Within the construction industry, businesses are often looking to adopt trends that will cut costs and improve the way that business, and construction itself, is done. Advancements in technology could have a huge impact on the future of the construction industry. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic proved that adapting and innovating–while utilizing available technologies–was essential to continuing operations throughout the many disruptions that construction companies and employees saw. 

These four rising trends highlight how the construction industry is changing and innovating–as it gives us a sneak peek into what to expect in 2021. 

Those in Construction Careers Will Want to Watch for 3D Printing

3D printing is a technology that’s already being used in the construction industry to make custom projects more affordable, as well as to help complete projects at a faster rate. 3D printing is typically used to aid larger projects by building certain smaller components to fit into them. The capacities of 3D printing are still being explored, but those with a career in construction should look for this technology in 2021.

The Use of Big Data

There’s a lot of potential for the construction industry when it comes to big data. Big data is a great tool for construction companies to use to determine and analyze risk. The use of big data allows construction companies to apply algorithms to construction data, sizing a project up against market and material trends, as well as the weather. Construction companies can better manage risk with big data, as they’ll be better informed about the correct amount of resources to use. This will be better equipped for potential losses. The use of big data for risk management increased in 2020, and so there’s a good chance that it’ll continue in 2021.

Prefabricated Buildings and Modular Construction

In an era where separate space is increasingly necessary, prefabricated buildings and modular construction have come to flourish. More and more businesses are requiring temporary solutions to the social-distancing requirements and strains which have been imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals need extra rooms, businesses need extra offices, and homeowners might just need another space where they can work from home or decompress. Modular construction and prefabricated buildings are a great option for temporary, efficient, and affordable expansion. This is certainly a trend that could stick with the construction industry, keeping those in construction careers busy. 

The Use of Design Technology

Building Information Modeling (BIM), or what contractors sometimes call Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), is on the rise as a means of virtually designing and constructing a building before it is physically built. It allows professionals to see how a building would hold up when constructed, making note of potential pitfalls, budgetary excesses, and more. The increasing use of this technology is helping professionals keep construction costs down and save time. By using BIM, designers are also able to think bigger and bolder in terms of the structures they create. For these reasons, it’s safe to say that the use of these helpful design technologies could continue to expand in 2021.

Are you ready to see these trends in action?

Enroll in construction college at the North American Trade School today.

The job of an electrician isn’t easy. Electrical problems are a common occurrence in all kinds of structural installations, requiring anything from a simple fix to a complex solution. If not addressed, electrical issues can lead to electrical shocks, fires, or other unsafe conditions. Electricians are vital when it comes to solving electrical problems as they occur, and knowing how to fix common problems safely is essential to a job well done. Most electrical issues are caused by low-quality parts, a lack of regular maintenance, or failure to comply with codes and regulations. Fortunately, all of these problems can be fixed by a qualified electrician. If you want to become an electrician, then you’ll want to be aware of these three common challenges that electricians often face on the job, and how to handle them. 

Those With Electrician Training Should Look Out for Overcrowded Electric Control Panels

Disregarding electrical codes and regulations when putting electrical systems and circuits in place can seriously increase the chances of encountering an electrical problem down the road. Once called in, a qualified electrician should be able to identify and address the problem. One common reason an electrician will be called to the scene is when a breaker or fuse is regularly tripping or blowing. A professional with electrician training will be able to identify the cause of this. Often, the cause can be an overcrowded electric control panel. Too many circuits, breakers, and wires on one control panel can cause overloading, leading to the overheating of components attached to the panel and issues with the fuse and breaker. If left unattended, overloading can cause fires. Electricians can solve this problem by switching to a panel of a larger size, and ensuring that the total load is not above the rating of the breaker or fuse. By being familiar with electrical codes and regulations, this problem can be mitigated.

Haphazard Wiring Methods

If you want to become a construction electrician, one of the main difficulties you’ll encounter throughout your career is incorrect wiring practices. Incorrect wiring practices can be identified by checking power outlets. If they are warm or emitting a burning smell, this is often a sign of faulty wiring. If the wires’ conductors are the wrong size or incorrect connections are used, this can leave wires exposed, causing the insulation to deteriorate and the wires to melt. When exposed wires come in contact with flammable or combustible material, outlets can become warm or emit a burning smell. Electricians can often fix this problem by replacing the conductor with one that is the right size for the wires.

Unsecured Connections

Loose connections refer to an electrical connection that isn’t tight enough, which can cause a buildup of heat and can increase the risk of an electrical fire. A common sign of a loose connection is the frequent flickering or burning out of light bulbs, and can even manifest in a smoke detector going off when it shouldn’t. If the frequency of this occurring is unusual, electricians may suspect that a loose connection is causing the issue rather than the light bulb itself. Loose connections can cause lasting detriment to electrical appliances and can even cause electrical fires. Electricians can solve this issue by cleaning the loose conductors and tightening the connection in concern.

