Electrical Estimator´s Manual.pdf

7/27/2019 Electrical Estimators Manual.pdf

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Electrical Estimator's ManualHow t o Estim ate Electrical Const ructio n Projects

Includin g Everyday Labor Inst allation Rates

Will iam Penn

Houston, Texas


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Copyright 0 2005 by Gulf Publishing Com pany, Houston, Texas. All rights reserv ed.No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form witho ut the priorwritten permission of the publisher.Gulf Publishing Company2 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1020Houston, TX 7704610 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Printed in the U nited States of America.Printed on acid-free paper.Text design and composition by Ruth Maassen.ISBN 0-9765113-2-0


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Introduct ion

he elect r ical cons t ruct ion indus t ry has evolvedT rom the rudimen tary adage b lack is the hot legand w hite is the neu tral . Although this is s t i ll true andthe theory is the same, much h as been discovered andexpanded o n. When you vis i t or speak wi th an elect ri -cal contractor today about estimating, bidding, buying,etc., it is nearly the sam e as it was 50 years ago. Yes, thees t imat ing hardware, so to speak, has evolved f romhandheld counters an d individual wheel map measuresto electronic probes that coun t and me asure and at thesame t ime keep a running total . New devices havecome into th e market to make t he estimating task fasterand more accurate, which , in theory, reduces the cost toproduce an es t imate. This i s a l l t rue, yet there is on efactor that has survived al l these years and wi l l co n-tinue to survive-the han ds-o n ESTIMATOR.

The ESTIMATOR has th e ability to transform a set ofelectrical construction plans a nd do cumen ts into a totalcost of labor, ma terials, an d job expe nses. All of th e newprobes, markers, and gadgets cannot a ttend a prebid siteinvestigative w alk-through or actually interpret biddingdocuments . This always has been, i s now, and wi l l beperformed by a hu ma n being-an ESTIMATOR.

Estimators are con stantly being sought ou t by elec-tr ical contractors an d are in great dem and. Many timesa contractor wi l l have a n em ployee (an elect r ic ian or

someone else) who shows respons ibi l i ty , good workhabi ts , dependabi l i ty , and enjoys thei r work. The con-tractor might encourage that em ployee to begin to learnthe es t imat ing process ; th is was m y personal exper i -ence with a contractor whom I worked for as an electri-cian and w ho led m e to develop this knowledge.

The following text has been develope d after my manyyears of experience in the e lectrical construction in dus -try. The contents have been designed in su ch a way thatelectrical instructors, electricians, electrical engineers,architects, blueprint readers, etc. can draw some benefitfrom it, even if only for reference material. Those i nd i-viduals who have some electrical experience a nd want toadvance themselves in to the electrical estimators circleshou ld study the material conta ined herein. The entireformat has been designed with th e beginner as well asthe seasoned estimator and others in m ind.

Included are s tep-by-s tep ins t ruct ions on how tointerpret construction plans and specifications, what tolook for, and why you should read all of the specifica-tions, even those for the roofing, woodw ork, wall con-s t ruct ion mater ials , p lumbing, e tc . Many t imes therewill be i te ms in these categories of the specification sthat im pact an electrical contractors bidding price.

Partial plans of a typical office building are in-cluded to show the ut i l i t ies coming into the bui lding,


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x iv In t roduc t ion

the s i te l ight ing, in ter ior l ight ing, panels a nd power-distribution devices, safety and comm unication devices,mechanical eq uipm ent, and electr ical services to prop -erly depict the various electrical materials i n place.

Rough takeoff sheets have been dev elop ed for all ofthe electrical materials show n on the partial plans a ndassociated mater ials required for a co mplete ins tal la-tion . This book will sho w you how to transfer all of thematerials show n on the rough takeoff shee ts to estimat-ing sheets for inserting prices a nd labor h ours . The nexts tep sho wn is to total a l l of the labor (mater ial is notpr iced here due to each contractor s speci f ic pr icings t ructure) and t ransfer the ho urs to a f inal recapi tula-t ion sheet . This final recapi tulat ion sheet wi l l inc ludeal l pr icing, labor hou rs , nonprodu ct ive labor , job ex -penses, hourly labor rates, ove rhea d, an d profit.Fol lowing the job es t imate, there is a sect ion onactual labor rates for thousands of i tems of mater ials

and ins t a ll a t ions . These have been t ime- test ed in thef ield and appl ied by many contractors whom I con-sulted for in the past (see About the Author).

