Advantages and Disadvantages of Prefabricated Electrical Cables - Research Paper Example

of Central Lancashire BEng (Hons) Building Services & Sustainable Eng. Form III: Report on Data acquisition and analysis Number Dissertation tutor External Advicer Contents Page Secondary Data used and their sources Methods of generating primary data Methods of analyses adopted Interpretation of the results 3, 11 2 2 5 to 11 Comments on Progress to date Queries 3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND DATA ANALYISIS 3.1 Research Methodology In order to determine both the advantages and disadvantages of prefabricated electrical cables, a qualitative research was carried out. 3.1.1 Primary Data The qualitative research was carried to gather the perceptions of public (particularly those who have some on knowledge on prefabricated and on-site fabricated electrical cables) and contractors regarding the advantages and disadvantages prefabricated electrical cables. In this research, questionnaires were prepared and given to electricians and electrical contractors. A total of 40 electricians and contractors were interviewed in the quantitative research part of the dissertation. All the questions in the questionnaires were positive (statements) and multiple-choice. In addition, these questions were the hypotheses of the research study. The respondents were expected to choose one response among the provided multiple-choices. The multiple-choices were: strongly agree, agree, strongly disagree, disagree, and finally no opinion. Therefore, the respondents were expected to strongly agree, agree, strongly disagree, disagree or have no opinion with/on hypotheses statements (questions) on the questionnaires. In this regard, the research analysed perceptions of the respondents directly. The data collected from these responses were fed into excel and SPSS software for analysis. The data collected were fed into SPSS software package in order to carry out t-tests. The collected data that were fed into excel software were analyzed in order to understand certain trends regarding the advantages and disadvantages of prefabricated electrical cables. The results of these analyses were as shown in the result and analysis section of this dissertation. 3.1.2 Secondary data The qualitative research was also carried out on the organizations that produce these prefabricated electrical cables. Both local and international companies were involved in this research. The companies were contacted through online services. The organizations that produce these cables were involved in this research in order get properties of these cables, as well as their qualities. Websites of these organizations were considered as secondary sources of data for the research. It is important to note that this research was done in to confirm or contradict the research hypotheses. It is also important to note that the hypotheses for study were the perceived advantages and disadvantages of prefabricated electrical cables, and they were as stated below. 3.2 Research Hypotheses Hypothesis 1 Prefabricated electrical systems and components normally save electrical installation contractors money and time. Hypothesis 2 As compared to prefabricated cables, installation of on-site installed electrical cables is labour intensive. Hypothesis 3 Design and techniques of manufacturing prefabricated electrical cables are normally in the hands of the manufacturer, and normally users (electricians) have little or control over the production. Hypothesis 4 The use of prefabricated cables threatens of jobs of electricians. Hypothesis 5 Prefabricated electrical cables are normally high quality as compared to on-site fabricated electrical components. 3.3 Result, data analyses and Discussions 3.3.1 Analysis of the Primary data 3.3.1.1 Research Question 1 (Hypothesis 1): Prefabricated electrical systems and components normally save electrical installation contractors money and time. Table 1: Responses for research statement: “Prefabricated electrical systems and components normally save electrical installation contractors money and time” Prefabricated electrical systems and components normally save electrical installation contractors money and time Strongly Agree 25 Agree 10 Strongly Disagree 2 Disagree 0 No Opinion 3 Figure 1: Responses for research statement: “Prefabricated electrical systems and components normally save electrical installation contractors money” 3.3.1.1.1 Research Findings From the analyzed research data, it is seen that most of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed with the research statement: “prefabricated electrical systems and components normally save electrical installation contractors money and time”. Sixty two percent (62%) of the electricians and contractors interviewed strongly agreed with the research question 1. Twenty five percent (25%) of the respondents agreed with the research questions. Only five percent (5%) and eight percent (8%) strongly agreed and had no opinion respectively. 3.3.1.1.2 Conclusion and Discussion The above findings show that actually prefabricated electrical systems and components normally save electrical installation contractors and electricians money. It is the contractors and electricians who install these cables as well as make quotations for these installations, therefore, their opinions were accurate. It can, therefore, be concluded that prefabricated electrical systems and components normally save electrical installation contractors money. 3.3.1.2 Research Question 2 (Hypothesis 2): As compared to prefabricated cables, installation of on-site installed electrical cables is labour intensive. Table 2: Responses for research statement: “As compared to prefabricated cables, installation of on-site installed electrical cables is labour intensive” As compared to prefabricated cables, installation of on-site installed electrical cables is labour intensive Strongly Agree 20 Agree 15 Strongly Disagree 4 Disagree 1 No Opinion 0 Figure 2: Responses for research statement:” As compared to prefabricated cables, installation of on-site installed electrical cables is labour intensive” 3.3.1.2.1 Research Findings From the analyzed research data, it is seen that most of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed with the research statement: “as compared to prefabricated cables, installation of on-site installed electrical cables is labour intensive”. Fifty percent (50%) of the electricians and contractors interviewed strongly agreed with the research question 2. Thirty seven percent (37%) of the respondents agreed with the research questions. Only ten percent (10%) and three percent (3%) strongly agreed and disagreed respectively. 