NECA

Complex Changes In New MasterFormat Can Be Good For NECA Contractors

The most complex revision ever of MasterFormat is slated for publication this fall – without the commonsense changes NECA advocated. But, the fact that speccing electrical and electronic systems is about to become more complicated and more confusing can actually spell good news for NECA-member contractors.

MasterFormat is the specifications-writing standard used for most nonresidential building design and construction projects in North America. It lists titles and section numbers for organizing data about requirements, products, and activities in order to facilitate communication among architects, specifiers, contractors and suppliers.

Since MasterFormat was first published in 1964, most systems installed by electrical contractors (power, telephone, control wiring) were covered in Division 16, Electrical. Because the spec framework shaped bid packages, electrical contractors would bid Division 16 and then perform all the work in it (or subcontract out parts of it).

But the 2004 MasterFormat changes that familiar landscape, splitting electrical and communications systems into five new divisions: 25–Integrated Automation, 26–Electrical, 27–Communications, 28–Electronic Safety & Security, and 48–Electrical Power Generation.

The Construction Specification Institute should have instead updated and expanded Division 16, “to match the trend toward greater system integration in the building industry,” says Dr. Thomas E. Glavinich of University of Kansas, who worked with NECA to advocate this position.

“You can’t just do these different technologies separately, in a vacuum,” according to NECA Executive Director for Standards & Safety Brooke Stauffer. “Low-voltage wires run in sleeves and conduits, which are the electrical contractor’s responsibility. Low-voltage controllers need power circuits to operate, which have to be installed by electricians. In many cases, low-voltage systems need to be integrated with other technologies.”

“Under these circumstances, I think owners and managers are going to be looking at NECA members as a sort of general contractor for wiring, to coordinate installation of the many different power, communications, and control systems that go into a modern building,” he adds. “I’m pretty sure that in the long-run – maybe even the short-run – customers will again understand the importance of having professionals in charge of the total job.”

NECA intends to keep members and their customers educated and informed on this issue. Stay tuned.