These are just some of the many problems electricians may face during a day’s work, and it’s important to be knowledgeable about the potential issues that can occur on the job in order to safely and effectively solve the problem.

Are you thinking about attending electrician college?

The North American Trade School has the program for you. Start exploring today!

Electricians called into homes to work on a specific problem have often reported discovering additional electrical issues, some of them potentially hazardous. Many electrical issues in the home are caused by work done by unqualified people, or by homeowners trying to save a few bucks with DIY home reno jobs. Electrical defects are also frequently found in older homes, where outdated fuse boxes, outlets, and wiring are often ill-equipped to supply the power demands of the many modern electrical devices used in the average household of today.

While some of these problems may appear to have harmless symptoms, many of them left unattended have the potential to cause tragic house fires or electrocutions. With that in mind, here are a few of the most common—and potentially hazardous—electrical flaws pros should look out for in people’s homes.

1. Plugs Fitting Loosely in Receptacles  

Many homeowners may have noticed an outlet or two in the home where the prongs of electrical devices don’t seem to fit as firmly as they should. This problem is usually caused by the contacts of the outlet receptacle becoming worn over time, causing the plug to sit loosely in the outlet, with the metal prongs of the plug often partially exposed. 

Electricity will usually still flow in this circumstance, posing a high fire risk due to loose contacts causing electrical arcing. Any flammable object near the compromised outlet is at risk of igniting, such as bed skirts, curtains, or even an accumulation of dust. While the fire risk is high in this circumstance, the repair work is simple, requiring a quick, low-cost receptacle replacement.

2. An Absence of GFCIs

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are built-in outlet fixtures designed to prevent hazardous electrical shocks. A person with electrician training should be aware of this design, which is usually found in wet regions of the home where electrocution is more likely, such as bathrooms, the kitchen sink area, and outdoor connections. On an inspection, the electrician should look out for GFCIs in these areas of the home, and recommend replacements to older outlet coverings for optimized safety. 

3. Overlamping

Even students of electrician school may have at one time or another made the common homeowner error of using a lightbulb with higher wattage than a light fixture is designed to accommodate. It may seem like a small problem, but the mistake rates as a fire risk due to the extreme overheating that will eventually scorch the light socket.

Not only is the socket at risk of melting, but the heat can also burn its way through the fixture’s wires, causing the arcing phenomenon that’s usually at the root of so many electrical fires in the home. Even if the homeowner is lucky enough to avoid a fire from a longer period of overlamping, the light fixture will usually be permanently damaged. To prevent all risk, homeowners should be advised to always ensure they’re using a bulb with the recommended level of wattage limits labeled on the light fixture.

4. Ungrounded Connections  

Students of electrician school will need to understand the concept of grounding, which is a safety feature design added to electrical appliances, devices, and outlets to safely discharge an excess of electricity in the event of a wiring defect. If currents escape from the safety of the wiring unit in such defects, connections without a grounding system leave those loose currents at risk of flowing through nearby objects instead. This poses a damage risk to the device in question, and an electrocution risk to the person using it. As a standard safety measure, electricians should highly advise any homeowner with insufficient grounding connections and wiring to invest in an updated installation.

Are you interested in taking professional training to become an electrician? 

Contact North American Trade Schools today for more information on its specialized program!

If you’re considering becoming an electrician, you might be surprised by the variety of standards and regulations set in place for wiring systems in residences such as homes and cottages. Homes contain a variety of appliances and safety features which require electrical wiring. Hydro One, Ontario’s electricity provider, has a number of specifications in place for how they are to be installed within the home. 

Here are five things to consider with regards to residential wiring. 

Wiring Sizes May Be Different for Residences

For residences, common wire sizes may be different from other types of buildings. The American Wire Gauge Number (AWG) serves as the standard measurement of a wire’s diameter. Residences typically use four kinds of AWG wire sizes, with different amp circuit numbers for each: 8 (40 amp circuits), 10 (30), 12 (20), and 14 (15). The No. 8 AWG is often used for loads like electric ranges. No. 10 is used for loads needing electricity, such as dryers and electric water heaters. No. 12 serves loads like kitchen counter receptacles (e.g. appliances like microwaves). And No. 14 works best with loads such as lights (eg. lamps), switches, smaller appliances, and receptacles. Electrical box sizes may also vary, but this depends on several factors. These include the mounting of switches or receptacles, how many wire conductors are present, how many are in use, and the conductors’ sizes.

