| | | | | | This article explores the complexities of federal project labor agreements (PLAs) and prevailing wage laws, emphasizing the importance of compliance for electrical contractors. It highlights recent legal updates, best practices, and strategies to navigate changing regulations effectively. |
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| | Sponsored | Stop by Booth #1803 at NECA 2026 in Las Vegas to see our solutions designed to improve power reliability, efficiency, and safety while uncovering new opportunities and revenue streams. We’re committed to building strong partnerships with electrical contractors that advance the electrification and digitalization and help us push the industry forward, together. #NECA2026 |
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| | | Trevor Ottmann shares his experiences from Day 2 at NECA 2026, highlighting industry trends, product innovations, and his favorite moments on the show floor, including a special pre-show event hosted by Southwire. |
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| | Sponsored | Overhead electrical installations don't always need to be complicated. Griplock Systems cable suspension provides a clean, adjustable way to support lighting, conduit, cable tray and other applications. With fewer components to handle and easy height adjustment, cable suspension gives electrical crews a modern way to approach the job. |
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| | | Industry experts discuss innovative solutions like preassemblies and value-added services that help electrical contractors manage large-scale data center projects efficiently amidst rising demand and project complexity. |
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| | Sponsored | With its light weight and ease of installation, BABA-compliant Champion Fiberglass conduit offers the lowest labor rates according to the NECA Manual of Labor Units. For 35+ years, ISO 9001-, 14001-, 45001-certified Champion Fiberglass® has helped contractors and engineers reach successful outcomes in data centers, utility transmission and distribution, wastewater treatment facilities and chemical plants. |
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| | | NECA 2026 has begun in Las Vegas! The editors of EC&M hit the show floor to scope out the latest products on display. In this gallery, Editor Michael Morris brings you some of the most interesting lighting products that were showcased on the first day of NECA. |
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| | Sponsored | Comfort and durability belong on the same job. GlenGuard AR/FR fabric delivers a soft, lightweight feel backed by hard-working performance and protection. Its solution-dyed construction helps maintain color and durability wash after wash, keeping workers comfortable and ready for the demands of the field. |
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| | | Trevor Ottmann and EC&M's Ellie Coggins hosted an Instagram Live from the NECA booth, sharing Trevor's final day highlights. EC&M editors will continue the event tomorrow with giveaways and last-minute submissions for the e-bike contest. Don't miss your chance to connect with the team before heading home from Las Vegas. |
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| | Sponsored | A modern low voltage switchgear platform designed to make critical power distribution safer, adaptable and more reliable. Its modular, field-flexible architecture helps simplify specification, installation and future modifications, while front-access safety features, advanced monitoring and protection, and standardized components help reduce disruption and improve system visibility and performance. |
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| | | On Day 2 of the NECA Show in Las Vegas, members of the EC&M editorial staff stopped by the Rack-A-Tiers booth to recognize its Wire Waffle product for winning the overall platinum award in this year's Product of the Year competition in the Fittings (Conduit and Cable) category. The Wire Waffle connector can be installed in 2.5-in. panel knockouts to group up to 16 different NM cables through a single hole. |
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| | Sponsored | BURNDY® PATRIOT® installation tooling now offers Milwaukee M18® battery compatibility, giving contractors expanded flexibility in the field. By leveraging existing Milwaukee battery investments, crews can streamline operations while continuing to benefit from the trusted performance of the BURNDY Engineered System®. |
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| | | Wesco pledges $100,000 to the NECA/ELECTRI Project Management Apprenticeship, marking its fourth consecutive year as a key supporter, enhancing workforce training and industry skills. |
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| | | See which products Mike Eby picked as part of his Day 2 NECA 2026 innovation selections. |
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| | | The most exciting part of any NECA show is walking the show floor and getting a hands-on-look at the various products on display. The Everyday Electrician Trevor Ottmann and Editor Michael Morris spent some time exploring the tradeshow while they weren't at the EC&M booth. This gallery showcases some of their booth visits and the products that caught Trevor’s eye. |
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| | | NECA continues in Las Vegas. There is plenty to see on this year’s massive show floor. This gallery features products from the electric vehicle space that caught the attention of Editor Michael Morris as he was making the rounds. |
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| | | Community activism, environmental concerns, and state-level legislation are shaping a landscape where data center construction faces significant hurdles, prompting industry shifts toward more negotiated project terms. |
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| | | Download the 2026 rankings table. |
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| | | The next generation of electrical professionals share how they are shaping the future of the industry through leadership, innovative work practices, passion for mentoring others, and a drive to embrace new technologies. |
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| | | Distraction contributes to reduced work output, reduced work quality, and increased danger on the job. Here’s how to stop it. |
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| | | This article explores the critical distinction between production and productivity in construction, emphasizing how focusing on efficiency and value transfer can boost profits and project success. |
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| | | The article traces the evolution of emergency lighting from early standards to current performance-driven codes, highlighting the importance of UL-certified products, on-site testing, and innovative control systems—including wireless solutions—for reliable occupant egress during power failures. |
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