Wiring Devices and Supplies: 2004 Issued August 2005

MA335K(04)-1

Current 

Industrial

Reports

Current data are released electronically on Internet carrying wiring devices accounted for $4.5

for all individual surveys as they become avail- billion, an increase of 19 percent over 2003. 

able. Use: http://www.census.gov/mcd/. The 2004 shipments included lampholders,

Individual reports can be accessed by choosing valued at $95 million, down 8 percent from $103

"Current Industrial Reports (CIR)," clicking on million in 2003; convenience and power outlets,

"CIRs by Subsector;" then choose the survey of valued at $410 million, an increase of 8 percent

interest. Follow the menu to view the PDF file from $380 million in 2003; switches, valued at

or to download the worksheet file (WK format) $1.7 billion, down 6 percent from $1.8 billion

to your personal computer. in 2003; metal contacts valued at $214 million, 

an increase of 9 percent from $197 million in 

These data are also available on Internet 2003; wire connectors, valued at $1.6 billion, a 

through the U.S. Department of Commerce 31-percent increase from $1.2 billion in 2003; 

and STAT-USA by subscription. The Internet other current-carrying wiring devices valued at

address is: www.stat-usa.gov/. Follow the $1.2 billion, up 6 percent from $1.1 billion in

prompts to register. Also, you may call 2003; pole line and transmission hardward, 

202-482-1986 or 1-800-STAT-USA, for valued at $794 million, up from $748 million

further information. 2003; electrical conduit and conduit fittings,

valued at $2.2 billion, up from $1.7 billion in

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 2003; and other noncurrent-carrying devices,

valued at $1.5 billion, an increase of 10 percent

During 2004, manufacturers' shipments of from $1.3 billion in 2003. 

wiring devices and supplies totaled $9.6 billion,

an increase of 13 percent from $8.6 billion in For general CIR information, explanation of 

2003. Current-carrying wiring devices accounted general terms and historical note, see the 

for $5.2 billion, an increase of 7 percent from appendix.

$4.8 billion in 2003, while the noncurrentAddress inquiries concerning these data to Investment Goods Industries Branch, Manufacturing and Construction Division (MCD), Washington, DC 20233-6900,

or call Vance Davis, 301-763-4790.

For mail or fax copies of this publication, please contact the Information Services Center, MCD, Washington, DC 20233-6900, or call 301-763-4673.

U S C E N S U S B U R E A U U.S. Department of Commerce

 Economics and Statistics Administration

Helping You Make Informed Decisions U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
Table 1. Value of Shipments of Wiring Devices and Supplies by Class of Product: 1995 to 2004

[Millions of dollars]

Product

code Product description 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995

335931 Current-carrying wiring devices..................... 5,154 4,802 4,808 5,197 5,585 5,396 5,448 5,300 4,836 4,772

3359311 Lampholders............................................... 95 103 116 155 156 159 194 194 193 201

3359313 Convenience and power outlets, both

 general and special purpose, excluding

 pin and sleeve type................................... 410 380 370 370 409 415 461 436 375 364

3359315 Switches for electrical circuitry.................. 1,653 1,777 1,515 1,635 1,869 1,752 1,840 1,775 1,612 1,623

3359317 Metal contacts precious and other............. 214 197 180 184 246 236 226 214 239 259

3359319 Wire connectors for electrical 

 circuitry................................................... 1,585 1,213 1,200 1,403 1,546 1,517 1,450 1,462 1,235 1,194

335931A Other current-carrying wiring devices,

 including attachment plug caps, 

 connector bodies, lightning arresters,

 and pin and sleeve convenience 

 power outlets.............................................. 1,197 1,132 1,427 1,450 1,359 1,317 1,277 1,219 1,182 1,130

335932 Noncurrent-carrying wiring devices............... 4,508 3,784 4,021 4,552 5,004 4,660 4,463 4,424 3,938 3,915

3359321 Pole line and transmission hardware......... 794 748 717 778 939 958 852 856 704 673

3359323 Electrical conduit and conduit fittings......... 2,232 1,694 1,915 2,079 2,308 2,306 2,126 2,184 1,960 2,050

3359325 Other noncurrent-carrying wiring 

 devices and supplies................................ 1,482 1,342 1,389 1,695 1,757 1,396 1,485 1,384 1,274 1,192
Table 2. Quantity and Value of Shipments of Wiring Devices and Supplies: 2004 and 2003

[Quantity in thousands of units. Value in thousands of dollars]

 No.