A com plete sample estimate has been included hereto show exact ly how a profess ional es timate is formu-lated. Al though the pr ices of the indiv idual mater ialsa r e no t shown o n the es t imate pr icing s heets , therehave been al lowances inser ted on the f inal recapitula-t ion shee t so that you can go through this sheet f rombeginning to final bidd ing price,

At the en d of this book there is a miscellaneous sec-tion of formulas, charts , schematics, conv ersions, light-ing levels fo r most commo n places , and blank es t imat-ing and related bu siness forms.

There are man y aspec ts to the elect r ical cons t ruc-t ion indus t ry and the feel ing here is that es t imat ing isthe heart and soul of a successful comp any.


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Preface

his guide of instructional and informative materialT as been developed for the individ ual who w ouldlike to add estima ting of electrical construc tion p rojects totheir skill set. Electrical workers, appren tices, contractors,draftspersons, e nginee rs, architects , material h and lers,salespeople, and ins t ructors of e lect r ical contract ingcourses who are involved in the electr ical constru ctionindustry can benefit by studying an d applying the infor-mation in this guide.

An explanation of bid ding procedures, project spec-if ications, and construction plans is laid out with step -by-s tep ins t ruct ions us ing draw ings , notat ions , detailshee t s , and a complete sample estimate. Blank esti-mat ing sheets fo r the es t imators use w hen es t imat ingare included .

The guide begins by explaining the various sectionsand divisions of a sam ple projects bid specifications. Wealso review each trades installation responsibilities (forexample, general construction , plumbing, HVAC, andelectrical). Partial floor plans and s i te plans have beendeveloped for the electrical installation. These partial

plans w ill lay out the services to the building, th e site andinterior lighting, various devices, voiceldata communica-tion, the f ire alarm system , and mechanical equipmentelectrical requireme nts.

The samp le es t imate herein inc lude s a recapi tula-tion sheet of the sample estimate that depicts all of thejob expenses, nonp rod uctiv e labor, materials, and laborhour s for a complete installation cost. Contractor over-hea d as well as profit is allowed for, an d these percent-ages will be set by th e contractor.

Elect r ical contractors are cons tant ly searching forqualified, experienced estimators as well as junior esti-mators for thei r companies . By thoroughly s tudyingthis guide , you will en han ce your job marketability toelectrical contractors.

A section of this guide includes more than 2,500 easilyaccessed labor units o n a w ide array of electrical materi-als, along w ith charts, miscellaneous formulas, and rulesof thumb. The labor units included herein have beendeveloped by this author after more than 45 years in th eelectrical construction industry (see About the A uthor ).

ix


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Contents

Preface ixAbou t t he Au t hor xiIntroduction xiiiCHAPTER 1 Ho w t o Est imate ElectricalCons tructio n Projects 1Contractors Library: Reference Material for theEstimators Tools Required 1Section 1: Preparing Estimates from Plans,Step 1:What Documents to Look for and

Estimator 1

Specifications, and Related Documents 2Examine 2Invitation to Bid 2Form of Proposal or Bid FormProject Specifications 3General Conditions 3Supplementary Conditions 3Special Conditions for the Mechanical andElectrical Trades 3General Construction Division 3Structural Steel Division 4Plumbing Division 4Heating, Ventilating, and Air-conditioningElectrical Division 4

3

Division 4Step 2: The Bid Drawings and Estimate 4Title Sheet 4

Site Plan 5Foundation Plans 5Finish Schedule Sheet 6Architectural Plans 6Structural Plans 6Mechanical and Electrical Site PlansPlumbing Plans 6Heating, Ventilating, and Air-conditioningElectrical Plans 7

6

Plans 6

CHAPTER 2 Electrical Mater ial and LaborTakeoff 9Typical Electrical Symbol List 9Ceiling Finishes 11Text Introduction to Fixtures TakeoffText Recap of Fixtures Takeoff 1 2 Text Introduction to Devices TakeoffCeiling Finishes P artial Floor PlanFixture Legend 15

Lighting Fix tures Partial Floor PlanFixtures Rough Takeoff Shee t 18Estimate S heet of Fixtures Labor HoursDevices P artial Floor Plan 22Devices Roug h Takeoff Sheet 24Estimate Sheet of Devices Labor HoursText Introduction to Site Lighting Takeoff 26Site Lighting Partial Plan 27Site Lighting Roug h Takeoff Sheet 29Estimate Sheet of Site Lighting Labor Hours

