Electricians create a buzz at NICEIC Live
The evolving role of an electrician was the theme of the day as hundreds of contractors packed out Epsom Downs for the second NICEIC Live.
Visitors were given a glimpse into the future as they enjoyed presentations on topics such as energy saving lighting, microgeneration and the Green Deal.Star of the show was TV presenter Suzi Perry, who gave a talk on the influence of gadgets and their increasing demand on energy consumption around the home.
‘The rise of gadgets is extraordinary. You can now have your fridge hooked up to the wireless network and you can run a bath from an app on your phone,’ commented Suzi.
‘Homes are being designed around technology instead of the other way round and this will only increase in the future. This is driving innovation and creating more and more opportunities for electricians who are needed to install all this new technology.’
Other speakers on the day included renewable energy expert Peter Osborne, who discussed the growing demand for sustainable technology, Mike Simpson, technical and design director at Philips Lighting, who presented a seminar on LED lighting and NICEIC’s Tony Cable and Darren Staniforth who gave a series of seminars on EICRs in practice, solar PV and electrical car charging points in addition to answering technical questions from the crowd.
Tony, who celebrates 55 years in the industry this year, also delivered a talk on the changing face of the industry since he started out in the 1950s.
‘When I began in 1957 we were on the 13th edition of the wiring regulations and your typical home had one light and one socket,’ said Tony.
‘The introduction of household appliances in the 1970s revolutionised the industry and brought about changes in the regulations as well as an increased demand for more power sockets around the home.
‘The industry is changing fast and sparks need to keep up to date with the latest developments and diversify. It’s not all about plugs and sockets anymore.’
In addition to the presentations there was a thriving exhibition hall with electricians picking up advice and information from some of the biggest names in the industry including Milwaukee Tools, Megger, Dehn, Philips Lighting and Clik.
Mark Smith, head of group marketing at NICEIC, said, ‘It was delightful to see so many contractors celebrating all that is good about the industry. NICEIC Live is about putting on something different. It’s about giving electricians knowledge and expertise that they can take back to their day to day role.’
