Electric meter technician

Electric meter technicians install and maintain electric meter systems in facilities or buildings. They install the equipment in accordance with regulations and repair faults and other problems. They test the equipment and advise on the use and care.

The following job titles also refer to electric meter technician:

electric meter maintenance operative
electricity meter test technician
electricity meter installation technician
electricity meter maintenance worker
electricity meter installer
electric meter maintenance worker
electricity meter maintenance operative
smart meter installer
electric meter installer
electric meter installation technician
electricity meter technician
electric meter test technician
smart meter technician

Electric meter technicians work both indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions. They must be able to climb ladders, work in small spaces, and lift and carry heavy equipment. They also work with electricity, so they must be very safety conscious.

Most electric meter technicians work full time, and some may be on call 24 hours a day. They may work overtime, weekends, and holidays.

Electric meter technicians are typically required to have a high school diploma. Some employers may prefer candidates who have completed some college courses.

Many electric meter technicians choose to pursue a two-year associate degree in a field such as electronics, engineering or technology. These programs typically include courses in mathematics, electronics, computer programming and computer-aided design.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Electric meter technician is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to electric meter technician.

rolling stock electrician
gas service technician
automotive battery technician
automotive brake technician
electromechanical equipment assembler

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of electric meter technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of electric meter technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

utilities inspector
heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineering technician
electrical engineering technician
aircraft maintenance engineer
pulp control operator

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of electric meter technician.

• Electricity principles: Electricity is created when electric current flows along a conductor. It entails the movement of free electrons between atoms. The more free electrons are present in a material, the better this material conducts. The three main parameters of electricity are the voltage, current (ampère), and resistance (ohm).
• Electrical equipment regulations: The national and international regulations with regards to the use and manufacture of electrical equipment on the workfloor. These regulations provide rules and guidelines on topics such as general risk management, electrical equipment manufacture, electrical equipment testing, electrical equipment installation, warning labels, and certificates.
• Electrical wire accessories: Electrical wire and cable products and accessories, such as electrical connectors, splices, and wire insulation.
• Electricity: Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
• Electrical wiring plans: Pictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices. It gives information about the relative position and arrangement of devices and terminals on the devices, to help in building or servicing the device. A wiring diagram is often used to troubleshoot problems and to make sure that all the connections have been made and that everything is present.

These skills are necessary for the role of electric meter technician.

• Inspect electrical supplies: Check electrical supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems.
• Measure electrical characteristics: Measure voltage, current, resistance or other electrical characteristics by using electrical measuring equipment such as multimeters, voltmeters, and ammeters.
• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Perform test run: Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
• Identify faults in utility meters: Monitor the measuring instruments which calculate the consumption of utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and heat, in order to assess whether the readings are accurate, and to identify damage and need for repairs and maintenance.
• Install electrical and electronic equipment: Install equipment which is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields in order to work, or equipment to generate, transfer or measure such currents and fields. This equipment includes switchboards, electric motors, generators or direct current systems.
• Use electrical wire tools: Use tools to manipulate wire which will be used for electrical purposes, such as wire strippers, crimpers, soldering irons, torque wrenches, and heat guns.
• Wear appropriate protective gear: Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
• Use testing equipment: Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.
• Use wire hand tools: Be able to use wire hand tools, such as crimp tools, cable strippers, and cable cutters.
• Install electricity meter: Place an electricity meter connecting the building to the electrical grid. The meter measures the amount of electricity used. Connect the appropriate wires to the electricity meter and configure the device.
• Use technical documentation: Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
• Apply health and safety standards: Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of electric meter technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Monitor utility equipment: Monitor equipment which provides utility services such as power, heat, refrigeration, and steam, in order to ensure they are functional, operate according to regulations, and to check for faults.
• Advise on utility consumption: Advise individuals or organisations on methods in which they can reduce their consumption of utilities, such as heat, water, gas, and electricity, in order for them to save money and incorporate sustainable practices.
• Use personal protection equipment: Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
• Consult technical resources: Read and interpret such technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.
• Install utility equipment: Install equipment which is used for the provision of utility services through various energy means, such as heat, steam, power, and refrigeration, and ensure correct and safe installation of the equipment and machinery in facilities and residential properties.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Read electricity meter: Interpret the measuring instruments which measure the consumption and reception of electricity in a facility or residence, record the results in a correct manner.
• Write records for repairs: Write records of the repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, of parts and materials used, and other repair facts.
• Anticipate installation maintenance: Prepare resources and activities to execute installation maintenance, according to budget needs.

7411 – Building and related electricians

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References

1. Electric meter technician – ESCO
2. Meter Technician Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
3. Featured image: By Jeromi Mikhael – Own work, CC0