The Challenge of Electrical Installation in the USA – An Exciting Comparison

Setting up our new production facility in Houston, Texas, has presented us with some interesting challenges – ones that have made us both smile and reflect. Especially in the field of electrical installation, we continue to encounter differences that force us, as a German company, to rethink our approach – while also highlighting the importance of certain standards.

One of the first things we noticed was the design of power outlets and sockets. Unlike what we are used to in Germany and Europe, the USA offers a surprising variety of shapes and sizes. While we often chuckle about Germany’s strict standardisation – whether it’s norms, dimensions, or even colours – this has proven to be a significant advantage here. Who would have thought that planning and installation could become so complicated without clearly defined standards?

A simple example: In our German production hall, it goes without saying that socket covers are white and of a uniform size, which greatly simplifies procurement and installation. However, here in Houston, we initially had to replace the covers for both the power outlets and network sockets to create some visual consistency. During this process, we encountered a colourful mix of sizes and shades ranging from light beige to dark grey – but rarely a uniform look.

The dimensions are another interesting aspect. Of course, we were aware that the USA does not use the metric system and had prepared accordingly. However, working with inches instead of millimetres still requires a shift in thinking. Our experience and adaptability help us navigate this, yet it also serves as a reminder of the benefits of global standardisation.

Another point that stood out in Houston was the mixed electrical installation approach. While Germany has clear regulations and guidelines defining how electrical installations should be carried out, the installations we’ve encountered in the USA often seem inconsistent. It appears that various electricians have applied their own methods over the years, resulting in a rather diverse overall picture. This can make coordination and retrofitting more challenging but also constantly encourages creative problem-solving.

At the end of the day, we’ve come to appreciate that the often-mocked German standards offer a genuine advantage: they save time and money. Everything fits together, and there are fewer unexpected surprises. On the other hand, the lack of standardisation in the USA also fosters a degree of creativity and flexibility – you have to be able to improvise and often discover unique solutions.

These differences make our journey into the US market particularly exciting, and we look forward to taking our partners and customers along with us. After all, it’s precisely these challenges that make our Houston project so special!

Stay tuned for the next steps – we’re excited to share more insights into our journey and the unique aspects of production in the USA!

Have a wonderful day,
Sandra