Why Electricians Are The Most Important Part Of The Building Process

While the evidence of their work isn't always visible, the commercial electrician is without a doubt one the key personnel to take part in construction projects. It isn't a stretch to say that electricians create the wiring which powers our lives - ensuring that both commercial sites and homes are able to function properly.

In this blog, we examine exactly what electricians bring to a building project, ask which skills they need, and also take a look at their outlook in the construction sector over the next few years.Electricians in the construction sector

The construction sector is recognised as the biggest employer of electricians. Quite simply, where buildings are being constructed, there can always be a demand for the services which a local electrician provides. Electricians aren't just involved in electrical installations for buildings when they are being constructed; they are also needed to perform repairs and maintenance over the entire lifespan of a building.

Which specialist skills do electricians provide to construction?

Whether it is the installation of an electrical system in a new building, or an upgrade in one part of the building - construction electricians possess specialist skills and knowledge which can be highly sought-after. They can ensure that electrical components or wiring are 'up to code' - this is industry terminology meaning that the various parts of the electrical system meet the relevant guidelines and are safe.

At commercial or industrial sites, electricians may also be tasked with helping to install other systems - such as those relating to electrical controls, fire safety, security, or telecommunications. Trained electricians are able to interpret blueprints and coding, as well as gain an understanding of electrical codes. They may be employed to work on a site on a full-time basis, part-time, or just for the duration of a building project.

Like builders themselves, electricians are usually no stranger to power and hand tools, which can be vital for installations. Using these tools, electricians are typically seen on a construction site installing everything from fixtures to circuit breakers and switches. They are also trained to splice, connect and joint wires in order to create circuits. When the inevitable electrical issues and obstacles present themselves over the course of a construction project, electricians will provide the valuable ability to troubleshoot systems, identifying problems, and then taking the correct steps to remedy them with the right solution. Electricians are typically detail-orientated - and for construction projects, they need to be - scrutinising architectural drawings and making precise measurements.

As is typical for roles in construction, health and safety is a big consideration for electricians, and they play a key role in ensuring that the right protocols are adhered to by themselves, and those working around them on site. Electricians working on building projects are usually trained to do their jobs at heights, and within confined spaces. They can also offer experience when it comes to the use of scaffolding.

Where installations involve machinery or equipment, you can rely on electricians to possess the right knowledge of tag safety and lockouts, undertaking best practice procedures when controlling and shutting off specialised kit.

The outlook for electricians in construction

The importance of the electrician's role in the building process does not look set to diminish any time soon. However, it does look likely that electricians' scope will change in the future, adapting to the new kind of installations which will be required in years to come. As alternative forms of energy - including wind and solar power - are employed increasingly, with requirements of making connections to power grids, it seems probable that electricians will be relied upon in different ways.