1 2

1 2 13

1620

25

30
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vi Contents

Text Introduction to Branch Wiring TakeoffText Introduction to CommunicationsBranch Wiring Roug h Takeoff Shee tEstimate Sheet of Branch Wiring LaborCom mun icatio ns Partial Floor Plan 35Comm unicat ions Rough Takeoff She et 37Estimate Sheet of Com mun icatio ns LaborText Introduction to Fire Alarm Takeoff 39Text Introduction to Mechanical EquipmentText Introduction to Services to Building,Fire Al ar m Partial Floor Plan 40Typical Fire Ala rm Riser DiagramFire Ala rm Rou gh Takeoff SheetEstimate Shee t of Fire Ala rm Labor HoursMecha nical Equip men t Partial Floor PlanMechanical Equipm ent Rough Takeoff Sheet 47Estimate S heet of Mechanical Equip men t LaborTypical Power Riser Diagram 49Estimate Sh eet of Panels and TransformersLabor Hours 50Site Services Partial Plan 52Feeder Schedule 54Estimate Sheet of Feeders Labor HoursTypical Details Rough Takeoff SheetRough Takeoff Sheets to Estimate SheetsRecapitulation Sheet 61Estimate Sheet of Equipment PricesNeeded 63Recapitulation of Estimate She ets 64Estimate Sheets:

32

Takeoff 3233

Hours 34

Hours 38

Takeoff 39Feeders, Panels, and Transformers 39

4243

4445

Hours 48

5557 59

Feeders Labor Hours 65Panels and Transformers Labor HoursIndoor Feeders Labor Hou rs 68Bra nch Wiring Labor Hours 69Site Lighting Labor Hours 70Fixtures Labor Hours 72Devices Labor Hour s 74Comm unicat ions Labor Hours 75Fire Ala rm Labor Hours 76Mechanical Equip men t Labor Hours 77

66

CHAPTER 3 Labor Rate Schedules and Forms,Charts, and Diagram s 79Section 1:Raceways and Fittings 82

Field Installation of Raceways a nd AssociatedField Installatio n of Rigid Co nd uit Assoc iatedField Installation of Rigid C ond uit an dField Installa tion of W irew ays an d FittingsField Installation of Cable Tray an dField Insta llation of Flexible Cond uit an dField Installation of Motor WhipField Installation of Raceway s and Asso ciatedField Installation of Raceway s and AssociatedField Installa tion of Un der Floor Ducts an dField Installation of Trench Duct andField Installation of Metal Wire mold an dField Installation of Mineral Insulated Cable

Fittings for RGC 82Fittings 84Associated Explosion-Proof Fittings 86

88Fittings 89Fittings 92Connect ions 93Fittings for EMT 9 4PVC Fittings 95Fittings 97Fittings 98Fittings 99600V 100Section 2: Devices, Boxes, Plates, andFlat Wiring 102Field Installation of Devices and PlatesFie1d Ins tall a ion of Pok e- Th rough Fittings/

Field Installation of Sh eet Metal Ou tlet an dField Installation of Cast Outlet and Ju nct ionField Installatio n of Un de r Carpet Flat- Wiring

102

Devices/Covers 103Junct ion Boxes 104Boxes 105Sys tem 106Section 3: Light Fixtures 107Field Installation of HID Lighting FixturesField Installation of Lighting Fixtures(Incandesce nt , Exi t, Emergency) 108Field Installation of Fluorescent Fixtures

Field Installation of Track LightingField Installation of Preassembled Quick WiringField Installation of Area LightingField Installation of W ood PolesSection 4: Emergency Generators 115Field Installation of Emerge ncy Generator

107

109Sys tems 1 1 0 Sys tems 1 1 1

1 131 14

Sets 115Section 5: Grounding 1 1 7
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Contents v i i

Field Installation of GroundingField Installation of Cop per Bus DuctsField Installation of Co pper Bus Ducts an d

1 17Section 6 :Bus Ducts 118118

Plug-in U nits 119Section 7: Distribution Equipment 120Field Ins tallation of Nonfused DisconnectField Installation of Nema 1 Motor ControlField Insta llation of Starters, Contactors, andFiel d In stallation of H igh -Voltage TransformersFiel d Installa tion of L ow- Voltage TransformersField Installation of Incoming Service andField Installation of Meter Sockets andField Installation of Meter Stacks 130Field Installation of Indoor Surface PanelField Installation of Indoor Surface-MountedField Installation of Circuit BreakersField C onn ectio n of Preinstalled Circuit

Switches: 250 Volts 120Centers 121Controls 122124126Distribution Sections 2 28Stacks 129

Boards 131Panels 132

133BreakerdPressure Switches and Single- WireTerminations 134and Circuit Breakers 136Field Insta llation of Circuit Breaker Enclosu resSection 8: Fire Alarm and Miscellaneous

