Most electrical estimating programs have a labor column that is more competitive than those in the MLU. There is another reason to modify the results dictated by the Labor Factor Score Sheet: productivity. As exacting as this process is, there are many reasons why labor hours may be adjusted. If you use the score sheet often, you may want to turn it into an electronic spreadsheet, so you can automate the math. The labor column you use will be selected based on the total score. Within the score sheet, you will give each labor condition a score between 1 and 5.
Electrical labor units manual install#
It takes a lot longer to install something 50 feet up, compared to installing it when you’re standing on the floor. Remember when I wrote there are dozens of factors? There are more than 30 factors in this list alone.įor those that don’t know, a labor factor is something that affects how long it takes to complete an installation. The manual is organized into three labor columns, labeled “Normal,” “Difficult” and “Very Difficult.” The manual includes a Labor Factor Score Sheet, which can be used to select the labor column for your project. There is also important information in the front of each section. If you intend to use the NECA MLU, it is important to actually read and understand the introduction in the beginning of the manual. I have been exposed to quite a few collections of labor units during my career, including six different estimating systems, four employers’ in-house labor units, and the NECA Manual of Labor Units (MLU). Before we get to the many factors, let’s cover labor units and columns.
Labor factoring is often said to be the “art” in the art of estimating. The proper application and adjusting of labor units depends on dozens of factors and is the most difficult part of estimating. Let’s make this clear: There is no simple answer to the questions of which labor units to use and who is faster. There were also a few opinions on who performed electrical work faster. People had differing opinions as to when and how they should be used. I recently read a discussion about using National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) labor units.