Ever wondered what it’s like to be an electrician in the historic city of Edinburgh? Ideal Electrical Solutions (UK) Ltd. offers a unique and immersive experience that allows you to step into the shoes of a professional electrician for a day.
Our “day in the life of an electrician” experience is designed for those curious about the electrical trade, providing hands-on exposure to a variety of tasks such as EICR testing, fuse board replacements, and general electrical work in the City of Edinburgh.
What to Expect:
Your day will start at our Edinburgh office, where you’ll receive a full health and safety briefing. This is crucial as it sets the foundation for your understanding of the precautions and rules, we follow to ensure safe working environments. After the briefing, you’ll head out with one of our experienced electricians.
You’ll get to observe and learn about many aspects of electrical safety. It’ll depend on the workload that day, so we have listed a few examples below:
- EICR testing: Understand the importance of electrical installation condition reports and how they are conducted.
- Fuse board replacements: See first hand how outdated fuse boards are safely and efficiently replaced with modern units. Some of the older fuse boards found in Edinburgh can be up to 100 years old.
- General electrical works: Experience the variety of tasks that electricians undertake, from installing lighting fixtures to troubleshooting electrical faults.
Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, take notes, and (with the permission of clients) perhaps even video record the processes for your own learning. This experience is educational and will give you a realistic glimpse into the daily life of an electrician in Edinburgh.
This experience is ideal for anyone with an interest in electricity. In the past, we have welcomed electricians from various countries eager to learn about the trade in a different setting. It is perfect for apprentices and those considering a career as an apprentice electrician. We offer this course free of charge, but due to its popularity, available dates will be limited.
The history of electricity in Edinburgh: A fascinating tour by Ideal Electrical Solutions
Edinburgh’s journey with electricity is a story of innovation and engineering marvels. Join us on a tour that explores the electrifying history of how electric power transformed this historic city.
Below we have listed some of the areas we will be visiting.
Electricity comes to Edinburgh
Electricity first made its appearance in Edinburgh in 1881, when temporary public lights were installed around the city by the Corporation. These early lights, powered by a portable steam engine and dynamo, were placed in prominent locations like North Bridge, Holyrood Square, and Waverley Station.
Although this experiment faced frequent technical difficulties, it marked the beginning of Edinburgh’s electrification.
Dewar Place Power Station
The true breakthrough came in 1891 when the Corporation received the authority to provide mains electricity under the 1890 Electric Lighting Act.
A central site was selected at Dewar Place, which was convenient for coal supply and minimised pollution concerns. Designed by City Architect Robert Morham and overseen by Burgh Engineer John Aitken Cooper, the power station initially housed eight high-speed steam engines generating 400 horsepower.
The grand switch-on
On 11th April 1895, the Central Electric Lighting Station was officially switched on. The event was celebrated with great fanfare, including a banquet at the Rutland Hotel. When the switch was flipped at 8 PM, electric arc lamps illuminated Princes Street, making it one of the best-lit streets in Europe and showcasing the city’s leap into the modern age.
We will take a short tour to Princess Street where you can still see the evidence of some of the old streetlights.
Cooling with sewage: A unique innovation
One of the most intriguing aspects of Edinburgh’s electrical history is the use of sewage to cool a power station. This innovative approach not only solved a practical problem but also highlighted the city’s commitment to sustainability and clever engineering solutions.
Portobello power station in 1930
Portobello Power Station in 1930, aerial view. Notice the railway on the left running directly into the generating hall, crossing over a dark black band. This band is the coal conveyor connecting the rail-served stockyard to the southwest.
Time allowing we will visit the former site of the power station, where remnants of the entrance can still be seen. There are several interesting features and historical points of interest still to be seen today.
In 1926, the Electricity (Supply) Act was passed to establish a “national grid” with a standardised supply frequency and voltage across the country.
One of the new turbo-alternators at Portobello.
Portobello, being one of the largest and most modern stations with room for expansion, was chosen as the principal station for the East of Scotland.
Fortunately, Edinburgh had already adopted the 230V and 50Hz supply standard, which aligned with the new national standard, so no significant modifications were needed.
Portobello was swiftly expanded with two additional 31.5MW sets, bringing the total capacity to 118MW, exceeding the planned 100MW.
Why book on this tour with Ideal Electrical Solutions?
Our tour not only covers the technical achievements but also the cultural and social impacts of electrification on Edinburgh. From the first flickers of electric light to the establishment of a reliable power grid, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the role electricity has played in shaping this vibrant city.
Join us for an educational and inspiring journey through the history of electricity in Edinburgh, and discover the remarkable stories behind the power that lights up our lives today.
Depending on the workflow of the electrician you will be shadowing, we will aim to visit the sites of:
- Dewar Place power station.
- Princess Street.
- McDonald Road power station.
- Junction Place power station
- Portobello Power Station
- Holyrood Palace
If you would like to request more information on this day in the life tour then please email info@ies-edinbugh.co.uk to check availability.