 Product Product description of

code cos. Quantity Value Quantity Value

Wiring devices and supplies........................................ (X) (X) 9,661,697 (X) r/ 8,586,270

335931 Current-carrying wiring devices.............................. (X) (X) 5,154,439 (X) r/ 4,802,156

3359311 Lampholders........................................................ 16 259,281 95,081 282,616 102,700

 Incandescent:

3359311102 Push through and pull types, all

 materials, threaded, medium base 

 only, excluding outlet box type 

 and socket interiors 1/............................... 3 (D) (D) (D) (D)

3359311104 Outlet box, threaded, medium base 

 only, pull and keyless types...................... 3 a/ 13,826 14,662 14,197 14,822

3359311106 Weatherproof, threaded, medium

 base only 2/............................................... 3 (D) (D) (D) (D)

3359311108 Candelabra base, all types 2/........................ 4 12,836 9,118 13,435 9,354

3359311111 Sign and fixture, medium base

 only 2/........................................................ 3 (D) (D) (D) (D)

3359311112 All other incandescent, medium,

 admedium, intermediate, lumiline,

 miniature, including but not limited

 to pin-type, cleat, hasp, and socket

 interiors sold separately, all bases 1/......... 8 46,767 33,089 55,169 38,612

 Fluorescent:

3359311114 Bi-pin..................................................................... 5 148,272 19,272 163,683 21,724

3359311116 Slimline 3/............................................................. 3 (D) (D) (D) (D)

3359311118 Recessed double contact 3/.................................. 5 (D) (D) (D) (D)

3359311121 All other fluorescent, including but not

 limited to circline, panelescent and

 and starter holders 3/......................................... 5 37,580 18,940 36,132 18,188

3359311122 All other lampholders, including cold cathode

 neon and bases for quartz lamps quartz

 lamps 3/................................................................. 3 (D) (D) (D) (D)

3359313 Convenience and power outlets, both general

 and special purpose, excluding pin and

 sleeve type................................................................ 8 a/ 259,784 410,274 233,219 380,347

3359313102 Receptacles with GFIC (all types, all

 amperages) 4/...................................................... 2 (D) (D) (D) (D)

 Receptacles without GFIC:

3359313104 2-pole, 2-wire (flush, all types) 4/........................ 3 (D) (D) (D) (D)

 2-pole, 3-wire and up (flush):

3359313106 Locking, 15 amperes and under 5/.................... 2 (D) (D) (D) (D)

3359313108 Locking, 20 amperes and over 5/...................... 5 a/ 96,445 81,150 a/ 93,448 77,401

3359313111 Nonlocking, 15 amperes and under................... 5 a/ 88,889 64,073 a/ 71,124 55,500

3359313112 Nonlocking, 20 amperes and over..................... 5 a/ 38,197 60,686 a/ 34,453 54,298

3359313114 Appliance and special applications all

 amperages, all types 4/....................................... 3 (D) (D) (D) (D)

3359313116 All other types, including dust and

 explosion proof, surface and 2-pole/

 2-wire 4/.............................................................. 5 a/ 36,253 204,365 34,194 193,148

3359315 Switches for electrical circuitry................................... 52 669,950 1,652,557 r/ 638,697 r/ 1,777,128

 General use flush-mounted switches, 

 designed for mounting in switch or outlet

 boxes (except dimmers):

 Ac (except mercury):

3359315102 Single pole, 15 amperes and under 6/........... 5 105,488 106,903 r/ 93,401 95,847

3359315104 Single pole, over 15 amperes 6/..................... 4 (D) (D) (D) (D)

3359315106 Other than single pole, including but

 not limited to double pole 3-way,

 4-way............................................................ 5 a/ 47,876 84,906 40,934 72,978

3359315108 Ac-dc (except mercury) 7/................................... 2 (D) (D) (D) (D)

3359315111 All other general use switches, including

 surface mounted, mercury, etc. 7/................... 7 a/ 4,775 5,840 a/r/ 6,174 r/ 6,909

