Welcome to the September issue of PEW. Has it cooled down yet? As much as I love the summer the five (at the time of writing) heatwaves have become quite exhausting. But then for so many years we have complained that we’ve barely had a summer worth talking about at all, so I guess this is payback!

So just how hot is too hot? For the electrical wholesaling industry there is of course a knock-on effect. In our homes, factories and offices air conditioning gets switched on, refrigeration systems work harder and even the humble portable fan suddenly becomes a highly desirable bit of kit as we try to keep cool. So for wholesalers, heatwaves can provide a useful reminder of just how quickly demand can change. Products that might sit quietly on the shelves for months can suddenly become urgent requirements, while contractors can find themselves responding to customers who want cooling solutions installed earlier than yesterday.

It also highlights the importance of having the right conversations with customers. Is the existing installation capable of handling additional loads? Is the equipment being installed appropriate for the environment? Are customers looking for a quick fix, or is there an opportunity to discuss a more efficient, longer-term solution?

Heatwaves aren’t simply uncomfortable weather events. They are becoming an increasingly important consideration for the way we design, install and use buildings. The electrical system that was perfectly adequate when a property was primarily concerned with heating in winter may face very different demands when cooling becomes a regular part of summer life.

And while nobody wants to spend a perfectly good sunny day talking about distribution boards and electrical loads, that’s precisely where the wholesaler’s expertise comes into its own.

The industry has always been about more than boxes on shelves. At its best, wholesaling is about helping contractors find the right product, understand what they need and get the job done safely and efficiently.

So perhaps the next time somebody complains that it’s “too hot”, spare a thought for the electrical industry, because when the heat is on, there’s a good chance we’re working a little harder too!

Enjoy the issue!

– Tracey Rushton-Thorpe

Check out the September issue here

Catch up on previous ‘Editor’s Viewpoint’ here