Field Installation of Fire Alarm SystemField Installation of Miscellaneous System sField Installation of Electric Heating 139Field Installation of S no w Melting Mats,Sn ow Melting Cable, and Heat TracingCable 141

Systems 137Equipment 137

138Section 9: Electric Heating 139

Section 10: High- and Low-Voltage Cables 143Field Insta llation of High-Voltage Cable inField Ins tallation of Copper Wire andField Installation of Multiconductor Tray

Conduit 143Cable 1 44Cables 146

Field Installation of Multiconductor CopperCables 1 4 7Field Installation of Low-Voltage andMulticonductor Cables 149Section 11: Voice and Data Wiring 150Section 12: Miscellaneous HVAC Devices

Field Installation of Voice/D ata Sy ste ms151Field Installation of Wiring or Miscellaneous150

HVA C Devices 151Section 13 :Light Bases 152Section 14: Voltage Drop TablesField Installation of Concrete Bases153Voltage Drop Tables fo r Low-Voltage

152

Circuits 153Section 15: Miscellaneous 154Miscellaneous Information, Formulas 154AC Motor Connections 155Motor HP and Am pere Ratings(Single Phase) 156Motor HP and Am pere Rat ings(Three Phase) 157Typica l Motor C ontrol Circuits 158Conv ersion Factors 160Am pe re Ratings of Resistance Loads (SingleAm pe re Ratings of Resistance Loads (ThreeTransformer Conn ections (Delta to W ye) 168Transformer C onnection s (Delta to Delta)Transformer KVA a nd A mp ere Rat ings (SingleTransformer KVA and Am pe re Rat ings (ThreeLighting Design/Footcan dle

Phase) 166Phase) 167

169Phase) 170Phase) 171Recommendat ions 172

CHAPTER 4 Sample Estimate and Forms 175Estimators Check Sheet 176Sam ple Est imate 179Blank Forms 199Recapitulation SheetEstimate SheetChange Order Recap itulation S heetRough Takeof l SheetFeeder Sche duleRequest fo r InformationWork A u thorization FormTime and Material W ork Order
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CHAPTER 1Ho w t o Estim ate ElectricalConstruction Projects

his informat ion and ins t ruct ional mater ial i s de-T igned for those who have ex perience as an electr i-cal contractor, electr ician, electr ical draftsperson, orelect r ical engineer in the cons t ruct ion indus t ry , andalso for those who want to increase their knowledge ofthe estimating field. If you have some knowledge ofblueprint reading, electrical materials, and field instal-la t ions on co ns t ruct ion projects , th is m ater ial wi l l beeasier to learn and th en ap ply. After you com plete thisbook, you will need to have access to the essential refer-ence materials an d tools that are l is ted below, whetheryou are a beginning or a seasoned estimator.

Contractor's Li b r a y : Reference Mater ialfor the Estimator

Reference material on installations of other tradesPad s of rough takeoff, estimate , feeder, recap itu-lation, and change-order sheets

Estimator's Tools RequiredTriangular architect's ruleTriangular engineer's rul eMiscellaneo us drafting tools (angles, protractor,templates)Manual hand counterMap measuring wheels (1 nch , % inch, and Minch to th e foot)Electronic probe cou nter an d measurer in lieu ofman ual counter and wheelsWalking m easuring w heelA 100 -foot tape m easureHighlighter markers

Latest edition of the National Electrical CodeLatest edition of the National Fire PreventionCode Access to a computer is r ecommendedLatest edition of the BOCA Code and local codesin the area of construction Estimating is the art of translating blueprints, scopes

of work, prebid field inspections, and verbal requests forproposa ls into costs of materials an d labor required toproduc e a com plete electr ical installation with an ade-quate profit margin. Although there are various types of

Catalogs and digests of electrical materialsMaterial pricing referencesLabor uni t ma nua l for electrical materials(enclosed w ithin Chapter 3 preferred)

1


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2 How o Estim ate Electrical Construction Projects

