This primer by Dr. John E. Schaufelberger collects and integrates some best practices into a resource that would allow the company leaders to quickly identify strategies for success when selecting an approach that responds to the requirements of their employees and organization.  The success or failure of the firm depends on the number, quality, and  dedication of the employees that the company is able to attract, develop, and retain.

Human resources represent the social capital of an electrical contracting firm and should be nurtured and managed with as much care as financial assets and capital investments.  This primer by A. Thomas Taylor would be of value to all supervisors.

This EDL discusses alternative, renewable energy - a contributor to the U.S. energy supply that is expected to increase exponentially over the next 20 years.  The EDL also discusses the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that require utilities to purchase from renewable sources a specified percentage of electricity they sell to consumers.  It explains that renewable technologies generate power in centralized stations and offer opportunities for smaller "local" electricity generation.  Many electric utilities are starting "net metering" programs and pay building owners for excess electricity which on-site electric generating systems feed back into the utility's grid. 

Even in our current economic situation, energy forecasters are confident that electricity demand will, over time, contiunue to grow.  That's just one reason renewable energy sources are such popular news topics today.  As you may have read recently, solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbines are valuable new technologies for generating electricity without adding toxic emissions to the environment

A good testing program allows construction users and their representatives to solve otherwise hidden equipment problems. Those problems can disrupt construction project progress, twist the critical path, incur rework costs, lower quality, void warranties, and result in liability claims. Thus, a solid electrial testing plan is anything but a "luxury" - it's a necessity. This issue of NECA's Electrical Design Library examines how electrical testing is used at various stages of a project life cycle

This EDL issue highlights Building Information Modeling (BIM) and demonstrates it’s practical uses for today’s electrical contractors.

A Change Order is used when the Owner and Contractor agree on the price and the change in schedule.

A Change Order is used when the Owner and Contractor agree on the price and the change in schedule.

Facilities that provide essential goods or services without interruption, such as hospitals or nursing homes, are critical facilities. They contain equipment, supplies, or processes that depend on utility resources, such as electricity, to sustain uninterrupted output. This EDL explores actions a manager of a critical facility must take in order to limit interruptions in essential utility resources.

The operation of electronic devices that are increasingly mission-critical to building tenants can be interfered with by facility infrastructure deficiencies. There are ways to address this problem during the design and construction phase of projects; and for most facilities, implementing basic electronics-friendly measures is enough, but this carries two caveats:You must understand what those measures are and how to implement them; and,You must know when those measures are insufficient and how to economically implement the correct measures.Implementing additional measures will raise construction costs, so understanding "who the customer is" is essential. This EDL helps designers ensure a new facility will adequately accommodate electronic loads for its intended purpose, and at a reasonable cost.

This publication discusses the growing need for data center construction. Despite the fact that computer servers are becoming smaller, they are becoming more powerful.  While the machines of today are more efficient, their numbers in buildings are increasing drastically; and they are pushing the need for energy to new highs.  With the vital amount of data and information these systems contain, the need for optimal electrical equipment performance is critical.  Both the construction of data centers and their critical facility-level maintenance requirements are well within the capabilities and competence of qualified and experienced electrical contractors with a skilled and well-managed workforce.  In other words - NECA Contractors!

The Electrical Contractors Financial Performance Report 2008 (Based on 2007 Data) represents the most complete, accurate, and up-to-date database of electrical contractors financial and operating data anywhere. The information contained in this report is designed to provide easy-to-understand guidelines for identifying business strengths, weaknesses, and performance improvement opportunities. The statistics in this report represent broad performance “yardsticks” against which a company’s performance can be measured. This report provides a valuable NECA industry standard for your use during audits, claims/change order negotiation, or with a banker/bonding agent. This report also contains an easy-to-use chart on cash flow management

Quality electrical installations result when skilled installers managed by electrical contractor professionals deliver design excellence. Emerging technologies present new challenges for electrical design and construction professionals alike. NECA publishes the Electrical Design Library (EDL) to inform and educate architects, and building owners and managers about cutting-edge technology issues and to emphasize design and installations standards. The annual subscription includes the latest four issues.

Building power distribution systems require maintenance or replacement as constant use causes components to wear. Without proper maintenance, power disruptions can occur, resulting in lost production and sales for businesses. Corrective measures can be expensive, inconvenient, and time consuming. Regular maintenance programs are key to early recognition of impending problems, such as discolored insulation or overheated conductor terminations.