3.3.1.2.2 Conclusion and Discussion The above findings show that installation of on-site installed electrical cables is labour intensive as compared to that of prefabricated electrical cables. Again in these findings, it is the contractors and electricians who install these cables, therefore, understand labour force required to install prefabricated cables, and that required to install onsite fabricated cables. Hence, their feedbacks are accurate and can be trusted. It can, therefore, be concluded that installation of on-site fabricated cables is labour intensive as compared to that of prefabricated cables. 3.3.1.3 Research Question 3 (Hypothesis 3): Design and techniques of manufacturing prefabricated electrical cables are normally in the hands of the manufacturer, and normally users (electricians) have little or control over the production. Table 3: Responses for research statement: “design and techniques of manufacturing prefabricated electrical cables are normally in the hands of the manufacturer, and normally users (electricians) have little or control over the production” Design and techniques of manufacturing prefabricated electrical cables are normally in the hands of the manufacturer, and normally users (electricians) have little or control over the production” Strongly Agree 10 Agree 15 Strongly Disagree 4 Disagree 5 No Opinion 6 Figure 3: responses for research question 3 (Hypothesis 3) 3.3.1.3.1 Research Findings From the analyzed research data, it is seen that most of the respondents either strongly agreed or agreed with the research statement: “design and techniques of manufacturing prefabricated electrical cables are normally in the hands of the manufacturer, and normally users (electricians) have little or control over the production”. Thirty percent (37%) of the electricians and contractors interviewed agreed with the research question 3 (hypothesis 3). Twenty five percent (25%) of the respondents strongly agreed with the research question 3 (hypothesis 3). Combining the percentages of those who agreed and those strongly agreed gives a sixty two percent (62%) agreement with the research statement. 10%, 13% and 15% strongly disagreed, agreed and had no opinion respectively. 3.3.1.3.2 Conclusion and Discussion The analysis of the above data findings prove the fact design and techniques of manufacturing prefabricated electrical cables are normally in the hands of the manufacturer, and normally users (electricians) have little or control over the production. According to the electricians, they have little control over the design and manufacture of these prefabricated cables. Therefore, they feel sidelined yet they are the individuals who work directly with these cables. Therefore, it can be concluded design and techniques of manufacturing prefabricated electrical cables are normally in the hands of the manufacturer, and normally users (electricians) have little or control over the production. 3.3.1.4 Research Question 4 (Hypothesis 4): The use of prefabricated cables threatens of jobs of electricians Table 4: Responses for research statement: “the use of prefabricated cables threatens of jobs of electricians” The use of prefabricated cables threatens of jobs of electricians Strongly Agree 35 Agree 5 Strongly Disagree 0 Disagree 0 No Opinion 0 Figure 4: The use of prefabricated cables threatens of jobs of electricians 3.3.1.4.1 Research Findings From the analyzed research data, it is seen that most of the respondents either strongly agreed with the research statement: “the use of prefabricated cables threatens of jobs of electricians”. Eighty seven percent (87%) of the electricians and contractors interviewed strongly agreed with the research question 3 (hypothesis 3). Thirteen percent (13%) of the respondents agreed with the research question. Combining the percentages of those who agreed and those strongly agreed gives a one hundred two percent (100%) agreement with the research statement. None of the respondents disagreed, strongly disagreed nor had no opinion on the research question. 3.3.1.4.2 Conclusion and Discussion The analysis of the above data findings prove the fact the use of prefabricated cables threatens of jobs of electricians. According, to these electricians these prefabricated can be installed by individuals with little electrical skills or knowledge, therefore, no need for highly skilled electricians. This according them is a threat to their job. It can, therefore, using prefabricated electrical cables for electrical installation is of a great threat to the electricians as well as electrical installation contractors. 3.3.2 Analysis of the Secondary data Prefabricated electrical cables are normally high quality as compared to on-site fabricated electrical components. In order to approve or disapprove this hypothesis qualitative research was carried out on organizations that produce these cables. In this research secondary sources of information (organization websites) were used to collect data. The data were then analysed qualitatively. All organizations that were contacted explained that the quality of prefabricated electrical cables is normally high as compared to that of custom electrical cables. According to these organizations, they are required by standard bodies within the nations of their operations to ensure that their products meet the laid quality limits. Failure to meet these quality standards, these organizations may face dire consequences, some of which may include suspension of their products and closure. Therefore, it is the responsibility of these organizations to maintain quality standards of their products. Examples of organizations contacted included: GuangHui cable (contacted online), Keystone Cable (contacted online) and Electrical Contractor. References Cable, G. (2011). Products:. [online] Available at: Guanghui Cable: [accessed January 29, 2013] Hayes, J. (2010). Prefabricated Cabling Systems: Alternatives To Fiber Optic Termination In The Field. [online] Available at: Electrical Contractor: [accessed February 1, 2013] Kingstone Cable. (2011). Speciality Cables: Prefabricated Branch Cable (XLPE Insulated). [online] Available at Kingstone Cable: [accessed January 30, 2013] Read More