Building, process and factory control systems typically involve electrical systems installed and maintained by electrical contractors. Keeping up with new applications and technologies, including robotics is important to ensure the most reliable and cost- and energy-efficient systems are deployed.
In Australia and New Zealand, the electrical industry is a multibillion-dollar business sector. Although highly technical in nature, there are many commercial facets of the industry that are important for its members to be kept up to date with.
Essential service to every office, data cabling includes category-type UTP cabling, optical fibre and even wireless technologies to connect PCs, networks, telephony, audio-visual systems, office automation and even security systems.
Reticulating electricity through buildings requires the installation of electrical cabling, from switchboards and distribution boards to GPOs, all compliant to electrical regulations. Non-compliant products, installation or design compromise the safety and efficiency of these systems.
As the generation of electricity from fossil fuels is the most significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions around the world, the need for electricity to be consumed more efficiently is a key concern for all communities. The electrical industry can do a great deal in taking the lead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficient system design, installation practices and product choices.
Home owners are demanding the integration of services and technologies to make their home more comfortable, valuable and energy-efficient. Home automation integrates and controls lighting, home theatre, heating, air-conditioning, energy management, security and landscaped gardens.
A quality electrical installation requires many elements beyond just the wiring and termination - proper earthing, cable support, conduit, labeling, attention to barrier penetrations and fire containment and segregation from other services.
Ever-changing technologies and regulations require electrical contractors to constantly keep up-to-date with lighting. Energy-efficient lighting and control systems are now mandated, while new control and LED lighting technologies are advancing at incredible pace.
Electrical contractors are exposed to the risk of electrical shock virtually every day, so they must have and provide adequate protection for themselves and their clients through electrical safety systems like RCDs and earthing, safety tools, test gear and apparel.
Providing reliable electricity into premises requires protection against supply anomalies. These include surge arrestors to protect against transients and lightning strikes, UPS for power continuity and power factor correction equipment for efficient power consumption.
Testing is fundamental in electrical installation and maintenance. Doing it accurately and safely requires the right test instrument and skills to use it. Testers include digital multi-meters, power quality meters, thermal imagers and portable appliance testers.