Electrical equipment inspector

Electrical equipment inspectors check finished electrical products for physical defects and faulty electrical connections. They record inspection results and send faulty assemblies back to production.

The following job titles also refer to electrical equipment inspector:

electrical appliance inspector
supervisor of electrical equipment
inspector of electrical equipment
electrical equipment tester
electrical QC inspector
electrical testing engineer
electrical inspector
electrical testing and inspection engineer
electrical QA inspector

A high school diploma is generally required to work as an electrical equipment inspector.

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.

Electrical equipment inspector is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to electrical equipment inspector.

control panel tester
electronic equipment inspector
battery test technician
automated optical inspection operator
precision device inspector

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

computer hardware test technician
calibration technician
electrical equipment production supervisor
avionics inspector
electrical engineering technician

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of electrical equipment inspector.

• Quality assurance procedures: The procedures to inspect a product or system to ensure that it is according to specifications and requirements.
• 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.
• Electromechanics: The engineering processes that combine electrical and mechanical engineering in the application of electromechanics in devices that need electricity to create mechanical movement or devices that create electricity by mechanical movement.
• Electrical engineering: Understand electrical engineering, a field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
• Electrical discharge: The qualities and applications of electrical discharge, including voltage and electrodes.
• Instrument performance elements: Elements that indicate or influence instrument performance. A first indication of the performance of the instrument is the accuracy or precision of the instrument, such as its response time, resolution, and range. A second indication of performance is the technical performance of the instrument, such as its power level, the electromagnetic interference, and transient voltages. A third indication of performance are environmental factors that can influence instrument performance, such as humidity, operating temperatures, or dust.
• Electrical testing methods: Test procedures performed on electrical equipment and machinery in order to check the performance and quality of the electrical equipment and their adherence to specifications. During these tests electrical properties, such as voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and inductance, are measured using electrical measuring equipment, such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and voltmeters.
• Electrical equipment components: The essential components of a certain electrical product, such as electrical wires, circuit breakers, and switches.
• Electrical wiring diagrams: The visual schematic representation of an electrical circuit, its components, and the connections between these components.

These skills are necessary for the role of electrical equipment inspector.

• Inspect quality of products: Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
• Measure electrical characteristics: Measure voltage, current, resistance or other electrical characteristics by using electrical measuring equipment such as multimeters, voltmeters, and ammeters.
• Read assembly drawings: Read and interpret drawings listing all the parts and subassemblies of a certain product. The drawing identifies the different components and materials and provides instructions on how to assemble a product.
• Test electrical equipment: Test electrical systems, machines, and components and check electrical properties, such as voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and inductance, using electrical testing and measuring equipment, such as a multimeter. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
• Operate precision measuring equipment: Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.
• 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.
• Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
• Use testing equipment: Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.
• Analyse test data: Interpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.
• Communicate test results to other departments: Communicate testing information such as testing schedules, samples testing statistics and test results, to the relevant departments.
• Meet deadlines: Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.
• Read engineering drawings: Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.
• Use measurement instruments: Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
• Interpret electrical diagrams: Read and comprehend blueprints and electrical diagrams; understand technical instructions and engineering manuals for assembling electrical equipment; understand electricity theory and electronic components.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of electrical equipment inspector. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Electric clocks: Clocks and watches that use electrical power to measure the passing of time, such as electric, electronic, digital or quartz clocks and watches.
• Electric motors: Motors which are able to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.
• Waste removal regulations: Know and understand the regulations and legal agreements governing the performance of waste removal activities.
• Electric drives: Electromechanical systems that utilise electric motors to control the movement and processes of electrical machinery.
• Electric generators: The principles and operations of devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as dynamos and alternators, rotors, stators, armatures, and fields.
• Electrical machines: Electrical apparatus that are able to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy (generators), electrical energy to mechanical energy (motors), and change the voltage level of an AC or alternating current (transformers).

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

• Resolve equipment malfunctions: Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
• Maintain electrical engines: Understanding of electrical circuits and being able to repair. Test and replace electrical components and wiring, using test meters, soldering equipment, and hand tools.
• Remove defective products: Remove defective materials from the production line.
• Maintain electrical equipment: Test electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as required.
• Test electromechanical systems: Test electromechanical systems, machines, and components using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
• Provide user support for electrical instruments: Provide user support and make recommendations for the use of existing or new electrical devices; assist and provide advice with regard to product maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting.
• Research equipment needs: Research equipment or required machine parts; compare sources, prices and delivery times.
• Maintain test equipment: Maintain equipment used for testing the quality of systems and products.
• Liaise with engineers: Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.
• Send faulty equipment back to assembly line: Send equipment that didn’t pass inspection back to the assembly line for re-assembly.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Write inspection reports: Write the results and conclusions of the inspection in a clear and intelligible way. Log the inspection’s processes such as contact, outcome, and steps taken.
• Maintain electromechanical equipment: Diagnose and detect malfunctions in electromechanical components and systems and remove, replace, or repair these components when necessary. Execute preventative equipment maintenance tasks, such as storing the components and machines in clean, dust-free, and non-humid spaces.

7543 – Product graders and testers (excluding foods and beverages)

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References

1. Electrical equipment inspector – ESCO