05/09/2026
“NA SWITCH NA.”
Those were his exact words after stealing a water-heater switch from our installation materials.
One of the challenges electricians often face on construction sites is working alongside other trades.
Recently, while we were installing electrical fittings on a site, we noticed that one of our water-heater switches was missing.
After searching, we discovered that a tiler had taken it.
I confronted him and asked a simple question:
“Do you know what the item you took is actually used for?”
His response?
“Na switch na.”
That response reminded me of a common problem on construction sites: people often see electrical components as ordinary items simply because they are easy to carry due to their sizes, even if they don’t understand their function.
So I gave him a challenge:
“If you can explain how this switch is used and connect it correctly, I will let you keep it. But if you can’t, and we later discover that another item is missing from our materials, you will be held responsible.”
Immediately, he started begging.
Electricians, protect your materials, but the question is how well can you protect them when everyone on site has access to every place in the project.
On a busy construction site, different workers have access to the same building. Materials can easily get misplaced, damaged, or taken.
Construction sites require teamwork, but they also require accountability.
Electricians, let me ask you:
What is the most frustrating thing another trade worker has ever done to your electrical materials on a site?
And to the other professionals working on construction sites:
Have you ever had your materials damaged or taken by another worker?
Let’s hear your experience in the comments.