Switch Technician

Test battery charges, and replace or recharge batteries as necessary.

Clean cells, cell assemblies, glassware, leads, electrical connections, and battery poles, using scrapers, steam, water, emery cloths, power grinders, or acid.

Lift units or parts such as motors or generators, using cranes or chain hoists, or signal crane operators to lift heavy parts or subassemblies.

Read service guides to find information needed to perform repairs.

Disassemble defective equipment so that repairs can be made, using hand tools.

Pour compounds into transformer-case terminal openings to seal out moisture.

Test conditions, fluid levels, and specific gravities of electrolyte cells, using voltmeters, hydrometers, and thermometers.

Reface, ream, and polish commutators and machine parts to specified tolerances, using machine tools.

Test equipment for overheating, using speed gauges and thermometers.

Set machinery for proper performance, using computers.

Rewind coils on cores in slots, or make replacement coils, using coil-winding machines.

Seal joints with putty, mortar, and asbestos, using putty extruders and knives.

Inspect electrical connections, wiring, relays, charging resistance boxes, and storage batteries, following wiring diagrams.

Measure velocity, horsepower, revolutions per minute (rpm), amperage, circuitry, and voltage of units or parts to diagnose problems, using ammeters, voltmeters, wattmeters, and other testing devices.

Adjust working parts, such as fan belts, contacts, and springs, using hand tools and gauges.

Steam-clean polishing and buffing wheels to remove abrasives and bonding materials, and spray, brush, or recoat surfaces as necessary.

Repair and operate battery-charging equipment.

Inspect and test equipment to locate damage or worn parts and diagnose malfunctions, or read work orders or schematic drawings to determine required repairs.

Record repairs required, parts used, and labor time.

Repair and rebuild defective mechanical parts in electric motors, generators, and related equipment, using hand tools and power tools.

Verify and adjust alignments and dimensions of parts, using gauges and tracing lathes.

Solder, wrap, and coat wires to ensure proper insulation.

Cut and form insulation, and insert insulation into armature, rotor, or stator slots.

Bolt porcelain insulators to wood parts to assemble hot stools.

Reassemble repaired electric motors to specified requirements and ratings, using hand tools and electrical meters.

Assemble electrical parts such as alternators, generators, starting devices, and switches, following schematic drawings and using hand, machine, and power tools.

Position and level battery cells, anodes, or cathodes, using hoists or leveling jacks, or signal other workers to perform positioning and leveling.

Clean, rinse, and dry transformer cases, using boiling water, scrapers, solvents, hoses, and cloths.

Hammer out dents and twists in tools and equipment.

Rewire electrical systems, and repair or replace electrical accessories.

Maintain stocks of parts.

Lubricate moving parts.

Inspect batteries for structural defects such as dented cans, damaged carbon rods and terminals, and defective seals.

Remove and replace defective parts such as coil leads, carbon brushes, and wires, using soldering equipment.

Weld, braze, or solder electrical connections.

Add water or acid to battery cell solutions to obtain specified concentrations.

Scrape and clean units or parts, using cleaning solvents and equipment such as buffing wheels.