This study is based on extensive research that focused on 27 randomly-selected companies from 11 U.S. states. Using jobs conducted by these companies, data was collected from 29 "successful" and 27 "less-than-successful" sample projects. Specifically, the planning processes used in each job were examined, and notable differences between the tactics used in the two sets of projects were studied. Planning activities employed in the successful projects were then used to develop the Model Electrical Pre-Construction Planning Process included in the manual. Electrical contractors can implement this process to improve the effectiveness of their planning. Also available in PDF format.

This 8-page booklet provides information on the place of an ethics program in a modern electrical construction firm. It includes a model code of ethics and a discussion on how to implement it effectively.

Financing options for those who wish to own/operate solar, wind, and other energy-generating equipment are evolving just as quickly as renewable-energy technology itself. Financing the Future focuses on paying for renewable-energy installations with the help of third-party financiers, government incentives, and much more. Also available in PDF format.

Green design efforts are turning to the nation’s 5 million existing buildings. In the process, designers and construction contractors are developing new options for owners who are interested in adding some green to their bottom lines. Making the most of any environmentally friendly upgrade requires a strategic approach. This EDL discusses environmentally friendly building design and construction alternatives. The detailed analysis reinforces the idea that low-impact practices can help keep costs down and explains why they are becoming so popular. 

Automatic lighting controls can reduce lighting energy consumption by 50% in existing buildings and 35% in new construction, according to the New Buildings Institute. Therefore, commissioning lighting control systems is essential for successful installations. This issue of the EDL will explore this topic in greater detail and how optimal commissioning occurs when it is planned and budgeted as part of the design and construction process.

This handbook takes you through the steps to become successful at preparing for and conducting claims negotiation, arbitration, and litigation. A description of the tactics for settlement and a detailed examination of the most frequently occurring types of claims are included. The emphasis is placed on accurate and orderly record keeping and paperwork management for best results.

This booklet supplies additional information on claims settlement and includes a report on a study of the average effects of schedule delays and disruption on labor productivity. It also includes information on extended overhead on delayed projects.

This companion booklet to Volume I (Index No. 40061) is intended to aid the contractor who has kept adequate records and given required notices, but still faces difficulties in receiving equitable time extensions or additional payment for extra time and cost incurred. Through the presentation of legal precedents, this book can be used to determine how good your case is and how well it has been prepared. A comprehensive, nationwide survey of the financial effects of disrupted schedules can be used in validating your claims.

Innovations in new technology (the internet, interoperability) and changes in the energy industry (utility deregulation) bring challenges and opportunities. Energy management is a huge and growing industry. Electrical technologies comprise the majority of the industry and represent most of the opportunities to reduce utility cost. High-efficiency motors, improved lighting, better controls - and more - all have a place in an effective energy management plan. In this issue of the Electrical Design Library, the spectrum of electrical technologies is described as they affect the energy efficiency of commercial, industrial, institutional, and governmental facilities. The publication mirrors the approach that an energy manager needs to take to achieve an effective energy management program.

A quality electrical installation begins with design and carries through every step of construction. The least expensive way to ensure a good installation is to monitor standards and design compliance throughout the project. Effective use of standards allows project owners, architects, engineers, specifiers, and others to require with a written standard exactly how "quality" is to be defined on a given electrical construction project. This issue of NECA's Electrical Design Library series of monographs provides an overview for implementing standards to ensure a quality electrical installation.

This issue of the Electrical Design Library highlights LonWorks technology and its widespread adoption in building controls and automation. The EDL is intended to assist the electrical design community in incorporating the technology in the built environment.

Keep accurate records of each project with day-to-day entries in CECA's Job-Site Journal. Developed specifically for electrical contractors, such a Journal is especially valuable because its detailed documentation is admissible evidence for substantiating claims caused by such things as delays, extras or damages.NOW AVAILABLE IN A BILINGUAL FORMAT! DURABLE -lay-flat bound, soft cover with pre-numbered pages. Pages are undated so that the first page corresponds to the first day of the job. EASILY IDENTIFIABLE - the words Job-Site Journal and the CECA logo are embossed in gold on a black cover.CONVENIENT SIZE - 6 1/2 x 8 1/2.

This book focuses on new perspectives and the new rules of succession planning for family-owned companies. Should you merge, partner, sell, or keep your company as you face the forces of change? How will family dynamics influence your decisions? this book focuses on the issues that need to be addressed in the Keep versus Sell decision. Written by Mike Cohn with Jayne Pearl.

LED technology has been around for a long time, but this edition of Electrical Design Library looks at how design and technology improvements are making LEDs (light-emitting diodes) more versatile and practical than ever. A free download of this publication is available at www.ElectricalDesignLibrary.com.