estimating, such as the square-foot method or the assem-bly method, this course wi l l use the labor-uni t ap-proach. There may be ins tances where the es t imatoruses methods other than the labor-unit approach to pro-duce a budget or ballpark price. This often occurs wh ent ime do es not a l low for a labor uni t es t imate, but th econtractor feels compel led to subm it a proposal to th erequesting party. These proposals are often costly to thecontractor and have a negative effect on the relationshipbetween both par t ies and perh aps others who have aninterest in the project.SECTION 1: Preparing Estimates fro m Plans,Specifications, and Related Docu mentsFo r this exe rcise, let us assum e that a shell of a 5,000-square- foot (50' x 100') bui lding has been erected forfuture office spac e. The floor has been poured wi th 4inches of reinforced concrete , the exter ior wal ls areconstructed with cem ent blocks, an d the roofing m ate-r ial i s sup por te d by s teel bar jois ts on 4- foot centers .There is a main f ront ent rance and s ide an d rear exi tdoors . The bui lding w i l l be heated by natural gas andwil l be ful ly ai r -condi t ioned by four roof-mou nted,prepackaged HVAC units. The men's and women's rest-rooms wi l l have a roof-mounted exhaus t fan an d thei rwalls will be constructed of ceme nt blocks. T he ent i rebui lding wi l l have an automat ic wet f i re-spr inkler sys-tem. The finished ceil ing will be constructed with sus-pended tee bars and acoustical ceiling tiles sized at 2 ' x4' a n d 2 ' x 2 ' as required. Th e interior walls will be steelstud s with sheet rock. A utility room with exposed ceil-ing cons t ruct ion has been provided for the elect r icalequipm ent, building m aintenance i tems, an d comm uni-cation space for voice and data distribution.

There are electrical floor plans that sh ow the electr i-cal pane ls , lighting fixture s, switc hes, receptacles, ex-hau st fans, HVAC units, exit an d emerge ncy light unit s,t ime clocks, f ire alarm panel, f ire bells , f ire pull s ta-t ions, smoke detectors, telephon e and data outlets , anddetailed r iser diagrams for power, f ire alarm , and com -mun icat ions systems. Most estimators will review theelectrical plans immediately and notify the variousmajor material suppliers of the need for pricing andthe date their prices are required.

A s i te plan a nd par t ia l s i te services plan sho w thesite l ighting poles an d fixtures, the wall a nd floor open-ings for the electr ical service, and com mun ications ands i te l ight ing that the bui lder ins tal led in th e concretebearing walls below grade. Also show n are details on th esite l ighting pole bases an d co nduits for the service, in-cluding wire size, condu it s ize for the co mm unication s,an d cond uit size wit h wire sizes for the site lighting. Thelocation of the tem porary electric service for the project'sconstruction an d staging area is also sh ow n.

Included in the bid package are the plans , contractspecifications in clud ing a scope of wo rk, and a form ofproposal to be used by the bidder w hen submit t ing hisor her p r i ce . The s cope of work def ines wh at i s to beinclu ded in each contractor 's proposal . There is a lso abu l l e t in #1 ( somet imes r e fe r r ed to as an add end um )tha t i s t o be acknowledged as r ece ived , an d any cos timpac t mus t be inc luded wi th the con t r ac to r ' s p ro -posal. Bulletins an d add end a often arise in respon se toque stion s of clarification asked by the con tractors. Thismeth od keeps all of the bidders aware of any changes inthei r scop e of work, whi ch m ay af fect thei r proposal .Bulletin #1 is issued to change the bid due date only.STEP 1: Wh at Documents to Look fo rand ExamineInvi tat ion t o BidThe invitation may c om e to the bidder in the form of alet ter , pos tcard, newspaper adver t isement , facs imile ,emai l , or by telephon e. Let us assume it was deliveredto the bidd er by letter , requesting a proposal for his orher po rtion of the work. In th is case, it is for th e electri-cal installation of the p roposed office spa ce. Th e invita-tion usually provides a project desc ription along with ,but not l imited t o, other related information s uch as thephys ical s ize of the bui ldin g, i t s present condi t io n,location, owner, a t ime a nd date for a prebid meeting atthe s i te for al l the bidders ( somet imes at tendance ismanda tory) , and a t ime a nd p lace to r ece ive the b ids .This invi tat ion may be suf f icient for the contractor toe i ther submi t or decl in e to submit a proposal . In thiscase, we w ill review t he in vitation along with the formof proposal (bid form) pr ior to proceeding wi th thedecision to su bmit a proposal.


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Form of P roposal or Bid FormThis will give the contractor information on bondingrequirements, among other things. Is there a bid bond , let-ter of surety, or performance an d payment bond required,and to what percentage are the performance and th e pay-ment bonds rated? This is important for the contractor toknow prior to investing t ime a nd dollars in a n estimate.The contractor may or may no t be able to acquire add i-tional bonding for this project for various reasons. Per-haps the contractor has a l imit on the dollar am ount ofvolume the bonding com pany (also referred to as thesurety) has predeterm ined to be the limit of liability.

