2014 Electrical, Power Study: Seven key findings

According to the data in this report, inadequate budgets and keeping up with frequent codes and standards updates for electrical and power systems design are continuous challenges that aren't expected to change anytime soon.

By Amanda Pelliccione February 18, 2015

Respondents to the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Electrical and Power Study identified these seven important high-level findings impacting the electrical and power industries today:

  1. Systems specified: More than 80% of engineers responsible for decisions related to the design of electrical and/or power systems specify electrical distribution equipment, circuit breakers, fuses, cables, and wires.
  2. Design factors: 98% of engineers rank product quality at the top of their list when selecting one electrical or power system over another. Nine out of 10 engineers also said a manufacturer’s reputation, the technical advantage of the product, and service support is equally important.
  3. Specifications: 60% of engineering firms are consistently using open electrical or power system specifications in which engineering approval and/or explicit brand use is required.
  4. Building structures: Six in 10 engineers specify, design or make product selections for office buildings and industrial or manufacturing facilities/warehouses.
  5. Electrical, power revenue: 64% of engineering firms specifying electrical or power systems for new or existing buildings are generating $5 million or less through these projects on an annual basis.
  6. Selection involvement: Seven in 10 engineers are responsible for recommending the brand of electrical or power systems for specification, and another 69% spend their time researching and evaluating all options.
  7. Top challenges: More than 80% of engineers agree that inadequate budgets is a common challenge for electrical or power systems design, while 47% are also challenged with frequent codes and standards updates.

In April 2014, Consulting-Specifying Engineer surveyed audience members related to the design of electrical and power products and services within their firms for the 2014 Electrical and Power Study. View the full study at www.csemag.com/2014ElectricalPower.


Author Bio: Amanda is the Research Director and Project Manager of Awards Programs for CFE Media and its publications.