Today’s Power Cutters Help Labor-Stretched Contractors Do More with Less
Chuck Ross
Like companies in pretty much all the building trades these days, electrical contracting firms are becoming increasingly stretched when it comes to getting the staffing numbers in line with their needs. Among the leading contributors to this situation for electrical businesses is the lack of younger folks coming into the profession and the aging-out of those with decades of experience. Additionally, keeping younger electricians healthy and safe has become a priority, to ensure they have a full career in the industry. These factors are all putting a renewed emphasis on ergonomics in tool design – a move aided by new technologies that get their power from batteries instead of brute strength. Cable cutters are one product category seeing a big boost in this regard.
A couple recent surveys help underscore the workforce challenges now facing electrical companies. The Associated General Contractors of America’s 2022 Workforce Survey of employers across the building trades found that 79% of electrical firms reported having trouble finding electricians, with the leading cause being the lack of available qualified candidates. And the 2022 Profile of the Electrical Contractor, sponsored by the National Electrical Contractors Association and Electrical Contractor Magazine documented the growing age of those contractors currently in the field, with the average age of respondents topping 59 years old, with 73% over the age of 55.
So contracting companies are finding they need to do more with less, which means the latest generation of power tools, including cutters, crimpers and other such devices, is showing up just in time. Some of the most innovative products are helping outside line pros work more safely and with less ergonomic stress. In some cases, new options can eliminate the need for bucket trucks or climbing poles to reach dangerous, high-voltage locations. Among these, are overhead remote line cutters that can be connected to hot sticks and operated from the ground. Bluetooth-connected remotes give workers on the ground total operator control and enable forward-stop-reverse functionality at any point in the job.
A couple recent surveys help underscore the workforce challenges now facing electrical companies. The Associated General Contractors of America’s 2022 Workforce Survey of employers across the building trades found that 79% of electrical firms reported having trouble finding electricians, with the leading cause being the lack of available qualified candidates. And the 2022 Profile of the Electrical Contractor, sponsored by the National Electrical Contractors Association and Electrical Contractor Magazine documented the growing age of those contractors currently in the field, with the average age of respondents topping 59 years old, with 73% over the age of 55.
So contracting companies are finding they need to do more with less, which means the latest generation of power tools, including cutters, crimpers and other such devices, is showing up just in time. Some of the most innovative products are helping outside line pros work more safely and with less ergonomic stress. In some cases, new options can eliminate the need for bucket trucks or climbing poles to reach dangerous, high-voltage locations. Among these, are overhead remote line cutters that can be connected to hot sticks and operated from the ground. Bluetooth-connected remotes give workers on the ground total operator control and enable forward-stop-reverse functionality at any point in the job.
Photo courtesy of Greenlee
