Changes to electrical installations in domestic properties are continually changing with technology and electricians know that it is important to keep pace with these changes.
It was only a generation ago that lights and power were our main sources of revenue, but time and technology move on at a great pace. This has meant more electrical appliances being used, particularly in the kitchen, which has driven the need for the installer to consider more circuits. The increase in insulation levels means the installer has also had to consider the potential to alter the size of the cable being used.
Probably some of the greatest changes that the electrical industry has seen, is the movement to digital and data communications. There is now significant talk about the way the electrical system within a domestic property will look in future.
Questions are being raised, for example, as to the validity of running power circuits to sockets supplying equipment that only needs to be transformed down again before it enters the appliance. Why not just have a lower voltage network, with, perhaps, a power circuit for the kitchen area only?
Whether electrical installers like it or not, the age of data communications is upon us and so, as before, the smart electrician will need to update their knowledge to be able to adapt to the changing environment.
The latest edition of the building regulations Approved Document Part R, provides proof that data is here to stay, which ensures that installations must be equipped with a high-speed-ready, in-built physical infrastructure, up to a network termination point for high-speed electronic communications networks. Where it concerns a building containing more than one dwelling, the work must be carried out so as to ensure that the building is equipped with a common access point for high-speed electronic communications networks. This applies to both the erection of a new building or major renovation works to an older building.
The Code of Practice for Connected Systems Integration in Buildings
This Code of Practice aims to promote good practice in the specification, design and integration of connected systems in buildings, as well as providing a reference to practitioners on design, integration practice and technological considerations working to meet key functionality and customer requirements.
IET Guide to Smart Homes for Electrical Installers
The aim of this guide is to give electrical installers the framework they need to help householders decide what sort of smart home technology would best suit their requirements and their home. It offers insights into all the things installers need to know; from your first contact with the homeowner; to talking about their needs; through installation; to how to generate and leave appropriate documents to support the installation.