Top 10 Must-Ask Commercial Electrician Interview Questions for More Qualified Candidates

In this guide, we'll give you some exclusive interview questions and explain why you should ask them. That way, you can be sure that you've thoroughly vetted your next electrician candidate. This guide has a full list of important questions to ask an electrician during an interview. The questions are for both apprentice electricians who are new to the trade and journeymen electricians who have more experience.

Apprentice Electrician Questions

1. According to NEC code, what is the minimum required clearance in front of an electrical panel?
   • This question is aimed at high-level apprentices (4-years+) with panel make-up experience. It helps find out how much they know about safety rules and how safely they can work near electrical panels.
2. What is the take-up when bending a 90-degree bend on ¾” EMT and ½” EMT? What type of conduit bends are you familiar with?
   • Depending on how quickly their answer is, this question helps determine if they can be efficient and productive on a job site where they need strong conduit benders and runners.
3. What does it mean to “daisy-chain” light fixtures?
   • This is for entry-level and mid-level apprentices that have a couple of years of experience. This question is to figure out how much experience they have working with switches and circuits.
4. What wire connects to the silver screw in a receptacle? What wire connects to the green screw?
   • This question addresses the candidate's basic understanding of wiring by making sure they can safely install receptacles and do wall rough-in work.
5. What type of PPE is required when working at a job site?
   • This entry-level question checks to see how ready the candidate is and how much they know about safety rules from the first day on the job.

Journeyman Electrician Questions

1. Transformers have taps labeled X1, X2, X3, and H1, H2, H3. Which are the primary side taps and secondary side taps? What is the XO terminal on a transformer used for?
   • This question gauges the journeyman's experience with installing transformers and their understanding of transformer components.
2. What is the maximum number of #12 THHN conductors allowed in 3/4” EMT?
   • This question checks how well the candidate knows the NEC code, which makes sure they can follow safety and electrical rules.
3. In a PLC system, what is the function of an input module?
   • This question tests how well the candidate knows how to use panels and controls, which is important for jobs that involve programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
4. Are you looking for a project where you put your tools to work or are you looking for a lead journeyman position?
   • This question helps you figure out the candidate's career goals and preferences so that you can match their expectations with the roles and projects that are open.
5. What is the maximum length of ⅜” flex for equipment and lighting connections?
   • This question tests the candidate's knowledge of NEC code and safety, as well as their experience with flexible conduit installations.

Evaluating Candidate Responses

What to Look for in Technical Answers

When judging technical answers, make sure the person clearly understands electrical principles, safety rules, and how to solve problems. Candidates should show that they know how to do things in the real world and that they can apply theoretical ideas to those situations.

Assessing Problem-Solving Skills

Electricians need to be able to solve problems well. Look for applicants who can explain how they think, name possible problems, and offer logical solutions.

Gauging Communication Abilities

As an electrician, you need to be able to talk to people clearly, especially when you're working with others or trying to explain complicated issues to clients. Check to see how well the candidate can explain their ideas in a short and clear way.

Additional Interview Considerations

Practical Skills Assessment

You might want to add a practical skills test to the interview process. This can include simulations or hands-on tasks to test the candidate's technical knowledge and ability to solve problems.

Certifications and Licensing Verification

Make sure the applicant has all the licenses and certifications needed for the job.

Discussing Salary Expectations and Benefits

Talking about salary and benefits early on in the interview process can help make sure that what the candidate wants and what the company can offer are in line with each other. Be clear about the pay package, including how overtime works, health insurance, and retirement plans.

A thorough interview process that checks for technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit is needed to hire the right electrician. You can find a qualified electrician who meets your company's needs if you ask the right questions and carefully consider the answers.