Special purpose switches:

3359315312 Appliance and fixture, including pendant

 and canopy types and variable speed

 controls.................................................................. 10 29,699 60,736 26,636 60,321

3359315314 Precision (1/8-inch gap or less) snap-acting

 switches, excluding limit switches........................ 6 67,768 82,310 62,737 68,076

3359315616 Aircraft types 8/....................................................... 8 (D) (D) (D) (D)

3359315218 Automotive types..................................................... 19 a/ 201,927 677,013 a/ 200,520 r/ 710,156

2004 2003

Page 1
Table 2. Quantity and Value of Shipments of Wiring Devices and Supplies: 2004 and 2003

[Quantity in thousands of units. Value in thousands of dollars]

 No.

 Product Product description of

code cos. Quantity Value Quantity Value

2004 2003

3359315321 All other special purpose switches, including

 foot actuated, light sensing and signal

 actuated 8/............................................................. 21 b/ 196,588 429,199 b/r/ 178,113 r/ 395,040

Dimmers:

 Incandescent:

3359315422 Infinitely variable, 600 watts or less 9/............... 4 (D) (D) 14,215 152,180

3359315424 Infinitely variable, over 600 watts 9/.................. 5 (D) (D) 537 20,553

3359315426 All other types, including but not limited to

 portable lamps and high-low switches 9/.............. 5 15,829 205,650 r/ 15,430 195,068

3359317 Metal contacts, precious and other.............................. 15 (S) 214,094 (S) r/ 197,242

3359319 Wire connectors, including connectors used

 under national electrical application........................ 50 a/ 32,201,904 1,584,940 29,301,338 1,213,015

3359319102 Pressure connectors, where pressure is

 applied by screw, cone, or other mechanical

 device................................................................... 18 b/ 566,164 179,170 b/ 536,614 r/ 166,861

3359319104 Compression connectors, uninsulated 

 terminals and splicers, tool installed................. 20 2,803,105 184,389 r/ 2,613,175 r/ 152,749

3359319106 Preinsulated terminals and splicers, tool

 installed............................................................... 14 892,587 363,780 r/ 770,562 r/ 138,664

3359319108 Banded or strip terminals and splicers,

 machine installed................................................. 7 1,517,875 49,902 1,500,369 47,573

3359319111 Pigtail connectors, including wire nuts 10/........... 8 (D) (D) (D) (D)

3359319112 Blade or pin type, separable terminations

 and splicers 10/................................................... 8 (D) (D) (D) (D)

3359319114 Other wire connectors, n.e.c., including solder

 type 10/............................................................... 24 26,422,173 807,699 23,880,618 707,168

335931A Other current-carrying wiring devices,

 including attachment plug caps, connector

 bodies, lightening arrestors, pin and sleeve

 convenience power outlets, etc. .............................. 80 (X) 1,197,493 (X) r/ 1,131,724

 Attachment plug caps and flanged outlets,

 including motor bases, all types; including

 fused, fuseless, switch, and switchless: 

335931A102 2-pole, 2-wire, all types, general use

 locking and nonlocking, all amperages......... 6 c/ 11,390 6,107 a/ 13,054 6,780

 2-pole, 3-wire and up:

335931A104 Locking, all amperes.................................... 6 b/ 872 3,852 b/ 762 3,511

335931A106 Locking, 20 amperes and over..................... 6 b/ 3,974 23,711 c/ 3,673 21,241

335931A107 Nonlocking, all amperes 11/........................ 10 (D) (D) (D) (D)

335931A112 All other types (except pin and sleeve),

 including dust and explosion proof,

 appliance and other special

 application 11/............................................ 4 c/ 65,379 127,580 c/ 65,037 123,335

 Connector bodies and flanged outlets, all

 types:

335931A114 2-pole, 2-wire, all types, all amperages............ 4 (D) (D) (D) (D)

 2-pole, 3-wire and up:

335931A116 Locking, 15 amperes and under..................... 7 a/ 4,225 37,523 a/ 3,476 29,488

335931A118 Locking, 20 amperes and over....................... 8 1,209 17,476 1,142 15,774

