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Job Report Commercial and Industrial Electronic Equipment Repairers
Nature of the Work
Commercial and industrial electronic equipment repairers, also called electronics
mechanics, install and repair electronic equipment used in industrial automated equipment
controls, missile control systems, radar systems, X-ray equipment, transmitters, and
antennas.
Commercial and industrial electronics mechanics install the electronic components
of new equipment. Duties vary by industry setting. On an Air Force base, for example, they
may install the electronic control panel on a new fighter plane. In a hospital, the work might
involve installing computer-assisted topography (CAT Scan) equipment. Regardless of the
type of equipment, repairers must coordinate their efforts with workers installing mechanical
or electromechanical components. Using testing equipment, the repairer insures that
everything is functioning properly before the customer takes charge of the equipment.
When trouble occurs in the equipment, the repairer first determines that it is in the
electronic component of the equipment and checks for common causes of trouble such as
loose connections or obviously defective components. If routine checks do not locate the
trouble, repairers refer to blueprints and manufacturers' specifications that show
connections and provide instruction on how to locate problems.
When locating the cause of electronic failures, repairers use several kinds of tools
including voltmeters, ohmmeters, signal generators, ammeters, and oscilloscopes. They
run special diagnostic programs that help pinpoint certain malfunctions. To make repairs,
they may replace defective components or wiring, or adjust and calibrate equipment.
Although it may take several hours to locate a problem, fixing the equipment may take only
a few minutes.
Preventive maintenance is another responsibility of electronics repairers. Equipment
is checked, cleaned, and repaired periodically to detect and prevent defects. Records are
usually kept to show the date and condition of the equipment serviced, and to indicate when
it is due to be reserviced. Repairers also have to maintain records of repairs, calibrations,
and tests.
Working Conditions
Commercial and industrial electronic equipment repairers generally work a 40-hour
week. Industries that operate around the clock will often rotate shifts, so repairers may
work evenings, nights, days, weekends, or holidays. For example, repairers working for
hospitals may have to work evenings and weekends so that someone is always available
to make emergency repairs to malfunctioning respirators and other life-support equipment.
In less critical situations, electronics repairers employed as part of an emergency crew may
be on call during off-duty hours.
Working conditions vary depending upon the job. On the factory floor, repairers may
be exposed to heat, grease, and noise, and may have to work in cramped spaces.
Sometimes the work is done in the electronic repair shop, which is generally located off the
factory floor. Here, as well as in hospitals, military installations, and other job settings, the
surroundings usually are quiet, clean, and well lighted. Electronics repairers usually work
with little supervision.
Employment in manufacturing establishments generally entails considerable walking,
kneeling, bending, and reaching to install or repair equipment.
Employment
Electronics repairers held about 84,500 jobs in 1990. About 1 out of 4 repairers are
employed by the Federal Government; the overwhelming majority of these work for the
Department of Defense--mostly at military installations around the country.
Repairers are also employed by electronic and transportation equipment
manufacturers, airports, telephone companies, and hospitals, electronic repair shops and
firms that provide maintenance under contract (called third-party maintenance firms).
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Commercial and industrial electronic equipment repairers need training in the
practical application of electronics. Required courses include electronics theory and
technology, preventive maintenance, and trouble-shooting techniques. Most repairers
attend either a public, private, or Armed Forces technical school. Some receive training
through a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship program administered by employers. High school
graduates who have had courses in mathematics and science are preferred for the
apprenticeship program.
Electronics repairers need good color vision, manual dexterity, and good eye-hand
coordination. They should have an aptitude for mathematics and be able to do detailed
work. Other qualifications include a good memory, recordkeeping ability, the ability to do
repetitive tasks, and physical strength.
Repairers who test and repair radio transmitting equipment, other than business and
land mobile radio, must hold a General Operators License from the Federal
Communications Commission.
There is also a voluntary program for the testing and certification of repairers
administered by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET). An
electronics repairers with 4 years' experience may apply for certification as a Certified
Electronics Technician (CET). Certification, which is by examination, is offered in radio-TV,
industrial and commercial repair, audio, and radar systems. There is also an Associate
Level Test of basic electronics available for students or beginning repairers who do not
have the experience required for full certification.
Some workers advance to electronics technicians or engineering assistants.
Opportunities for advancement are improved by taking courses offered by employers, junior
colleges, or technical schools.
Job Outlook
Employment of commercial and industrial electronic equipment repairers is expected
to increase about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2000.
Employment in non-Defends industries is expected to grow faster than the average for all
occupations; because of cuts in the Defense Department budget, no employment growth
is expected in this occupation in the Federal Government. In private industry, it is projected
to grow faster than the average for all occupations. To boost productivity, more and more
business and industrial firms are expected to install electronic equipment. In addition, more
electronic equipment will be used in medicine, energy conservation, and pollution control.
Besides employment growth, many job openings will result from the need to replace
workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
Earnings
Beginning commercial and industrial electronic equipment repairers started at
between $16,650 and $20,800 a year in 1990, according to the limited information
available. Experienced repairers earned from $20,800 to $24,975 while highly skilled
specialists who can work on more than one type of equipment earned as much as $38,100
a year.
Average annual salaries of repairers who were employed by the Federal
Government in 1990 was $29,120.
Related Occupations
Other occupations in which workers repair electronic equipment include home
appliance and power tool repairers, office machine and cash register servicers, computer
service technicians, and electronic home entertainment equipment repairers.
Sources of Additional Information
For career and certification information, contact:
The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, 2708 West
Berry St., Fort Worth, Texas 76109.
For certification, career, and placement information, contact:
Electronics Technicians Association, 825 East Franklin, Greencastle, Ind.
46135.
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