Though less than a decade old, the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards are already having a significant impact on the materials and systems that clients are demanding and architects and engineers are specifying. This publication provides a general overview of the issues the building team should consider when designing and specifying lighting systems for LEED-compliant new construction, including: Interior and exterior lighting levels; Fixture and lamp specification; Control-system design; and Ongoing lighting-system maintenance.

Lighting has always been a critical component in successful building design. The right mix of ambient, task, and decorative illumination can be an important contributor to occupants’ comfort and productivity. But lighting systems also add significantly to a building’s overall operating expenses. Improving the efficiency of these systems can have a big impact on an owner’s bottom line. A comprehensive approach to upgrading your lighting systems can improve building aesthetics and performance, and this EDL will help you achieve this balance and make your building retrofits a “bright idea.”

Lighting is the traditional electrical industry's most active area - in terms of new projects, new technologies, and research. For while lighting specialists can be found, it is not easy for the rest of the construction industry to stay abreast of what's new and what's important in this fast-moving area. This issue of NECA's Electrical Design Library provides vital information about technology and regulations affecting lighting design and utilization.

Electrical Design Library monograph highlighting the National Electrical Installation Standards

Since 1923, NECA has compiled and published labor unit data for the electrical construction industry. The NECA MLU has long been the standard in the industry, and its prominence among other estimating data sources is well documented. The MLU is a comprehensive labor reference for electrical estimators. It lists the national average direct labor time required to install electrical material under typical conditions on a typical project. Revisions are made biennially, and this edition includes revisions to the: Integrated Building systems Grounding & Lighting Protection Systems Temporary Power & Lighting Equipment Installation & Connections Industrial Control & Instrumentation Alternative Energy Systems

The Manual of Labor Units is available on computer disk. The CD operates out of Windows and includes all the labor units found in the paperbound version.

National Electrical Installation Standards (NEIS) go a step beyond the basic safety requirements of the National Electrical Code and clearly define what it means to install systems in a "neat and workmanlike manner."  Referencing NEIS saves time in spec writing and provides unparalleled quality and control in workmanship and long-term performance.  NEIS also reduces misunderstandings between engineers, electrical contractors, owners, and building managers.  This EDL will explore how an owner or electrical specifier can implement the NEIS and shed some light on what electrical contractors get out of it.

A "normal" project is defined as a project that is managed properly and proceeds as expected. Benchmark indicators for normal electrical project duration are established in this study. A relationship between project size in work hours and normal project duration is developed and presented in a series of tables and charts. To purchase this study along with the other six studies that comprise this entire report, see Index No. 5079CK - Productivity: Quantifying the Impacts of Adverse Working Conditions on Electrical Construction (Productivity Studies Kit).

The National Trade Contractors Association of Canada (NTCCC) is pleased to present it's new publication, "A Guide to CCA's Stipulated Price Subcontract" developed exclusively by the NTCCC with permission from the Canadian Construction Association. This guide is intended to highlight many of the contractual terms and conditions contained within the standard industry subcontract and to explain, in layman's terms, why these clauses are important and how they may have a real impact on your business. The guide is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be used for any other purposes. Thanks to Blaney, McMurtry LLP and the Canadian Construction Association for their work on this document.

The National Trade Contractors Association of Canada (NTCCC) is pleased to present it's new publication, "A Guide to CCA's Stipulated Price Subcontract" developed exclusively by the NTCCC with permission from the Canadian Construction Association. This guide is intended to highlight many of the contractual terms and conditions contained within the standard industry subcontract and to explain, in layman's terms, why these clauses are important and how they may have a real impact on your business. The guide is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be used for any other purposes. Thanks to Blaney, McMurtry LLP and the Canadian Construction Association for their work on this document.

This report provides an opportunity to compare a firm’s compensation levels and benefits package to others within the industry as a whole, within the same NECA District, within the same Sales Volume Group, and within the same NECA District by Sales Volume Group. Statistical facts covered in this report include compensation levels for over 25 different management positions, as well as statistics on number of electrical workers, direct labor payroll, total overhead salaries paid, average overhead salary paid, average sales dollar per electrical worker, sales dollar return per labor dollar cost, average wages paid per electrical worker, percent labor cost of sales, and number of overhead personnel by function. The benefits covered in the report include information for both overhead personnel and direct labor employees regarding life and health insurance practices, vacation policies, paid holiday and sick leave availability, retirement plans, and bonus and stock participation offerings. Figures are based on 2005 data submitted by NECA members in response to a survey questionnaire. Members can use the information to compare their compensation rates, pay plans and benefits to industry standards.

