There aren't too many places where electricity isn't used. In fact, "the world does not go round without electricity," says electrician Tom Mentus of Brockport. It is a necessity that you take for granted until you don't have it.

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Electricians are responsible for keeping us out of the dark.

They work in commercial, industrial or residential buildings, in either a construction or maintenance capacity. Those in construction follow blueprints and install electrical systems in factories, office buildings and homes. They also make sure that these systems follow the National Electric Code and state and local codes as well.

According to Mentus, a journeyman foreman for Suburban Electric of Albion, there are several steps to a wiring job. First, the electrician roughs out the areas on the walls where the light switches and other receptacles will go. Then they run insulated wires or cables through partitions, walls or other concealed areas and then fasten outlets or switches in their assigned places.

Next, these wires/cables are connected to circuit breakers or transformers. Finally, the electrician tests everything to be sure it functions properly.

But the trade is a lot more than installing light switches and outlets. "Fiber optics is becoming the big thing with us," says Mentus, "telecommunications and computer networking are big too." This element of the job is booming since virtually every business and many homes in America now have computers.

Continuing education is a must in order to be able to handle the variety of tasks, Mentus said.

Maintenance electricians spend a lot of time working to prevent problems. This part of the job includes inspecting older units, testing equipment and correcting problems or replacing systems before hazardous situations arise.

Training normally comes through a four-to five-year apprenticeship program, Mentus said.

An electrician must be licensed as well.

Testing is based on knowledge of electrical theory, the National Electric Code and local electric and building codes.

As more and more factories become automated and more homes are built, the need for both construction and maintenance electricians will grow just under a total of 10 percent by 2006.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median electrician's salary was $620 per week or about $32,000 annually in 1996. Maintenance electricians had median hourly earnings of $18.78.