335931A119 Nonlocking, all amperes................................. 7 b/ 5,016 22,364 4,756 20,815

335931A124 All other types (except pin and sleeve),

 including dust and explosion proof,

 appliance, and other special application........ 6 (D) (D) (D) (D)

 Pin and sleeve convenience and power 

 outlets, attachment plug caps, and 

 connector bodies:

 Pin and sleeve, general purpose (120

 volts and over, 20 amperes and over):

335931A126 Convenience and power outlets 12/....... 7 (D) (D) (D) (D)

335931A128 Attachment plug caps............................. 6 39 5,034 37 4,702

335931A131 Connector bodies.................................... 6 (D) (D) (D) (D)

335931A132 All other pin and sleeve, including dust

 and explosion proof 20 amperes types,

 etc. 12/............................................................ 4 19,483 98,644 r/ 17,242 r/ 93,987

335931A134 Fluorescent starters........................................... 3 (D) (D) (D) (D)

335931A136 Terminal blocks................................................. 17 b/ 126,729 222,166 a/r/ 128,461 r/ 213,435

Page 2
Table 2. Quantity and Value of Shipments of Wiring Devices and Supplies: 2004 and 2003

[Quantity in thousands of units. Value in thousands of dollars]

 No.

 Product Product description of

code cos. Quantity Value Quantity Value

2004 2003

335931A138 Lightning arresters for alternating current

 power transmission systems and sub-

 stations; U.S. designation, station and

 intermediate, I.E.C. designation 10kA and

 and 5kA Series A............................................. 4 (X) 32,119 (X) r/ 31,432

335931A141 Lightning arresters for alternating current

 power distribution systems and sub-

 stations; U.S. designation distribution

 and secondary I.E.C. designation 5kA

 Series B, 2.5kA, and 1.5kA.............................. 4 (X) 99,745 (X) a/r/ 99,140

335931A144 Surge suppressors, designed for equipment

 operating on 110/120 volt circuits................. 14 (X) 74,591 (X) a/ 84,452

335931A146 Electric harnesses and assemblies, 

 excluding engine harnesses (from

 purchased wire)............................................... 17 (X) 148,581 (X) r/ 126,693

335931A148 All other wiring devices with integral

 ground fault circuit interrupting

 capabilities, excluding circuit breakers 13/... 3 (D) (D) (D) (D)

335931A151 Miscellaneous, including combination 

 devices, adapters, current taps, surface

 extensions, rosettes, choke coils, rail bonds,

 and overhead trolley line materials 13/......... 24 (X) 278,000 (X) r/ 256,939

335932 Noncurrent-carrying wiring devices..................... (X) (X) 4,507,258 (X) 3,784,114

3359321 Pole and transmission line hardware............... 24 (X) 793,663 (X) r/ 747,887

3359321102 Pole and transmission line construction

 materials, also known as overhead and

 underground line hardware for electric

 transmission, distribution, and

 communication lines................................. 18 (X) a/ 567,979 (X) r/ 570,444

3359321104 Pole and transmission line anchors 14/...... 4 (X) (D) (X) (D)

3359321106 All other pole and transmission line 

 hardware 14/.............................................. 9 (X) 225,684 (X) r/ 177,443

3359323 Electrical conduit and conduit fittings............ 41 (X) 2,232,075 (X) 1,694,094

3359323101 Rigid metal conduit, excluding couplings,

 nipples, bends, and elbows........................ 6 c/ 382,559 361,555 a/r/ 253,904 r/ 241,545

3359323106 Nonmetallic conduit (1,000 pounds)............ 6 611,374 288,238 568,354 257,713

3359323108 Electrical metallic tubing (short tons)........... 5 440,139 703,139 444,197 370,257

3359323111 Flexible steel and aluminum conduit 

 (1,000 feet).................................................. 3 b/ 227,201 83,711 b/ 209,215 70,941

3359323112 Flexible nonmetallic conduit (1,000

 pounds)....................................................... 7 a/ 243,394 98,736 a/r/ 102,290 r/ 42,033

3359323114 Raceways and wire ways, including

 fittings, metal.............................................. 8 (X) 114,291 (X) 113,811