Designed for distribution to owners, architects, etc. Subject is presented in question and answer format. Develops idea that changes, if properly handled, can be beneficial to the owner. Illustrates contractor's procedures for preparing a change order estimate.

A handbook describing the difference between traditional labor and materials contracts and labor-only contracts. Hidden difficulties and costs of the labor-only contract are spelled out in detail.

Discusses problems associated with high retention and delayed final payments on subcontracts. Describes the unnecessary costs to the owner arising from such practices, and suggests remedies. Excellent for public relations-- educational handout to customers.

Discusses the concept of meetings involving the entire construction team: owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, and subcontractors prior to the start of a project. The purpose is to obtain agreement on "ground rules" that will reduce or eliminate causes for subsequent disagreement and delays.

The newest addition to NECA's Electrical Design Library goes into great detail about the "greener" power generation and transmission options, such as the practicality of wind turbines for homes and small businesses, or how adaptable photovoltaic panels would be in a specific area.  These helpful facts and considerations can advise home and business owners alike on how to make their own renewable energy advancements.

This study establishes the baseline for electrical project peak workforce size. A relationship between project size in work hours and peak workforce is developed and presented in a series of tables and charts. The study also identifies the recommended number of workers for different project sizes. To purchase this study along with the other six studies that comprise this entire report, see Index No. 5079CK - Productivity: Quantifying the Impacts of Adverse Working Conditions on Electrical Construction (Productivity Studies Kit). Also available in PDF

When vision meets reality, problems can occur that can compromise design integrity. Today's approach to building delivery - including value engineering and highly compressed project schedules - often leaves lighting to be one of the last items installed. For the contractor to properly interpret and build the architect/engineer's vision, the design must be understandable, practical in installation, consistent with other building design features and compatible with the owner's budget. The vision must be clearly articulated and reflect all applicable design factors - from codes to environmental conditions, and other building systems and structural elements - with product choices containing value-based rationales that are defensible. This issue of NECA' Electrical Design Library examines how lighting designers and contractors employ standards to deliver effective lighting.

The rate of manpower consumption is identified for the electrical contracting industry and is displayed graphically through a manpower-loading curve. The study also identifies a powerful method for integrating multiple management and control tools in order to assess actual project status. This method, called the Trapezoidal Technique, combines estimating methods for normal project duration, peak workforce level, and rate of manpower consumption into one easy-to-use formual. To purchase this study along with the other six studies that comprise this entire report, see Index No. 5079CK - Productivity: Quantifying the Impacts of Adverse Working Conditions on Electrical Construction (Productivity Studies Kit). Also available in PDF

Security-system technology is moving ahead rapidly, evolving to become more sophisticated and streamlined.  Digital options allow managers to store and retrieve security data more quickly and less expensively.  Software advances make it easier for access control, monitoring, and other equipment to communicate with other building systems.  This edition of Electrical Design Library focuses on the latest advancements of security-system technology and explains the newly evolving views of IT and security.

When the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) published and released MasterFormat 2004 in fall 2004, few in the industry took notice.  And many were concerned that, with its publication, CSI had essentially "undone" over 40 years of trade practices.  This edition of the Electrical Design Library (EDL) is intended to assuage the concerns of readers by examining the changes and to provide widespread support for adoption of the specifications.

Owners are seeking ways to speed project completion and reduce direct construction costs. One of their solutions has been to procure project materials and equipment for installation by specialty contractors. Such actions should not be taken lightly because the apparent savings resulting from pre-purchasing electrical materials and equipment could disappear. This issue of NECA's Electrical Design Library examines pros and cons of alternative purchasing strategies for electrical materials.

Today's trend toward integrated building systems (IBS) is setting the stage for tomorrow's buildings - where power, communication, and control systems converge to form the central nervous system for all building systems. Power, communication, and control systems might have been viewed in the past - and even today - as independent stand-alone systems. This will not be possible in the near future. These systems and their integration are key to the operation of 21st century buildings. This issue of the Electrical Design Library deals with the integration of vital building systems through integrated specification that ensure interoperability and avoid installation and interface problems.

Sustainable Design is the topic of many energy legislation debates. While some see it as unrealistic, others see it as the only possible future for a fossil-fuel dependant economy. But while both sides have been focused on the politics of the issue, product manufacturers and building designers have been working to turn the theory into reality. New design principles and products are creating buildings that are significantly more efficient than those of years past. And with integrated design - the practice of considering all building systems as a whole rather than as separate components - more thoughtful siting and structuring allows for better use of natural light and heat, thereby lowering energy costs. This EDL publication provides an overview of some of the key components used in sustainable building design, along with factors that owners, architects, engineers, electrical contractors, and other professionals should consider during design, specification, and installation.

