Many companies offer electricians a per diem to cover food and travel expenses, especially when the project requires the electrician to travel to different locations. Electricians with a per diem may work on residential wiring, installing electrical systems in homes and troubleshooting power lines that send electricity to communities. Outside linemen climb telephone and power poles or use a lift bucket to repair power outages for homes, businesses, and other structures. Linemen work with transmission lines, transformers, and traffic signals. They might also have to assemble electrical substations and trim trees. Inside electricians work in large industrial buildings and on manufacturing projects that involve large motors, equipment, and network systems. There are also many other specializations within both these categories that offer a per diem to electricians.