3359323116 Ventilated cable tray and accessories........... 5 (X) b/ 45,240 (X) r/ 48,336

3359323118 Cast conduit bodies, covers, and

 gaskets 15/................................................ 6 (X) (D) (X) (D)

 Rigid conduit fittings, including couplings,

 nipples, bends, and elbows:

3359323221 Couplings, connectors, and unions 15/...... 11 (X) 95,037 (X) r/ 92,226

3359323222 Locknuts and bushings............................... 7 (X) c/ 16,713 (X) r/ 16,784

3359323224 All other rigid conduit fittings.................... 6 (X) 50,843 (X) a/r/ 58,335

3359323226 Nonmetallic conduit fittings....................... 7 (X) 104,409 (X) 94,361

 EMT fittings (couplings and connectors):

3359323228 Gland type................................................... 4 (X) 6,622 (X) r/ 6,389

3359323231 Set-screw type............................................. 5 (X) 11,084 (X) r/ 10,442

3359323232 All others..................................................... 6 (X) 38,098 (X) r/ 36,254

3359323234 Service entrance caps, ells, and connectors...... 6 (X) 3,009 (X) a/r/ 2,956

 Cable, cord, and flexible conduit fittings:

3359323236 Armored cable, metallic sheathed

 cable, and flexible conduit fittings............ 10 (X) 74,908 (X) 107,977

3359323238 Liquid-tight flexible conduit fittings............. 8 (X) a/ 56,313 (X) r/ 50,853

3359323241 Nonmetallic sheathed cable and cord

 fittings........................................................ 8 (X) 23,800 (X) r/ 20,925

3359323242 Other electric conduit fittings...................... 9 (X) 56,329 (X) r/ 51,956

3359325 Other noncurrent-carrying wiring devices

 and supplies....................................................... 49 (X) 1,481,520 (X) 1,342,133

 Stamped metal boxes, covers, and 

 accessories, including stamped conduit

 conduit boxes:

Page 3
Table 2. Quantity and Value of Shipments of Wiring Devices and Supplies: 2004 and 2003

[Quantity in thousands of units. Value in thousands of dollars]

 No.

 Product Product description of

code cos. Quantity Value Quantity Value

2004 2003

3359325102 Switch and receptacle boxes 16/............... 11 (X) (D) (X) (D)

3359325204 Outlet boxes............................................... 4 (X) 162,219 (X) 147,242

3359325206 Covers........................................................ 7 (X) 30,573 (X) r/ 26,919

3359325208 Supports, bar hangers, and other 

 accessories 16/........................................ 8 (X) 414,770 (X) r/ 378,460

 Cast metal boxes, covers, gaskets, and

 accessories:

3359325311 FS and FD switch and receptacle type.......... 6 (X) 14,805 (X) 14,949

3359325312 Outlet type 17/............................................ 5 (X) (D) (X) (D)

3359325314 Junction type 17/......................................... 12 (X) 106,999 (X) r/ 102,817

 Switch, outlet, FM/TV, and telephone wall

 plates:

3359325316 Metallic......................................................... 7 41,419 27,250 r/ 49,969 25,834

3359325318 Nonmetallic.................................................. 7 403,496 85,430 r/ 449,101 82,888

3359325321 Plastic boxes and covers.................................. 14 (X) 220,658 (X) 220,009

3359325322 Floor boxes and covers.................................... 7 (X) 45,283 (X) 44,589

3359325324 Other noncurrent-carrying wiring devices

 and supplies................................................... 24 (X) 373,533 (X) 298,426

 D Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual companies. n.e.c. Not elsewhere classified. r/Revised by 5 percent 

or more from previously published data. S Does not meet publication standards. X Not applicable. 

 1/Product code 3359311102 is combined with product code 3359311112 to avoid disclosing data for individual companies. 

 2/Product codes 3359311106 and 3359311111 are combined with product code 3359311108 to avoid disclosing data for 

individual companies. 

 3/Product codes 3359311116, 3359311118, and 3359311122 are combined with product code 3359311121 to avoid disclosing 

data for individual companies. 

 4/Product codes 3359313102, 3359313104, and 3359313114 are combined with product code 3359313116 to avoid disclosing 

data for individual companies. 