Many Different Appliances Require Electrical Installation in a Home

The home has a variety of appliances which have different electrical installation needs. The oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, counter spaces, built-in microwave ovens (and possibly more) all require consideration when planning for residential wiring. These appliances typically require their own, separate receptacle, from an entirely different circuit. As those with electrician training may know, any receptacle with 15 to 20 amp circuits must not only be marked, but tamper-resistant. This is because inserting any conductive object that is not a plug into the receptacle can cause electric shock. However, Hydro regulations state that, if a stationary appliance’s receptacle is a minimum of two metres above ground and/or out of reach, tamper resistance is not necessary. Prior to installation, be sure to mark on your floor plan where these appliances—and their corresponding receptacles—are located.

Different Rooms Within the Home Require Different Wiring Configurations

If you’ve completed maintenance electrician training, you will need to follow many requirements when working on residential homes. Hydro One has a set of requirements for each room in the house to ensure safe living conditions for residents. For one, each room must be equipped with a light controlled by a light switch. Two lights controlled by a three-way wall switch—one for the bottom and the top each—is required for any stairway containing a minimum of four stairs. Keep in mind that, on any two-wire branch circuit, 12 outlets are allowed at maximum. This includes receptacles and lights. Range receptacles must also be installed in the home with their receptacles marked on the floor plan.

Those With Electrician Training Should Plan to Install Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are an important and necessary safety feature for homes. They are required to be installed on each of the home’s floors, and a battery backup should also be present. Additionally, there should be one in each bedroom and an additional alarm in hallways attached to them. These smoke alarms must all be interconnected and should operate at 120 volts. Either a branch circuit with a receptacle/lightning combination or an unswitched lighting branch circuit can be used for these alarms.

Service Size May Depend on the Requirements of the Home

Typically, homes should have a distribution panel containing 24 circuits, and a service size of at least 100 amps. When calculating the service size, take into account the kilowatt demand. There are multiple factors which help to determine this, such as electric heating, the area of the floor, and appliances, among other loads that may be present. Although the service size should be larger if a home requires greater amounts of heating, most homes with a minimum 100-amp service size should be able to maintain both their typical electrical loads and electrical heating of up to 10 kW.

Do you want to become a construction electrician? 

Check out North American Trade Schools’ programs today!

Plenty of work has been done over the last few years to make the construction of necessary buildings more sustainable. That includes taking a look at the construction materials themselves. There are different definitions of sustainability in terms of construction materials. It could refer to products that are locally sourced, how resilient a product is, or how much energy it takes to produce it.

Some professionals are looking at material sustainability as a concept that considers all the energy required to extract a material, produce it, and transport it. They also look at its appropriateness for the environment, the rate at which it degrades, and how often it needs to be replaced. Some construction professionals are also moving towards sustainability by incorporating recycled materials. Read on for a few examples of sustainable materials!

Bamboo Could Dominate the Construction Trades

Bamboo is a construction material with a lot of potential. It can be used in walls, flooring, or furniture, and its benefit is that it is extremely durable and strong. It has a greater compressive strength than even bricks or concrete. Its high strength-to-weight ratio means that it is relatively lightweight and takes less energy to transport than many other materials. 

Bamboo is a perennial grass and can be found on several continents. Currently, it is mostly grown in South America and Asia. As a grass, its extremely quick rate of self-generation helps its sustainability. It continues to spread and grow without the need to replant it after harvesting it. Professionals with a career in construction should be aware of one potential downside to using bamboo: it requires treatment to make it resistant to insects and rotting. 

Sheep’s Wool Is A Natural Construction Material 

Sheep’s wool is a material that has been used for all kinds of things for hundreds of years. These days, it can still be beneficial for the construction industry. Sheep’s wool is naturally insulating. And, while it’ll still need extra treatment to make it properly safe with regards to fire risks, it is a material with a naturally high ignition temperature. As a result, it can be an energy-efficient insulator used in walls, ceilings, and attics. 

One of the sustainable benefits of sheep’s wool is that it has similar properties to mineral wool or glass wool but requires less energy to produce. It is, of course, naturally regenerating. One of the potential downsides to using this material is that it requires treatment to prevent the infiltration of insects and fungi. 

Cork Doesn’t Have a Significant Environmental Impact 

Cork comes from the tree bark of the cork oak. After construction school, professionals can use this material as flooring or sub-flooring. It’s very flexible and resilient, a good thermal insulator, and efficient at absorbing noises and shocks, making it an effective construction material. 

The benefit of this material is that it’s sourced entirely from natural sources. The cork oak will continue to grow and reproduce the material after it is extracted from it, making it a sustainable resource to use within the construction industry. 

Do you want to make your entry into the construction trades? 

Contact North American Trade Schools for more information! 

However, starting a business is far from simple. Even the best construction worker in the world will need to conduct market research, have a basic understanding of finance and accounting, and learn about law and marketing.

Read on to find out more about what it takes to start your own business after construction training.

Step 1: Do Your Research

Before even thinking about launching your own business, you will need to conduct in-depth market research to establish demand and rates. Is there demand for another construction business in your area? How much are people paying on average for typical projects?