Interest in sustainable energy options is at an all-time high, and building owners are now exploring ways to take their building completely "off the grid."  However, to successfully get a building off the standard transmission and distribution grid is not an easy task.The newest addition to NECA's Electrical Design Library goes into great detail about the "greener" power generation and transmission options, such as the practicality of wind turbines for homes and small businesses, or how adaptable photovoltaic panels would be in a specific area. These helpful facts and considerations can advise home and business owners alike on how to make their own renewable energy advancements. Also available in PDF format.

This is also available in CD format

The effects of extreme combinations of temperature and humidity on electrical labor productivity are identified. The results are presented in a series of tables and charts, which provide a powerful tool that can be used by contractors to adjust their bids during the bidding process and to support requests for time extensions and compensation during the construction process. To purchase this study along with the other six studies that comprise this entire report, see Index No. 5079CK - Productivity: Quantifying the Impacts of Adverse Working Conditions on Electrical Construction (Productivity Studies Kit).

We often speak of the American obsession with automobiles; however, we have an often-overlooked obsession with electric power. As has been proven in 2000-2001 in California, without it, our daily lives comes to a screeching halt! What's more, this dependence has mutated into one that thrives only on quality power. As demand for higher-speed computers and faster data networks continues to grow, electrical engineers and contractors will be pressured to continuously improve power quality protection. This issue of NECA's Electrical Design Library series of monographs discusses power quality problems and the solutions afforded by new technology.

This EDL discusses manufacturers of today, and the need for facilities flexible enough to handle their needs.  Today's manufacturer has to meet the buyers' demand for customization and "the latest new trend" as well as working with a wide variety of outside suppliers and often outsource component manufacturing.  This makes accurate communication of product-design data and the communication technologies that make this possible essential.  While the products are becoming more sophisticated, the methods used to develop the manufacturer's facilities are more often than not behind the times.  Therefore, efforts are underway to modernize the design and construction process for manufacturers' facilities.

Today's contractors are working in a very competitive field, with more and more firms providing electrical and data communications and low-voltage services. One of the best ways to differentiate between contractors is to find one that places a strong emphasis on giving customers a "Best Quality" (BQ) installation. A BQ voice-data-video (VDV) installation is one that follows safety codes, meets or exceeds today's performance standards, transmits without faults, and is performed professionally and cost effectively.

The rental rates in this schedule are based upon average initial purchase price, ownership expenses, and use periods. The experience records and schedules of individual electrical contractors as well as schedule and practices of equipment rental dealers were recently reviewed. A significant effort was made in this issue to delete outdated equipment and to include equipment that has recently entered the marketplace. This new version also contains an updated and more exhaustive list of rates for instruments and testing equipment. The average rental rates contained in this book are useful as a guide for internal estimating and cost accounting.

The NECA Chart of Accounts contains a group of general ledger account numbers and descriptions which can be used by electrical contracting firms for balance sheets and profit and loss statements. The use of such specially developed code numbers can result in a good deal of time and space savings, as well as systematizing the accounting records to be compatible with the summary of the estimate. The uniform system of accounts is coordinated with NECA's management control reports and estimating cost centers.

The various types of construction contracts and bidding are discussed, with emphasis on the advantages to owners of the separate contract/separate bid system. Designed for distribution to owners and property developers.

In today's competitive market, it is essential that companies reduce waste to survive. Firms, architects, designers, engineers,and contractors who have a clear understanding of ways to increase energy efficiency with minimal cost have an edge over their competitors and are more likely to bring in choice projects and gain greater profits.Wrestling With Infrastructure Energy Costs explores ways to squeeze energy savings from the electrical portion of construction projects - from the service entrance and feeders to the branch circuits, as opposed to just lighting - and addresses saving energy through optimizing non-electrical building systems and processes.Also available in PDF format.

Solar thermal and solar photovoltaic (PV) installations have been around for decades, but improved technology and fluctuating energy costs make solar energy more appealing than ever. This issue of the Electrical Design Library (EDL) explores how solar technologies work and what they have to offer. Learn about advances in photovoltaic technology that are driving down the price of equipment and moving generation costs toward grid parity. In this EDL you'll also discover what should be taken into account when considering a solar PV or solar termal installation and what recourses can help you determine whether solar energy generation makes sense for your location and project. Also available in PDF format.