Residential Wiremen work solely in residential settings (single and multi-family dwellings). Major duties for Residential Wiremen include:

• Planning and Initiating Projects
• Establishing Temporary Power during Construction
• Establishing Grounding Systems
• Installing Underground Systems (Slab/Foundation)
• Rough-In (Frame Stage)
• Installing Wire and Cable
• Trim Out
• Performing “Hot” Checks
• Troubleshooting and Repairing Electrical Systems

In performing these duties, Residential Wiremen must use many different kinds of tools, ranging from simple ones and two-hand tools (such as screwdrivers and cable cutters) to power-assisted tools like electric drills and screw guns. They occasionally operate heavy equipment such as trenchers.

Over the course of the three-year Residential Wiremen apprenticeship program, apprentices must become competent in many technical areas. A recent job analysis identified 85 specific areas of knowledge that are important for Residential Wiremen job performance.

A few of the most important ones are knowledge of:
• The National Electrical Code
• How to Work With Energized Circuits
• Blueprints, Including Symbols Used
• Electrical Schematic Diagrams
• State and Local Electrical Codes
• The Principles of Grounding
• First Aid
• Hazardous Materials
• Specific Job Safety Rules
• Proper Wire/Cable to Use in Different Circumstances

Some of the most important skills to be learned are:

• Skill at Performing CPR
• Skill at Reading a Wire Table to Determine Conductor Size Required
• Skill at Terminating Aluminum or Copper Cable
• Skill at Splicing Twisted Pair Cable
• Skill at Terminating Twisted Pair Cable
• Skill at Terminating Coaxial Cable