Electrical code updates can affect installation methods, inspections, safety requirements and project planning, making continuing education an important consideration for electrical contractors. Encore Electric is strengthening its internal training program through Encore University, where instructor and Life Safety Technical Resource Damien Pipes focuses on National Electrical Code education.
Encore University offers more than 100 courses covering topics ranging from basic safety and tools to advanced wiring, troubleshooting and leadership.
Pipes specializes in helping employees understand changes to the NEC, which is revised on a three-year cycle. The 2026 NEC is the current edition and incorporates updates from the previous 2023 code cycle.
His responsibilities include studying code requirements and developing practical instruction for employees. The training is intended to help electrical personnel apply code requirements during construction rather than treating compliance solely as an inspection requirement.
Pipes has spent 12 years with Encore Electric, beginning as a journeyman before moving into crew leadership and foreman responsibilities. His current role as a Life Safety Technical Resource extends his work into preconstruction and support for project engineers and project managers.
His transition from field operations into technical education reflects the broader role experienced electricians can play in transferring code knowledge and construction practices to project teams.
For electrical contractors and construction owners, changes to the NEC can influence design coordination, installation practices, inspections and project execution. Maintaining current code knowledge can also help project teams identify requirements earlier during preconstruction.
Encore Electric's training program provides an internal mechanism for keeping field and project personnel informed as electrical standards change, while drawing on experienced trade professionals to deliver practical instruction.
Source: Encore Electric.
