity in switch circuits using multimeters, ammeters, and megohmmeters to diagnose faults.
- • Record repairs performed, parts used, test results, and labor time.
- • Reassemble repaired switches and switchgear to manufacturer specifications and ratings using hand tools and electrical meters.
- • Maintain stocks of switch components, contacts, springs, terminals, arc chutes, and hardware.
- • Repair or replace defective mechanical parts in switches and breakers using hand and power tools.
- • Rewire or reroute leads within switch assemblies and replace damaged conductors or terminals.
- • Inspect electrical connections, wiring, relays, interlocks, and control circuits using diagrams and schematics.
- • Consult service guides, wiring diagrams, and manufacturer bulletins to perform repairs.
- • Inspect and test switches to locate damage, worn contacts, loose terminals, or misalignment, and determine required repairs.
- • Solder, crimp, wrap, and insulate wires and terminations to ensure proper isolation and strain relief.
- • Assemble switch components, actuators, contact blocks, and enclosures following schematics and using hand, machine, and power tools.
- • Lubricate moving switch mechanisms and linkages per specifications.
- • Remove and replace defective parts such as contacts, contact tips, terminals, springs, handles, and gaskets.
- • Disassemble switchgear or switch assemblies for access and repair using hand tools.
- • Lift and position heavy switchgear sections or bus assemblies using cranes or hoists, or signal operators to move them safely.
- • Solder or braze lugs and connectors and make secure electrical connections as specified.
- • Dress, file, and polish switch contacts to specified tolerances and surface finish.
- • Adjust contact pressure, travel, and spring tension using hand tools and gauges.
- • Clean terminals, contact surfaces, enclosures, and bus bars using approved solvents, abrasives, and cleaning equipment.
- • Configure and set electronic trip units or protective settings for breakers using a computer or test set.
- • Verify alignment, clearances, and dimensions of switch parts using gauges, calipers, and feeler gauges.
- • Test repaired switches for overheating and proper operation using thermometers and functional tests.
- • Perform insulation resistance and dielectric tests on switch assemblies as required.
- • Torque terminals, bus connections, and mounting hardware to specified values.
- • Perform functional timing and trip tests on circuit breakers and interlocks using portable test equipment.
- • Update service records and revise schematics or labels to reflect modifications.
- • Follow lockout/tagout and electrical safety procedures and use PPE in accordance with NFPA 70E.
- • Coordinate with electricians or customers to schedule repairs and minimize downtime.
- • Package, label, and ship refurbished switch components or prepare them for field installation.
- • Keep work area, tools, and test benches clean and in safe working order.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
