02/28/2025

ECA Student Committee Update - ECA Member Special Presentation (ECIC)

NECA-IIT Student Chapter Begins 2025 Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge (ECIC)

ECA Student Committee Update
NECA-IIT Student Chapter Begins 2025 Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge (ECIC)
Tim Moylan, Gurtz Electric Co. - Special Presentation

As you are aware, the NECA - IIT Student Chapter is excited to participate in the 2025 Electrical Contracting Innovation Challenge (ECIC) sponsored by NECA and ELECTRI International.  The challenge has begun in earnest.  In January, the students received the project parameters for review.  The draft plans are now available, as well as the opportunity to take a number of Revit classes to aid them with any modifications / recommendations they may have concerning the project plans.   Also, the students will have guest presenters throughout this semester to aid them in familiarizing themselves with various aspects of the electrical construction industry.  

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) / the Chicago & Cook County Chapter, NECA wishes to thank the ECA Student Committee for their oversight concerning the NECA-IIT Student Chapter.  The Committee is instrumental in coordinating potential speakers, topics, among other areas that will help the students with the Challenge.

The current presenters and topics include:

Tim Moylan, Gurtz Electric Co. - Cost-effective lighting options (Building Automation / lighting controls);
Jack Smith, Kelso-Burnett Co. – Revit;
Matt Kelly, Gibson Electric An Emcor Company – Fire Alarm Systems;
Matthew Anderson, Maron Electric Company – Estimating;
Mike Meyer / Lenny Weber – Continental Electrical Construction Company;
Marty Rogers, Candor Electric, Inc. – Project Scheduling.

The students would like to thank Tim Moylan, Design Development Director, Gurtz Electric Co. for his special presentation on Thursday, February 27, 2025 during the Student Chapter session.  Mr. Moylan spoke on Cost-effective lighting options (Building Automation / lighting controls).  He was able to review the draft plans with the students and discussed various topics, including the following: lighting controls, fixture selection (cost-effective and approved by architect, customer, etc.), aspects / sensitivities of lighting design, design / build parameters, Code requirements for daylight harvesting, building automation – sensor placement, corridor control automation, light fixture scheduling, use of LEDs, photometrics, among other areas.

Competition Format Summary:
NECA contractors’ teams are challenged to design an electrical system that provides the assigned facility with an innovative solution that is both engaging and sustainable. Students are encouraged to explore new technologies that enhance the functionality of the building while also improving overall life cycle cost and environmental impact.  Team members are required to prepare a proposal. The proposal should include a detailed estimate of the proposed electrical system. Teams are advised to emphasize detailed technical solutions for the proposed systems including lighting controls, building automation controls, power, A/V, renewable energy, access controls, security systems, hands free controls and reduced life cycle cost features that respond to the unique needs of Customer X. Teams should be prepared to encounter real-world scenarios like design changes and project addendums throughout the course of the project. 

Again, we thank Mr. Moylan for his assistance and welcome ECA members for their input as the challenge progresses!  Please contact the ECA office for further information.

Pictured above is Tim Moylan, Design Development Director, Gurtz Electric Co.