NEC originally stood for New Engineering Contract. That's the answer to what does NEC contract stand for, but today NEC works as a name in its own right, because the family now goes well beyond engineering and the first edition is more than 30 years old.
In construction, then, "NEC" means this family of standard contracts, owned by the Institution of Civil Engineers. To learn more, read what an NEC contract is or the comparisons section.
How the name developed
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1991 | A consultative edition appears |
| 1993 | The first edition is published |
| 1995 | The second edition follows, and the main works form takes the title Engineering and Construction Contract |
| 2005 | The third edition, NEC3, is published, with reprints with amendments up to April 2013 |
| 2017 | The fourth edition, NEC4, is published in June |
The full story is in the history of NEC.
Other things NEC might mean
If you've found this page while searching for something else, NEC may mean a different thing altogether. In the US, it often refers to the National Electrical Code, while in electronics it's the Japanese company NEC Corporation. Neither has any connection with these contracts. On a UK construction site or in a tender, assume the contract unless the context says otherwise.
Abbreviations you'll meet alongside NEC
These all come up regularly, and the same terms apply to both editions unless noted.
| Abbreviation | Stands for | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| ECC | Engineering and Construction Contract | Main works contract |
| ECS | Engineering and Construction Subcontract | Subcontracted works |
| ECSC | Engineering and Construction Short Contract | Simpler works |
| ECSS | Engineering and Construction Short Subcontract | Simpler subcontracted works |
| PSC | Professional Service Contract | Consultants and designers |
| PSSC | Professional Service Short Contract | Simpler appointments |
| TSC | Term Service Contract | Maintenance and services over a period |
| TSSC | Term Service Short Contract | Simpler term services |
| CE | Compensation event | An event that may change the Prices and dates |
| EW | Early warning | A notified risk to time, cost or performance |
| PM | Project Manager | Manages the contract for the Client |
| SCC | Schedule of Cost Components | What counts towards Defined Cost |
| PWDD | Price for Work Done to Date | The basis of each payment |
| TRA | Time risk allowance | Time allowed in the programme for risks |
A common slip
People often say "the NEC" and "NEC4" as though they were interchangeable, or quote a clause from memory without the edition. That can cause real confusion, because early warnings are clause 15 in the NEC4 ECC but clause 16 in the NEC3 ECC. When you write a letter or minute, give the form and edition, such as "NEC4 ECC clause 15.1". It takes a few extra seconds and prevents misunderstandings, especially when the letter may be read years later by someone who was never on the job.
Related guides
- NEC vs Other Construction Contracts
- NEC Contracts Explained for Beginners
- How an NEC Contract Is Structured
- NEC Core Clauses Explained
- What Is an NEC Contract?
- NEC Contract Meaning
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This guide is general information in our own words, not legal advice. Your contract and its Contract Data always govern. NEC, NEC3 and NEC4 are trade marks of Thomas Telford Ltd; Contract Status is not affiliated with or endorsed by NEC.