Trends in the Industrial Electrician Trade
Technology
Technological advancements have improved the way industrial electricians perform their work on a daily basis. Digital technology is increasingly being used for research, communication, programming, ordering, record keeping and diagnostics. New types of test equipment, along with equipment becoming more user-friendly, has reduced the time it takes to diagnose and troubleshoot problems. Also emerging are cloud based monitoring and diagnostic systems. Control and monitoring of electrical equipment is starting to migrate to both wired such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) and wireless technology utilizing the platform of Internet of Things (IoT) or the industrial version (IIoT).
Under the ‘Industry 4.0’ banner a developing interconnecting technology, Power over Data Lines (PoDL) of Single Balanced Twisted-Pair Ethernet is poised to first emerge in the industrial electrical setting as an effective interconnect method for IIoT devices. In the industrial wireless realm, there is an adoption of more robust and wider bandwidth technologies such as Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and 5G.
Along with these interconnecting methods is a technologically safer method of distributing power via Fault Managed Power (FMP) utilizing pulsed power or packet energy transfer.
A promising technology is the solid-state overcurrent protection device that permits very fast activation, thereby greatly reducing arc flash hazards and potential equipment damage. Another disrupter technology is motors and generators that use a printed circuit stator, allowing for thin, compact and lighter (up to 70%) motors with equal torque and thermal performance of traditional steel stator motors.
In the maintenance of industrial electrical equipment and systems, inspection and evaluation is evolving into a more critical area of focus. In fact, inspection is gaining more importance in assuring the health and safety of employees and the continued reliable operation of machinery and components.
Predictive and preventative maintenance programs, using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMSs), are becoming more prevalent in the workplace. These systems have enhanced efficiency and organization of the tasks required for maintenance of electrical systems. They also centralize other functions such as trends, component ordering, project control, history, costing, work hours and tool cribs.
Programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA) and distributed control systems (DCSs) facilitate the monitoring and control of utility or industrial processes and controls. This equipment has become more pervasive. Smaller units are readily available for a variety of applications. Human machine interface (HMI) is becoming more integrated to the control systems. Industrial electricians work increasingly less with hardwired devices.
Reliability centered maintenance and process safety management including safety instrumented systems (SIS) such as safety PLCs, light curtains and area scanners in the industry has resulted in a change in focus and in the duties of industrial electricians.
Digital technology has facilitated the use of new components, making the tracking of energy usage more reliable and efficient. It is simpler to replace many of the old parts and devices now that they are smaller and available in digital format. Data communications has evolved from multiple protocols (data highways, DeviceNet, Modbus, distributed network protocol [DNP], IEC 61850, advanced distribution management system [ADMS]) to being harmonized on a global ethernet protocol. Industrial electricians need to constantly upgrade their knowledge of this technology.
Industry in Canada is moving towards efficient and environmentally friendly techniques and energy saving devices, solid state lighting (SSL) such as light emitting diode (LED) lighting, automated lighting control and variable speed drives. Industrial electricians need to be aware of governmental programs, regulations and energy saving initiatives. Industrial electricians may also be involved in the installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems such as solar and wind, and their associated energy storage systems.
In many sectors of industry, robotic technology is being utilized. Therefore, some industrial electricians are now required to develop specialized skills to keep abreast of this technology.
Safety and environmental considerations
The combination of various factors in the presence of a fault may cause an electrocution, arc flash and blast which could result in extreme burns, serious injury or death. Injuries caused by arc flash have led to heightened safety measures. New practices, procedures, safety equipment and jurisdictional regulations have been created and implemented in order to address the issue.
The parameters of work for industrial electricians have increased in process control, environmental control and building automation systems. There is now an increased emphasis on accountability for safety in the workplace.
Many of the facilities that employ industrial electricians are starting to migrate to a more sustainable environment. These include ‘Net Zero’ (carbon neutral) facilities that are striving to reduce their carbon footprint. Carbon neutral may involve either or both lower carbon emission or lower energy consumption. Technologies required to achieve these goals include renewable energy, energy storage, and building automation to monitor and control energy production and consumption. Along with lowering the carbon footprint comes a complementary environment initiative to ‘reuse and recycle’. More suppliers are initiating ‘Takeback Programs’ to assist facility owners with recycling their obsolete electrical components.