Okay, let's break down this electrical assembly and discuss reasonable time estimations. Your initial estimate of one hour per assembly might be a bit high, but it depends heavily on the specific circumstances

Assumptions I'm making based on your description:
New Construction or Renovation

I'm assuming this is part of a larger project, not just isolated outlet additions. This affects travel time and setup.

Standard Steel Stud Construction

The mounting box is being attached to standard steel studs.

Reasonable Accessibility

The ceiling space is reasonably accessible to work in. No extreme contortions required.

Repetitive Work

You're doing a quantity of these assemblies, not just one or two. Repetition brings efficiency.

Standard Tools & Materials

You have all the necessary tools (drill/driver, BX cutter, wire strippers, levels, etc.) and materials readily available.

No Obstructions

I am assuming there are no large obstacles in the wall or ceiling that would take time to fix.

Assembly Breakdown & Time Estimates (per assembly)


Mount Box Installation (Steel Stud)



Locate & Mark Position

1-2 minutes

Attach Box to Stud

Screw the box into the steel stud. 3-5 minutes

Total

4-7 minutes2.

Plaster Ring Installation



Attach Ring to Box

3-5 minutes

Total

3-5 minutes3.

BX Cable Installation (10 ft)



Measure & Cut BX

2-3 minutes

Install Anti-Short Bushing

1 minute

Fish BX into Box

3-5 minutes

Secure BX Connector to Box

2-3 minutes

Secure BX to Ceiling Space Structure

3-5 minutes (This could be longer if you need to run it precisely)

Total

11-17 minutes4.

Wiring & Device Installation



Strip Wire

1-2 minutes

Terminate to Device (L16 on Both Sides)

5-8 minutes (depending on the device and wiring method)

Mount Device

2-3 minutes

Total

8-13 minutes5.

Cover Plate Installation



Attach Cover Plate

1-2 minutes

Total

1-2 minutes6.

Cleanup (minimal)



Gather scraps

1-2 minutes

Total

1-2 minutes

Total Estimated Time (Ideal)



Low End

28 minutes

High End

46 minutes

Factors Affecting Time (and why your hour estimate isn't necessarily wrong)



Obstructions

Running into unexpected issues inside the wall or ceiling (existing wiring, plumbing, insulation, structural members) can drastically increase time. Allow extra time if you anticipate challenges.

Inspection

If an inspector is present and requires specific attention to detail, the time per assembly goes up.

Accessibility

Tight spaces, working overhead, or difficult access to the ceiling can slow things down considerably.

Material Handling

If you have to walk a long distance to get materials or constantly re-stock, that adds time.

Learning Curve

If you're training someone new, the time per assembly will be higher initially.

Quality Control

If you're meticulous about ensuring perfect levels, neat wiring, and secure connections, it takes longer.

Coffee Breaks

Gotta factor in coffee breaks!

Real-World Considerations



Start-up Time

Setting up your tools, unloading materials, and planning the layout takes time, especially at the beginning of the day or project.

Wrap-up Time

Cleaning up at the end of the day also takes time.

Troubleshooting

Unexpected problems always arise in electrical work. Allow a buffer for troubleshooting.

Recommendations


Time Study

The best way to determine an accurate time estimate is to perform a time study on yourself or your team. Time a few assemblies under realistic conditions and see how long it actually takes.2.

Batch Work

Maximize efficiency by batching tasks. For example: Install all the boxes first. Then, run all the BX cable. Then, wire all the devices.3.

Organization

Keep your work area organized and your tools readily accessible.4.

Experience

The more experienced you are, the faster you'll be.5.

Negotiating with a customer. Depending on your experience and if you have a crew that can batch things out and work efficiently, your time could be lower. Negotiating with the customer can allow you more time and profit.

Conclusion:

While 30-45 minutes per assembly is achievable under ideal conditions with a skilled electrician, your one-hour estimate isn't unreasonable, especially if you need to account for potential delays, less-than-ideal conditions, or less experienced personnel. It's better to overestimate than underestimate and lose money. Use the time study method to dial in on the estimate.I hope this detailed breakdown helps! Flag for review