Electrical Installation Efficiency Products That Safely Save Time
Steve Maurer, IME
When I was doing electrical work in the processing plant, time was important. While I was the only one working on a project in many cases, often I worked side by side with contractors in other crafts.
During renovations, upgrades, and new area work, it is essential to complete all electrical work in a timely manner. This helps contractors meet tight deadlines and avoid costly delays which can add up quickly. Ensuring the work is done quickly also helps create a safe working environment for the other employees as wiring or equipment that isn’t finished or installed properly can become dangerous.
Additionally, timely completion of electrical projects can also help owners save money in the long run by avoiding additional charges associated with overtime or missed deadlines.
I never wanted to be the one holding up progress.
Quality wiring devices and components that are designed to be installed easily can help electrical contractors complete projects faster so they can move onto their next job without any delays.
Contractors understand how important it is to work quickly and efficiently. Using wiring devices, electrical components; and other devices designed to be installed easily can help save valuable time and money. With these products, workers can accomplish installations faster which increases the likelihood of more jobs completed on time. Work that’s completed late can sometimes lead to financial penalties.
The selection of quality wiring devices and electrical components is also essential. Quality products are designed to last longer, which helps keep costs down in the long run as they will not need to be replaced as often as cheaper alternatives.
Additionally, having high quality wiring devices allow contractors to ensure their projects meet professional safety standards at every time as long as they’re installed properly.
Of course, tools that help speed up the wiring process are always welcome. Automatic wire strippers, speed screw drivers, and drill attachments to twirl wire nuts all found their way into my tool box. Some worked great … others were helpful, depending on the job and amount of work to be done.
When hanging boxes and other components on the wall, I always needed to think down the road. In a processing plant, work layout often changes. And enclosures, switch boxes, and other devices where always in danger of being damaged.
So while I originally used drive in wall anchor rivets, I soon changed to anchors that allowed for easy enclosure removal or replacement. Those anchors were still driven into the wall. But attachment was made by using threaded bolts and screws.
Even with all the tools and speedy anchors, there are still tasks that are fairly labor intensive. The one that comes to mind first is installing light switches and receptacles.
Once you have the conductors pulled and sticking out of the box, you still have to strip them and attach them to the device.
Often, we would pull wiring for major parts of the installation while work was still being done on flooring, plumbing, and walls. That meant workers in the area could inadvertently come in contact with wires. Hopefully, they weren’t energized yet.
However …
When it comes to electrical boxes, it's always important to cap or isolate any conductors that are not attached to a device for that very reason. If the wires are left exposed, they could become energized and cause an electric shock. Additionally, leaving the conductors exposed increases the risk of a short circuit or fire. To ensure safety and prevent potential hazards, all unused conductors should be capped or isolated.
That could mean using a boatload of wire nuts!
Well … now there are some.
Hubbell’s new line of switches and receptacles for commercial and industrial use are built to accept a modular connection.
SNAPConnect® Devices revolutionize the installation process for new construction and renovations, providing a safe and reliable connection with superior efficiency.
The modular design eliminates the possibility of live exposed parts during rough-in installations - simplifying connection. The modular connector is installed during rough-in instead of pigtails - so when it's time to finish off your install, no additional wiring is required.
Once walls are up and protective coverings removed, it's as simple as snapping the devices into place. You simply plug in the switch or receptacle.
Maintenance staff can easily change out devices thanks to its unique design which allows simply snapping a new one into place.
While they can be retrofitted into existing installations, think what they could do for bigger jobs.
The modular design also ensures that the receptacle or switch won’t be wired incorrectly. There’s even a switch designed for three-way lighting control.
If you're looking to guarantee the safest and most reliable installation, while also giving yourself the capability for easy device changeouts in future maintenance, SNAPConnect® could be your perfect solution.
During renovations, upgrades, and new area work, it is essential to complete all electrical work in a timely manner. This helps contractors meet tight deadlines and avoid costly delays which can add up quickly. Ensuring the work is done quickly also helps create a safe working environment for the other employees as wiring or equipment that isn’t finished or installed properly can become dangerous.
Additionally, timely completion of electrical projects can also help owners save money in the long run by avoiding additional charges associated with overtime or missed deadlines.
I never wanted to be the one holding up progress.
Quality wiring devices and components that are designed to be installed easily can help electrical contractors complete projects faster so they can move onto their next job without any delays.
Contractors understand how important it is to work quickly and efficiently. Using wiring devices, electrical components; and other devices designed to be installed easily can help save valuable time and money. With these products, workers can accomplish installations faster which increases the likelihood of more jobs completed on time. Work that’s completed late can sometimes lead to financial penalties.
The selection of quality wiring devices and electrical components is also essential. Quality products are designed to last longer, which helps keep costs down in the long run as they will not need to be replaced as often as cheaper alternatives.
Additionally, having high quality wiring devices allow contractors to ensure their projects meet professional safety standards at every time as long as they’re installed properly.
Of course, tools that help speed up the wiring process are always welcome. Automatic wire strippers, speed screw drivers, and drill attachments to twirl wire nuts all found their way into my tool box. Some worked great … others were helpful, depending on the job and amount of work to be done.
When hanging boxes and other components on the wall, I always needed to think down the road. In a processing plant, work layout often changes. And enclosures, switch boxes, and other devices where always in danger of being damaged.
So while I originally used drive in wall anchor rivets, I soon changed to anchors that allowed for easy enclosure removal or replacement. Those anchors were still driven into the wall. But attachment was made by using threaded bolts and screws.
Even with all the tools and speedy anchors, there are still tasks that are fairly labor intensive. The one that comes to mind first is installing light switches and receptacles.
Once you have the conductors pulled and sticking out of the box, you still have to strip them and attach them to the device.
Even with receptacles and switches that accepted conductors in the back, there was still work to be done.
However …
When it comes to electrical boxes, it's always important to cap or isolate any conductors that are not attached to a device for that very reason. If the wires are left exposed, they could become energized and cause an electric shock. Additionally, leaving the conductors exposed increases the risk of a short circuit or fire. To ensure safety and prevent potential hazards, all unused conductors should be capped or isolated.
That could mean using a boatload of wire nuts!
Some light fixtures come with quick-disconnect cords and plugs to help prevent this. I always wondered why switches and receptacles could be designed in a similar fashion. That could make roughing in easier.
Hubbell’s new line of switches and receptacles for commercial and industrial use are built to accept a modular connection.
SNAPConnect® Devices revolutionize the installation process for new construction and renovations, providing a safe and reliable connection with superior efficiency.
The modular design eliminates the possibility of live exposed parts during rough-in installations - simplifying connection. The modular connector is installed during rough-in instead of pigtails - so when it's time to finish off your install, no additional wiring is required.
Once walls are up and protective coverings removed, it's as simple as snapping the devices into place. You simply plug in the switch or receptacle.
Maintenance staff can easily change out devices thanks to its unique design which allows simply snapping a new one into place.
While they can be retrofitted into existing installations, think what they could do for bigger jobs.
The modular design also ensures that the receptacle or switch won’t be wired incorrectly. There’s even a switch designed for three-way lighting control.
If you're looking to guarantee the safest and most reliable installation, while also giving yourself the capability for easy device changeouts in future maintenance, SNAPConnect® could be your perfect solution.
Photo courtesy of Hubbell Wiring Systems
