Changing Roles of Electrical Contractors in the UK and Worldwide

The past decade has seen enormous growth in the UK as well as the world. This has created many opportunities as well as posing many problems for electrical contractors. Many of the developments of the last decade have been common across the world but some have posed specific challenges to more developed countries such as the UK. In the last few years the changes have been even more significant and posed a different set of challenges along with new opportunities.

Even before concerns about energy costs and environmental effects the practicality of infrastructural expansions in a developed country like the UK has required efficiency and effective optimisation of resources. These are qualities electrical contractors in the UK have been quick to adapt to. Space has been at a premium in the UK for a long time, particularly in its cities which are some of the most populated in Europe.

Implementing infrastructural changes in these dense and complex cities has been no easy task. Many older and substantial buildings have been repurposed as high tech office spaces. Electrical contractors have had to be innovative to adapt these, often historical, structures. Network cabling, data stores, increased electrical demands, environmental controls for server rooms all have to be integrated into old buildings and areas.

Where older areas of cities in the UK have fallen into disrepair, redevelopment has often been a favourable option. New buildings and amenities can breathe fresh life into an area. Modern redevelopments have made optimal use of new technologies, incorporating vivid architectural lighting and displays which require extensive electrical installations by electrical contractors.

Much of the industry in the UK has change from low tech heavy industry to high tech electronics manufacture and design. Universities and corporate research facilities have required very unique electrical services solutions in their construction. Electronics manufacturers and medical facilities need sophisticated installations such as environment controls and clean-rooms.

More recently, changes the economy have meant companies and municipalities have had to look at the way they develop from a new angle. One of the outcomes has been a move to energy efficiency. What were previously considered only environmental policies are now seen as effective cost saving measures. Many companies are finding that installing solar panels and solar heating units are financially sensible options.

Traditional forms of infrastructure have also been subject to upgrades and optimisation. Hundreds of miles of motorways, roads and streets across the UK need to be lit. The lighting technology used to light them requires a relatively large amount of energy compared to newer lighting solutions. This can be a huge drain on local authority resources. Electrical contractors are employed up and down the country replacing outdated road lighting.

Water supplies and waste management systems are also under strain from larger population centres and high summer temperatures in the UK. Electrical contractors can implement water and waste control systems that monitor levels and can be automated to respond to preset conditions. With water charges increasing where they exist and being implemented where they don't systems such as these can result in huge economical savings and also benefit the environment.