There aremany different ways a total estimated pricemight be requ este d. Inste ad of asking for just on e totalprice for the contractors entire scope of wo rk, the bidrequest might require a breakdow n of the total price bytasks within the scope of work. Th us, there w ill be manydifferent forms of proposal that th e contractor will be ex-posed to. The estimator must prepare the estimate ac-cording to the requirements as described in the proposalform.

Note : It is the estimators resp onsib ili ty to info rmthe contractor of bidd ing a n d bonding requireme nts assoon as poss ible, to give the contractor ample t ime tom a k e an intelligent decision as to whether to bid on th eproject or decline. T his also gives everyone concernedample t ime to co mplete their tasks pr ior to t h e d a tefixed for submitting proposals.

Now that we have examined the invi tat ion to bidand the form of proposal , the contractor has mad e thedecision to subm it a proposal o n the project.Project SpecificationsContained w ithin the specifications are the general con-di t ions , the supp lementary condi t ions , and the specialconditions for the m echanical a nd the electrical trades.Next we w i l l fol low the var ious t rade divis ions of thework. Let us look at each division fo r t he i t ems tha tmay imp act th e estimators price structure.General Condi t ions. These apply to al l the prospec-tive contractors wh o may be contracted to install a por-tion of the construction project. A scope of work, whic his part of the general conditions, wil l provide eac h con-

tractor wit h specific requirements for the com pletion oftheir work. Here the contractor wi ll review informationon all of the contractors oblig ations for thei r work. Ascope of work is out l ined, and also informat ion on in-sura nce requiremen ts, time of completion, paym ents tocontractors ( including a sched ule of values) , damages,conf l ic ts , d isputes , arbi t rat ion, progress schedul ing(ei ther by a bar char t or a m ore com plex cr i t ical pathmeth od) , temporary faci l it ies required, inspect ion re-por ts , cooperat ion wi th other t rades , c lea nup, s toragefacilities, shop drawings, etc.Supplementary Condi t ions. Not all projects will re-quire this type of supp lem ent. These are used primarilywhen a generic set of general condi t ions is used for aproject. This reduces t he cost of designing a whole newset of general cond itions. As eac h project s tan ds on itsow n as to conditio ns, it is more cost effective to use su p-plements along with a generic set of general conditions.Special Cond itions for th e Mec hanical and ElectricalTrades. These trades require specific instructions be-cause each trade either supplies electrical materials forinstallation by oth ers, or is obligated to sup ply and in-stall certain item s requiring electrical powe r sup ply inone form or another. It is very im portant that th e electri-cal estimator read th e requirem ents of all the mechani-cal trades to asce rtain the responsibility of the electricalcontractor . Examples of i tems that would need to beclarif ied are motor co ntrols , disconn ect switches, ductheaters , automat ic temperature con trol sys tems, han-dling of motors, fire-pump c ontrols, and th e like.

General Construct ion Divis ion. Although w e will beassuming that a shel l of a bui lding is in place and thescope of work w i l l govern, i t i s necessary to becomefamil iar wi th al l bui lding specif ications that fol low.This sect ion wi l l d iscuss who is respons ible for thefol lowing: s i te c lear ing and preparat ion, c ivi l work,drainage, roadways an d parking areas, surveying, exca-vation, forms, reinforced concrete wo rk, masonry units,roof ing mater ials , miscel laneous metal , insulat ion,weatherproofing, partitions and interior wall finishes,win dow s, glazing, interior and exterior doors, magnetic


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door holders for the fire alarm system, hardware, floorcovering, painting, suspended ceilings, acoustical treat-ment, carpentry, openings for other trades, and othermiscellaneous items.

Structural Steel Division. This section will not be asdetailed as the general construction div ision. The esti-mator should review this and look for such items asopenings in the roof material and bar joist construction.There may be specific loading and or hanging require-ments allowed from these joists, in addit ion to otheragencies having jurisdiction.Plumbing Div is ion. Do not overlook this division byassuming that plumbing has no significant impact o nthe electrical work. There are items that may requireelectrical power such as, but not limited to, sewageejector pumps, sump pumps, water pumps, boilers,certain gas-fired units, water connections to emer-gency power generators, motor controls, fire pumpsand related flow switches, and tamper switches andcontrollers. S o, be sure to review thi s division as wellas the supplementary conditions for the mechanicaland electrical trades to learn who is responsible for fur-nishing, installing, and connecting such items.Heating, Venti lating, and Air-condit ioning Division.In this division, there will be many items that will re-quire coordination with the electrical contractor. There-fore, it is absolutely necessary for the estimator to re-view each section of this division where there are itemsthat require electrical power and perhaps control wiring.These specifications will define who furnishes, insta lls,and connects the materials necessary fo r this division.Review in detail the sections on roof fans and blowers,prepackaged gas-fired rooftop heating and air-condi-tioning units, automatic temperature control systems,connections to heat-supplying light fixtures, duct-mounted fire detectors with probes, motorized louvers,electric heat units, motor controls, and the like.

