5 Tips to Help Electrical Contractors Keep Installation Times and Costs Down

In the electrical contracting industry, project timelines are constantly getting shorter and there is less skilled labor to complete the job. This shortage is severe: For every five skilled electricians retiring, only two new workers are stepping into the trade.* To keep profit margins healthy and meet deadlines, contractors can’t rely on outdated methods. Instead, they need to lean on smart strategies that reduce labor hours and minimize errors.

This is where products like Legrand PowerHold™ Receptacle Device can help. PowerHold directly addresses the growing demand for faster and more efficient electrical installations. This receptacle is especially beneficial for light commercial, hospitality, multi-dwelling unit and prefabrication environments. While the average electrician takes a minute or minute and a half to wire a device using traditional methods, this solution achieves termination in around 10 seconds or less. This offers a massive gain in productivity.

Here are five best practices electrical contractors can start implementing today to keep jobs moving faster and more efficiently, even when short on manpower.

1. Understand Material Cost and Total Labor Savings

A costly mistake contractors often make is letting the upfront material price drive purchasing decisions. The best practice is to stop focusing solely on the material cost and understand the total installed cost, which accounts for labor time.
To counter this price fixation, contractors should use calculating tools to prove the value. For example, if a product can cut termination time from over a minute down to just 10 seconds, the labor savings across an entire job is significant. It could help six people complete the job three days early just because of the product chosen. The overall spend on labor and time is what matters, not the per-piece cost.

2. Match the Product to the Contractor’s Skill Level

Products designed to eliminate the need for skill or time to master are a major asset. Contractors can confidently assign workers who are early in their career to tasks using these simpler devices. This not only speeds up work but minimizes the risk of a miswired device or a broken product, reducing costly callbacks. This allows contracting firms to send out experienced electricians to high-profile, complex jobs, such as data centers, that demand specialized skills.

3. Embrace Prefabrication with Simplified Components

Prefabrication is key to efficiency, but it requires tools that are designed to minimize error and maximize output in a shop setting.
Contractors should look for products that are designed to prioritize ease of use and error prevention. PowerHold features color-coded levers (white for neutral, black for hot, green for ground) that align with uniform industry terms, simplifying the wiring process and reducing the risk of miswiring. An audible snap confirms that the lever is securely closed, providing immediate assurance of a correct connection. This instantly eliminates errors and helps electrical contractors wire many more devices faster.
If a device is damaged post-prefab, ensure that it can be easily replaced without a tool to prevent a major schedule disruption on-site.

4. Look for a Product with Intuitive Features

Every minute counts for an electrical contractor, so it’s crucial to have a product like PowerHold that is built with intuitive features. A patented tooth design optimizes retention strength for both stranded and solid wire applications, ensuring consistent and reliable connections.

With a contractor-first design, PowerHold simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for multiple tools like screwdrivers and drills. Its ergonomic design helps eliminate drill slippage and repetitive screwdriver turns. It also features larger levers compared to competitive products, making it easier for contractors to operate even while wearing gloves.

5. Overcome Adoption Barriers with Hands-on Demos

Some contractors may be hesitant about new productivity solutions, but the best way to overcome this is to try out the product. Contractors shouldn’t just watch an instructional video — they should get the product in their hands.
If contracting firms are worried that a new connection method is too similar to older, unreliable wiring, they should be shown how the product meets and exceeds the same UL standards they trust for their traditional methods.

By making the switch to smart, time-saving products, contractors can gain the crucial edge they need to get every job done faster and more efficiently.

*Source: Report: The Labor Shortage In The United States: Why Are American Workers Becoming Harder to Find?