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In the vast universe of sustainability and electricity, electricians are emerging as the true “Guardians of the Galaxy.” These skilled professionals play a pivotal role in ensuring that our transition to a more electrified and energy-efficient world is safe, effective, and sustainable.
Their expertise and dedication are becoming increasingly vital as the world embraces new technologies and shifts towards renewable energy sources and a sustainable future. This blog will explore the evolving role of electricians over the past century, the new challenges they face today, and how companies like Schneider Electric are empowering them to lead the charge.
The changing role of electricians over the last 100 years
Looking back over the past 100 years, electricians were at the forefront of a technological revolution. Across the 1920s and 1930s, they were pioneers leading the charge into a brave new world of electrification.
The average person in this era had little understanding of electricity, let alone how to install or repair electrical systems.
Electricians were the experts who brought light to homes, installed the first electrical appliances, and ensured that the new technological innovation was safely integrated into everyday life.
The concept of home electrification was new, and the equipment they dealt with was often bulky, complex, and dangerous. Yet, these early electricians laid the groundwork for the modern electrical systems we take for granted today.
The early electricians were innovators and problem-solvers, working with rudimentary tools and facing challenges that would be unimaginable today.
From the post-war boom of the 1950s, when electrical appliances became household staples, to the computer age of the 1980s and 1990s, electricians adapted and evolved, transitioning from installing basic lighting and power outlets to handling more complex systems like home entertainment setups, computer networks, and security systems.
The new challenges faced by electricians today
Today, electricians are facing a new set of challenges as the world becomes increasingly connected and electrified in new and exciting ways. The role of the electrician has expanded beyond simple installations and repairs. Modern electricians must now act as system integrators, capable of managing and connecting a wide array of devices and systems within homes and businesses.
Here are some of the new challenges faced.
1. System integration
With the rise of smart homes and the Internet of Things (IoT), electricians need to understand how to integrate various connected devices. From smart thermostats to lighting systems and security cameras, all these devices must work seamlessly together.
Electricians are now responsible for ensuring that these systems are installed correctly and that they communicate effectively, providing homeowners with a fully integrated experience.
2. EV charging installation
With the continuous push for a sustainable future, electric vehicles (EVs) have become more common, therefore, electricians are increasingly called upon to install EV charging stations in homes and businesses.
This task requires a deep understanding of electrical load management and the ability to ensure that the charging station is safely connected to the building’s electrical system.
3. New sources of electricity & connected electrical heating
With the push towards energy efficiency, many homes are transitioning to connected electrical heating systems. These systems can be controlled remotely and are designed to optimise energy use and reduce energy consumption. Electricians must be proficient in installing and maintaining these systems to ensure they operate efficiently and safely.
Sustainable development and the shift towards renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and heat pumps, means that electricians must also be adept at integrating these technologies into existing electrical systems.
They need to understand how to connect these new energy sources to the home and safely manage the flow of electricity – potentially bidirectional, ensuring that everything operates smoothly and efficiently.
As electricity tariffs are higher than gas, the result of having inefficient management is higher bills. Automation & load control will help ensure power is utilised at the optimum time, such as off-peak hours when the tariff is lower, or at the bare minimum for highest comfort, like only heating the rooms which are occupied and pause heating when a window is open. With the new sources, they’ll prioritise the consumption of electricity when sun power is available, by activating some electrical appliances at the right moment.
Powering the future with innovation and expertise
As we look back over the past century, it’s clear that electricians have always been at the forefront of technological change. From the early days of home electrification to today’s complex, interconnected systems, electricians have been the guardians who ensure that our homes and businesses are powered safely and effectively.
The challenges they face today are more complex than ever, but electricians are rising to meet them. As well as fitting products, they also have the ability to share their knowledge and help educate homeowners in order to really maximise their benefit from new technology and sustainable practices. With ongoing support and innovation from companies like Schneider Electric, these professionals will continue to be the guardians of our electrified universe. Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: electricians will be there, leading the way and keeping our homes and businesses running smoothly.
More know about 100 years of the miniature circuit breaker innovation story here.
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