Electr ical Division. You should read these sections intheir entirety; along with all the other divisions andsections, these form the written requirements for the

electrical contractor. The speci fications will define allof the electrical compone nts as to type, install ations,sizes, manufacturers, shop drawing requirements, etc.When the specifications and plans conflict, a generalrule of thumb would be that the plans take precedenceover the specifications. The thought behind this is thatthe plans are drawn for a particular project, while t hespecifications are used by many electrical engineers fo rmany different projects.

If a major conflict is detected a nd a cost impact isapparent , the electrical estimator should write to t heelectrical engineer, with a copy to the archi tect, askingfor a clarification. Beware of seeking answers in phoneconversations. Too often, phone calls are forgotten andin the general conditions this type of communic ationwill not be honored if challenged. Always put all ofyour job-related concerns, questions, and statements inwriting to all the interested parties. Send copies to theowners representative, inspectors, the architect, engi-neers, the general contractor, subcontractors, and anyother persons who would be directly involved withyour concern, question, or statement.STEP 2: The Bid Drawingsand EstimateLet us begin with a set of bid drawings issued alongwith the previous bid documents. The drawings includea title sheet, which will list the project name and ad-dress, the owners name and address, the designer archi-tect, engineers, the date, and a list of drawings included.By having a complete set of drawings, the bidders on thevarious sections will have all of the building informa-tion necessary to submit a sound proposal. Unfortu-nately, there will be times when you will on ly receivethe electrical floor plans and perhaps a site plan. Thiscreates a list of exclusions you will need to submit alongwith your proposal. But let us continue with the prem-ise you have all of the bid drawings.Title SheetThis sheet offers impor tant information such as a list ofthe drawings for each main section of the work, thenumber of drawings, revisions with their dates, and thecontact information for the architects and engineers.


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Ho w t o Estimate Electrical Cons truc tion Projects 5

The es t imator mus t compare each d rawing number ,date , and revis ion to the t i t le sheet l i s t of draw ings .This will assure the estimator that the drawings boundin the bid set are the app ropr iate bidding docum ents. Ifthe es t imator discovers any discrepancies in the biddrawings, he or 5 he sho uld immediately ask the archi-tect for c lar i f icat ion, in wr i t ing, wi th copies to theowner's representative an d the engineer. If the prop osalis being made to a general contractor, the request forclarification w ould go to that contractor. Remember, allcommunications by telephone must be followed up inwriting to avoid under-or overbidding.Site PlanNow that we have verified that all of the draw ing num -bers an d dates bound in the bid d ocum ents are correct,we can proceed with a scan of all the draw ings, begin-ning wi th the s i te plan. A typical s i te plan w i l l showthe b ui lding(s ) , roads , dr ivewa ys , s idewalks , parkingareas, utilities, lan dsca ping , lighting, and various otherdetails. Note the scale on the site plan for future refer-ence and highlight it w ith a marker. Consider repeatingthe scale in large numbers with a colored marker in anopen area on all the plans so you can't miss it. Takenote of the com pass heading in reference to the build -ing for your info rmat ion wh en placing photocel ls forexterior lighting, if spe cified.

The main road that provides access to the projectwi l l be the most l ikely area whe re al l services wi l l beaccessed. Regarding the elect r ic , te lephone, an d da taservices to the bui lding, you wi l l need to pay closeat tent ion to var ious elemen ts such as the topography,landscaping, other ut i l i t ies , paving, and curbs . Al lthese factors have a direct impact on the electrical pro-posal. If the co ndu its that sup ply these services need tobe buried at a dep th of 42" minim um, then the topogra-phy wi l l need to be examined closely for r i ses anddecl ines of the roug h graded area. You may h ave toexcavate 60" of de pth i n som e areas of the direction ofthe cond ui ts to maintain 42" minim um d epth of thesecondui ts , Locate any landscaping that m ay affect thedirect ion an d de pth of these con dui ts , and repor t an ydepth a nd di rect ion conf l ic ts to the archi tect . I haveseen many auger bits che w up c ond uits because of the

oversight by th e affected trades. Land scaping contrac-tors general ly inves t igate thei r p lant ing areas as theyrelate to utilities that may be bu ried there. K eep this inmind w hen preparing your estimate.