If you have any friends or acquaintances working in the industry, make sure to ask them for any insights. You could also do some research online and use social media to identify your main competitors, or even conduct surveys and organize small focus groups.

Use this research to form your business plan and identify your unique selling point (USP). What can you offer customers that no one else can? Is it a better price point? Or expertise in one particular area? Whatever it is, use it to your advantage in a career in construction.

Step 2: Prepare an In-Depth Business Plan for Your Career in Construction

Once you’ve done your research, you’re ready to write your business plan. Make it as detailed as possible,marking out your goals for each month and including estimated annual turnover and gross profits. This will be particularly useful if you need to apply for funding from a financial institution.

This should also give you an idea of how much money you’ll need to get started. After studying at construction school, you should have a good idea of all the tools and equipment you’ll need to work as an independent construction worker.

Calculate how much you’ll need to invest in these, as well as in vehicles, marketing, and software. It can take a while for any new business to start making money, so make sure you have a cushion for the first few months.

You’ll also need to decide who you want to work for. Do you want to work for residential property owners or businesses? Are you looking for small jobs or bigger, long-term projects? As well as this, how many staff will you need to hire? Or will you choose to work with contractors? Thinking about these things early on will help you form a clearer picture in your mind of what your business will look like, and what you need to do to get it off the ground.

Step 3: Check the Paperwork

As with any new business, you will need to make sure that you’ve completed all of the necessary paperwork correctly. You will need to register your business for an EIN, and have all the right licenses and permits. You will also need to get insurance to protect yourself and your business.

If you’re concerned about legalities or taxes, it might be a good idea to hire a lawyer or an accountant. You could be the best construction worker in the world, but if you can’t take care of the administration of your business, it won’t go far!

Do you want to learn more about construction trades?

Contact North American Trade Schools for more information!

If you want to become an electrician, this is a tool you’ll definitely want under your belt.

Roughing in electrical wiring is something any construction electrician will want to get right, regardless of which part of a house they’re working on. After the framing and initial wiring has been done, you’ll want to make sure the rough-in — the part of the process where the cables are pulled through framing members and studs before going into boxes — is completed before ceilings and walls are closed.

There’s an art to doing it the right way, and any aspiring electrician can do well to keep a few tips in mind. Here are some tips for getting roughing in electrical wiring right if you’re studying to become an electrician.

Before Pulling Wires, Be Sure to Straighten Them Out

Straightening out wires will make the process of pulling cables through holes much easier. To do this, straighten the cable between your forefinger and thumb while you’re walking along its length.

After pulling it through the holes, push it back so that there’s still some slack, just in case the cable gets cut too short and more length is necessary. Also, make sure cable protection plates are installed before pulling anything, and that they are drilled close to the edge of a stud. They will need to be set back at least 1 to 1 ¼ inches away from the edge of a wood-framing part.

Picking the Right Electrical Box Will Go a Long Way

During your electrician career in construction, you will have a choice of electrical boxes to use for different projects.The most common ones are made of fiberglass or plastic.

Depending on the size of the wire gauge, they can be used for large appliances, living spaces, bathrooms or kitchens. Plastic boxes are typically less expensive than fiberglass models, although they aren’t as tough.

Be sure to pick a box with a minimum volume of 20 cubic inches. Larger boxes will make the wiring process easier, so you should pick one large in size that is made with the right materials for the project.

If you’re working on a ceiling fan, you’ll need a special type of electrical box attached with a brace, so that it can make the fan more stable and absorb its vibrations.

Make Sure All Holes are Well-Aligned and Straight When Drilling

You’ll want to be sure that holes are straight and symmetrical in height, so that pulling cables is as easy as possible. If they are pulled at varying heights or angles, it can cause cables to snag on sharper edges.

Once ¾ inch holes are pierced into the framing members above the boxes, centre the part on the stud before bracing the drill. Use your thigh to put pressure on it to make drilling the studs easier.

Ensure the holes are consistently kept at the same height, so that you can more easily fish cable through. You’ll be able to pull cables and drill holes once all boxes are nailed correctly.

After Electrician School, Don’t Over-Bend Any Cables

While bending cables, make sure they are not bent at more than a radius of 2½ inches. You can avoid over-bending them if you drill holes at a range of 8 to 12 inches above or below boxes, so that the cable can go upwards or downwards into them.

This is important for students at electrician school to remember, because the conductors and sheathing can be weakened if the cable is bent incorrectly or too sharply, resulting in a fire hazard.

In any case, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to be as gentle as possible when wiring, to avoid damaging the conductors, as they will carry the electricity. Conductors are also vulnerable to stress and fatigue from overbending, or bends that are too sharp.

Want to get your electrician diploma?

Contact North American Trade Schools for more information!