 5/Product code 3359313106 is combined with product code 3359313108 to avoid disclosing data for individual companies. 

 6/Product code 3359315104 is combined with product code 3359315102 to avoid disclosing data for individual companies. 

 7/Product code 3359315108 is combined with product code 3359315111 to avoid disclosing data for individual companies. 

 8/Product code 3359315616 is combined with product code 3359315321 to avoid disclosing data for individual companies. 

 9/For 2004, product codes 3359315422 and 3359315424 are combined with product code 3359315426 to avoid disclosing 

data for individual companies. 

 10/Product codes 3359319111 and 3359319112 are combined with product code 3359319114 to avoid disclosing data for 

individual companies. 

 11/Product code 335931A107 is combined with product code 335931A112 to avoid disclosing data for individual companies. 

 12/Product code 335931A126 is combined with product code 335931A132 to avoid disclosing data for individual companies. 

 13/Product code 335931A148 is combined with product code 335931A151 to avoid disclosing data for individual companies. 

 14/Value of shipments for product code 3359321104 is combined with product code 3359321106 to avoid disclosing data for 

individual companies. 

 15/Value of shipments for product code 3359323118 is combined with product code 3359323221 to avoid disclosing data for 

individual companies. 

 16/Value of shipments for product code 3359325102 is combined with product code 3359325208 to avoid disclosing 

data for individual companies. 

 17/Product code 3359325312 is combined with product code 3359325314 to avoid disclosing data for individual 

companies. 

 Note: Percent of estimation of each item is indicated as follows: a/10 to 25 percent of this item is estimated. b/26 to 50 

percent of this item is estimated. c/Over 50 percent of this item is estimated. 

Page 4
Table 3. Value of Shipments, Exports, and Imports of Selected Wiring Devices: 2004 and 2003

[Millions of dollars]

 Exports of

 Product description Manufacturers' domestic

shipments merchandise Imports for

f.o.b. plant 1/ at port 1/2/ consumption 1/3/

2004

Lampholders........................ 95.1 32.7 69.3

Metal contacts...................... 214.1 146.9 99.6

2003

Lampholders........................ 102.7 38.2 65.6

Metal contacts...................... 197.2 139.0 72.3

 1/For comparison of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)-based

product codes with Schedule B export codes, and HTSUSA import codes, see Table 4.

 2/Source: Census Bureau report EM 545, U.S. Exports.

 3/Source: Census Bureau report IM 145, U.S. Imports for Consumption.
Table 4. Comparison of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)-Based Product

 Codes with Schedule B Export Codes, and HTSUSA Import Codes: 2004

Product Export Import

code Production description code 1/ code 2/

3359311 Lampholders................................. 8536.61.0000 8536.61.0000

3359317 Metal contacts............................... 8538.90.7040 8538.90.8040

3359315102, Switches, other than dimmers...... 8535.30.0040 8535.30.0040

 104, 106, 108, 8536.50.9065 8536.50.9025

 111, 218, 312, 8536.50.9035

 314, 321, 616 8536.50.9050

8536.50.9055

*8536.50.9065

3359315422, Dimmer switches.......................... *8533.39.0040 *8533.39.0040

 424, 426 8536.50.9040

3359319 Wire connectors............................ 8536.69.5050 *8536.69.8000

3359323 Conduit fittings............................. *8547.20.0000 8547.20.0000

8547.90.0010 8547.90.0010

*8547.90.0020 *8547.90.0020

*8547.90.0030 *8547.90.0030

*8547.90.0040 *8547.90.0040

 *This code is partially correlated with the products described. 

 1/Source: Harmonized System-based Schedule B, Statistical Classification of Domestic and 

Foreign Commodities Exported for the United States. 

 2/Source: Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, Annotated (2004). 
Current Industrial Reports A-1

Appendix. 

General CIR Survey Information, Explanation of General Terms

and Historical Note

GENERAL

The CIR program has been providing monthly,

quarterly, and annual measures of industrial activity for

many years. Since 1904, with its cotton and fats and oils

surveys, the CIR program has formed an essential part

of an integrated statistical system involving the quinquennial economic census, manufacturing sector, and

the annual survey of manufactures. The CIR surveys,

however, provide current statistics at a more detailed

product level than either of the other two statistical

programs.

