The Latest Technology Transforming the Electrical Industry
New technology emerges in the electrical industry every day to improve power efficiency, distribution, and access. Both new and seasoned electricians have to adapt to this new technology to succeed in their careers and fields. With more homes and businesses relying on concepts like renewable energy and smart technology, the industry must find new ways to support these changes. If you’re looking to improve your experience as an electrician or are merely curious about technological advancements, take a look at some of the most innovative tech that is rebooting the way electricians operate.
Online Training and Licensing Prep
Electrical work has always been a relatively accessible field to get into, as it doesn’t require a traditional formal degree—only on-the-job training or trade school. However, modern technology has made it even easier and more accessible to become an electrician. In most states, online schooling and training are considered valid sources for education or work experience to become licensed. In states where electrical exams are required, some may be prepared for or even proctored online.
Washington
The state of Washington has three different types of electrical licenses—journeyman, master, and administrator. Exams cannot be taken remotely online, but they can be scheduled online for flexibility and convenience. You can continue your electrician education entirely online, however. You can learn about the Washington electrical license and exam prep online as well.
California
To become an electrician in California, you must obtain a license; one type covers all levels, the C-10 Electrical Contractor License. While you can’t take the exam online, prep and training courses can be offered entirely online, and you can schedule your exam online at a time that works best for you.
North Carolina
Like Washington, North Carolina has three different types of license. Preparing and training can all occur online. While you’ll take the test in person, the electrical license exam is entirely computer-based, making it accessible and efficient for both testers and scorers.
Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Technology
Many commercial and consumer devices can connect to the Internet for increased efficiency, communication, and customization. This technology is known as Internet of Things (IoT), often referred to as smart technology (technically, a subcategory of IoT). Electricians can use these smart IoT devices to improve electrical efficiency and streamline their work processes. They can install smart thermostats, appliances, and lighting systems in buildings to reduce energy usage and customize their features, like temperature scheduling and light bulb brightness. On the commercial side of the electrical industry, IoT power grids and generators can communicate with other devices and electricians to reduce energy waste and monitor system health. Smart circuit breakers can detect problems before they occur, shutting them off to avoid hazards.
Self-Repairing Power Grids
Traditionally, a power grid failure could be unpredictable, resulting in frustrated consumers and electrical professionals alike. The latest technology is improving how power grids and systems communicate with electricians. Automated systems and smart sensors can predict faults and failures and reroute the system to avoid unexpected outages or damage. These sensors provide more real-time communication and efficiency to allow human intervention when necessary as well. Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) can help systems continuously learn and identify problems before they occur. Not only do self-repairing power grids improve efficiency and conservation, but they also can reduce operational costs. These savings can be passed on to consumers.
AI Automation
AI has recently infiltrated every industry, but it has long played an important role. AI efficiency has improved recently, however, and the electrical industry benefits from machine learning to automate customer appointments, summarize consumer electrical data, predict equipment or grid failures, perform grid maintenance, and optimize energy distribution. Robotics are advancing to replace human electricians in hazardous situations or environments, improving the safety and efficiency of the field.
Energy Storage
In a world where sustainability is the key to a thriving world, energy storage technology has made a groundbreaking and necessary debut. Advanced batteries can store energy from clean sources like wind and solar to be used later, improving efficiency and connectivity long after the sun goes down or the wind stops blowing. On a larger scale, power grid storage systems like supercapacitors are more powerful than ever to make energy distribution more efficient, flexible, and sustainable.
Conclusion
Technology is always evolving in advanced technical fields like electricity. With convenience and efficiency at the forefront of the industry’s goals, electricians are changing the way energy is used, distributed, and stored. Thanks to smart technology, even consumers are more informed and conscious about energy distribution and maintenance than ever. While this cutting-edge technology can make entering the field more intimidating, job performance is more efficient than it ever was.
Interlinking Opportunities
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