The rise of electrical power dates back to the 19th century. As the public began to embrace this fascinating new form of energy, the need for an electrician’s services also rose. Today, licensed electrical contractors can perform a wide variety of services, working on household appliances and other electronic devices as well as wiring in homes, office buildings, and construction sites. As the job has become part of the mainstream, it’s easy to overlook the need for continued innovation in helping electricians become better-equipped for their jobs. Here are some key advances to look for in tool design.
Efficiency improvements
With the emergence of many technological innovations over the years, the job of an electrician has certainly gotten a lot more complicated. Work in the field can require intense physical effort while also involving a lot of problem-solving and analytical skills. As anyone working in most professions can attest, fatigue – both mental and physical – is counter-productive, even dangerous. Any innovation which results in improved efficiency will speed up tasks and shorten the hours worked.
Power tools, such as a hydraulic hole punch, are a vital part of the electrician’s arsenal, punching hand-held through many common construction materials rapidly without the need for lengthy drilling or removal of excess material. Other devices without a cordless option may benefit from portable power banks that reduce reliance on cumbersome and noisy generators, or existing power outlets which are often inconveniently situated at the site. Still, other innovations may not completely replace existing tools, but can significantly shorten labour times; a laser measure, for instance, can perform many rapid on-the-fly calculations, though a steel tape measure is still necessary for precise measurements of irregular surfaces.
Better ergonomic design
Some of the implements in an electrician’s toolbox are staples that have stood the test of time. Pliers, screwdrivers, and wire strippers are examples of basic hand tools that have been mostly unchanged for years. When it comes to such equipment, design improvements are often subtle but carry the benefits of ergonomic enhancement.
Good ergonomic design makes a tool comfortable to grasp while you carry out a job. It also reduces the amount of force needed and allows the user to maintain a neutral wrist position. Lightweight materials, contoured surfaces, and thumb rests help to improve grip and control. This, in turn, reduces the risk of developing injuries due to repetitive movements and stress. Other innovative devices are also capable of increasing the electrician’s comfort and safety while performing tasks; a cordless, Bluetooth-enabled portable floodlight can ensure sufficient illumination at any job site, eliminating the heat of traditional halogen lights while being easily controlled via cellphone.
Combining multiple purposes
You don’t need to work in the field to know how equipment can sometimes be a burden; going on a camping trip and carrying various essentials can get exhausting. Electricians need many tools to perform an increasing variety of tasks, some of which can come up unexpectedly when on-site; it’s simply not a good idea to travel light and risk not having the ideal tool for a given situation. Thus, having the option of combining several functions into a multi-purpose tool can save time and lighten their load on the job. Combination pliers and wire strippers, or compact saws with both reciprocating and jigsaw blades, are among the top options for electricians looking to reduce weight without leaving gaps in their toolbox.
Electricians’ jobs aren’t easy, but their work is ubiquitous; having these improvements to their toolbox at their disposal helps make the job safer, more efficient, and attractive to a new generation of professionals.