The primary objective of the CIR program is to

produce timely, accurate data on production and

shipments of selected products. The data are used to

satisfy economic policy needs and for market analysis,

forecasting, and decision making in the private sector.

The product-level data generated by these surveys are

used extensively by individual firms, trade associations,

and market analysts in planning or recommending

marketing and legislative strategies, particularly if their

industry is significantly affected by foreign trade.

Although production and shipments information are the

two most common data items collected, the CIR

program collects other measures also such as

inventories, orders, and consumption. These surveys

measure manufacturing activity in important commodity

areas such as textiles and apparel, chemicals, primary

metals, computer and electronic components, industrial

equipment, aerospace equipment, and consumer

goods.

The CIR program uses a unified data collection,

processing, and publication system. The U.S. Census

Bureau updates the survey panels for most reports

annually and reconciles the estimates to the results of

the broader-based annual survey of manufactures and

the economic census, manufacturing sector. The manufacturing sector provides a complete list of all

producers of the products covered by the CIR program

and serves as the primary source for CIR sampling.

Where a small number of producers exist, CIR surveys

cover all known producers of a product. However, when

the number of producers is too large, cutoff and

random sampling techniques are used. Surveys are

continually reviewed and modified to provide the most

up-to-date information on products produced. The CIR

program includes a group of mandatory and voluntary

surveys. Typically the monthly and quarterly surveys are

conducted on a voluntary basis. Those companies that

choose not to respond to the voluntary surveys are

required to submit a mandatory annual counterpart

corresponding to the more frequent survey.

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION

SYSTEM (NAICS), 1997 

The adoption of the North American Industry

Classification System (NAICS) in the 1997 Economic

Census has had a major impact on the comparability of

current and historic data. Approximately half of the

industries in the manufacturing sector of NAICS do not

have comparable industries in the Standard Industrial

Classification (SIC) system that was used in the past.

While most of the change affecting the

manufacturing sector was change within the sector,

some industries left manufacturing and others came into

manufacturing. Prominent among those that left

manufacturing are logging and portions of publishing.

Prominent among the industries that came into the

manufacturing sector are bakeries, candy stores where

candy is made on the premises, custom tailors, makers

of custom draperies, and tire retreading. The net effect

of the classification changes are such that if the 1997

value of shipments data for all manufacturers were

tabulated on an SIC basis, it would be approximately 3

percent higher.

Listed below are the NAICS sectors:

21 Mining

22 Utilities

23 Construction

31-33 Manufacturing

42 Wholesale Trade

44-45 Retail Trade

48-49 Transportation and Warehousing

51 Information

52 Finance and Insurance

53 Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

54 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

55 Management of Companies and Enterprises

56 Administrative and Support and Waste Management

and Remediation Services

61 Educational Services

62 Health Care and Social Assistance

71 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

72 Accommodation and Foodservices

81 Other Services (except Public Administration)

(Not listed above are the Agriculture, Forestry,

Fishing, and Hunting sector (NAICS 11), partially covered

by the census of agriculture conducted by the U.S.

Department of Agriculture, and the Public

Administration sector (NAICS 92), covered by the census

of governments conducted by the Census Bureau.)
Current Industrial Reports A-2

The 20 NAICS sectors are subdivided into 96

subsectors (three-digit codes), 313 industry groups

(four-digit codes), and, as implemented in the United

States, 1170 industries (five- and six-digit codes).

FUNDING

The Census Bureau funds most of the surveys.

However, a number of surveys are paid for either fully

or partially by other Federal Government agencies or

private trade associations. A few surveys are mandated,

but all are authorized by Title 13 of the United States

Code.

RELIABILITY OF DATA

Survey error may result from several sources

including the inability to obtain information about all

cases in the survey, response errors, definitional

difficulties, differences in the interpretation of

questions, mistakes in recording or coding the reported

data, and other errors of collection, response,

coverage, and estimation. These nonsampling errors

also occur in complete censuses. Although no direct

measurement of the biases due to these nonsampling

errors has been obtained, precautionary steps were

taken in all phases of the collection, processing, and

tabulation of the data in an effort to minimize their

influence.

A major source of bias in the published estimates is

the imputing of data for nonrespondents, for late

reporters, and for data that fail logic edits. Missing

figures are imputed based on period-to-period

movements shown by reporting firms. A figure is

considered to be an impute if the value was not directly

reported on the questionnaire, directly derived from

other reported items, directly available from

supplemental sources, or obtained from the respondent

during the analytical review phase. Imputation generally

is limited to a maximum of 10 percent for any one data

cell. Figures with imputation rates greater than 10

percent are suppressed or footnoted. The imputation

rate is not an explicit indicator of the potential error in

published figures due to nonresponse, because the

actual yearly movements for nonrespondents may or

may not closely agree with the imputed movements.

The range of difference between the actual and

imputed figures is assumed to be small. The degree of

uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the published

data increases as the percentage of imputation

increases. Figures with imputation rates above 10

percent should be used with caution.

DATA REVISIONS

Statistics for previous years may be revised as the

result of corrected figures from respondents, late

reports for which imputations were originally made, or

other corrections. Data that have been revised by more

than 5percent from previously published data are

indicated by footnotes.

DISCLOSURE

The Census Bureau collects the CIR data under the

authority of Title 13, United States Code, which

specifies that the information can only be used for

statistical purposes and cannot be published or released

in any manner that would identify a person, household,

or establishment. "D" indicates that data in the cell have

been suppressed to avoid disclosure of information

pertaining to individual companies.

EXPLANATION OF GENERAL TERMS

Capacity. The maximum quantity of a product that can

be produced in a plant in 1 day if operating for 24

hours. Includes the capacity of idle plants until the plant

is reported to be destroyed, dismantled, or abandoned.

Consumption. Materials used in producing or

processing a product or otherwise removing the

product from the inventory.

Exports. Includes all types of products shipped to

foreign countries, or to agents or exporters for

reshipment to foreign countries.

Gross shipments. The quantity or value of physical

shipments from domestic establishments of all products

sold, transferred to other establishments of the same

company, or shipped on consignment, whether for

domestic or export sale or use. Shipments of products

purchased for resale are omitted. Shipments of

products made under toll arrangements are included.

Interplant transfers. Shipments to other domestic

plants within a company for further assembly,

fabrication, or manufacture.

Inventories. The quantity or value of finished goods,

work in progress, and materials on hand.

Machinery in place. The number of machines of a

particular type in place as of a particular date whether

the machinery was used for production, prototype, or

sampling, or was idle. Machinery in place includes all

machinery set up in operating positions.

Net receipts. Derived by subtracting the materials held

at the end of the previous month from the sum of

materials used during the current month.

Production. The total volume of products produced,

including: products sold; products transferred or added

to inventory after adjustments for breakage, shrinkage,

and obsolescence, plus any other inventory adjustment;

and products that undergo further manufacture at the

same establishment. 

Quantities produced and consumed. Quantities of

each type of product produced by a company for

internal consumption within that same company.
Current Industrial Reports A-3

Quantity and value of new orders. The sales value

of orders received during the current reporting period

for products and services to be delivered immediately

or at some future date. Also represents the net sales

value of contract change documents that increase or

decrease the sales value of the orders to which they are 

related, when the parties concerned are in substantial

agreement as to the amount involved. Included as

orders are only those that are supported by binding

legal documents such as signed contracts or letter

contracts.

Quantity and value of shipments. The figures on

quantity and value of shipments represent physical

shipments of all products sold, transferred to other

establishments of the same company, or shipped on

consignment, whether for domestic or export sale. The

value represents the net sales price, f.o.b. plant, to the

customer or branch to which the products are shipped,

net of discounts, allowances, freight charges, and

returns. Shipments to a company's own branches are

assigned the same value as comparable appropriate

allocation of company overhead and profit. Products

bought and resold without further manufacture are

excluded.

Stocks. Total quantity of ending finished inventory.

Unfilled orders (backlog). Calculated by adding net

new orders and subtracting net sales from the backlog

at the end of the preceding year.

HISTORICAL NOTE

Data on wiring devices and supplies have been

collected by the Census Bureau since 1960. Historical

data may be obtained from Current Industrial Reports

available at your local Federal Depository Library.