Look for the water meter, whic h may be located in ap it on the exterior of the building or i n the b u i ld ing .This water meter may require a cont inuous bondingjumper a roun d the meter to prevent loss of continuity ofthe m etal water service cond uit if the meter is removed.The local inspecting agency will be able to answer anyquestions regarding grou nding an dlo r bonding that theyrequire . Remember that the Nat ional Elect r ic Code(NEC) provides the m inim um requ irements for electricalinstallations, but the local electr ical inspec ting agencymay enforce a higher level of requirem ents. Questionthe local electrical inspector. Locate the sleeves that thegeneral contractor bui l t in to the wal ls below grade fo rthe elect r ic service, te lephone , data com municat ions ,an d site lighting. You will need to connect to these andlist this work in the estim ate. Review th e site l ightingfixtures an d bases. Look for any details o n the site light-ing fixtures, bases, and the ir description schedu le thatmay be on this shee t. If ther e are no details here , theywil l be located on the elect r ical plans . This plan mayalso show wh ere temporary services are to be located,such as electric, water, telephon e, an d staging a nd stor-age areas for the contractors.Foundation PlansNot all bid sets will con tain separate foundation p lans.The archi tect may decide to incorporate this informa-tion on the a rchitectural plans. If you encou nter foun-dation plan s, you sh ould sca n them for possible uti l itys leeves or windows be low grade in the founda t ionwal ls . Here you wi l l f ind the depth and s izes of thefoo tings, and the wid th of the foundat ion wal ls andgrade beams. Take note of th e elevatio n of the top of thefootings. This will determ ine whether you need to stayabove or below the footings wi th your con dui ts enter -ing the building from th e exterior. This plan m ight alsoinclude a l i s t of test borings show ing the earth compo-sit io n at different levels made in various areas of thes i te . This wi l l help you a ndlo r your subcontractor inestimating your excavation costs for trenches, manh oles,


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6 How to Estimate Electrical Construction Projects

handholes , s i te l ight ing pole bases , e tc . that may berequired.Finish Schedule SheetThis shee t will l is t every floor, wall , and cei l ing finishwith in the bui lding. This wi l l guide you in select ingthe proper floor outlets , wall outlet box es, ceil ing outletboxes, recessed or flush-mounted ceiling fixture framesor r ings. The architect may specify special colored d e-vices a nd plates to m atch wal l f inishes . You wi l l notknow w hat colors may be special without reviewing thef inish schedule, so the f inish schedule has a di rectimpact o n the elect r ical es timate. This sheet may alsoincorporate the door f inish sch edu le. This will nee d tobe reviewed for any electrically operated overhead-typedoors, entry doors, roll-up win dow s, etc. for their elec-tric requirements.Arch itectura l PlansThe total numbe r of plans that are numbered A-1, A-2,A-3, A-4, etc . wi l l be determine d by the archi tect andthe complexity of the project. These plans will be usedto construct the project. All of the info rmation n eed edby the general contractor will be inco rporated the rein.The elect r ical es t imator should review al l of thesedrawings to become famil iar wi th al l the di f ferentrooms, hal ls , mul t is tory s tai rways , exi ts , ent rances ,details of wall se ctio ns, an d ceiling de tails. A reflectedce i ling p lan w i l l be inc luded in these A-drawings .This plan m ay sho w the c ei l ing l ight ing f ixtures . Th eelectrical enginee r will use the reflected c eiling plan todes ign the f ixtures and ci rcui t ing. Note the detai ls onthe suspe nsion system of all the susp end ed ceil ings.Structura l PlansAgain, the total number of plans that are numb ered S-1,S-2,S-3,etc. will be determ ined by the structu ral engi-neer in coord ination with the arch itect. I t is importan tto review al l of these plans an d the associated detai lsfor slab thickness, foundation an d footing design, struc-tural s tee l layout , bar joist p lacem ent , roof s teel , anddecking. D o not over look these p lans , as many ques -tions can be answered here.

Mechanical and E lectrical Site PlansSome engineers will prefer to ad d this plan rath er thantry to incorporate al l of thei r des igns onto the archi-tects s i te plan. This pla n will lay o ut su ch item s as theelect r ical and communicat ions services , s i te l ight ingwith their details, temporary services locations, coolingtowers , conde nsers for air cond i t ioning, motor-dr ivenpu mp s, emergency power units , fuel tanks, etc. Coordi-nate this plan with other si te plans in the bid package.Plumbing PlansHere again, the total number of plans that are numbe redP-1, P-2 , P-3, etc. will be determ ined by the m echanicalengineer . Al though you may thin k that reviewing thep lumbing p lans a r e no t so impor tant , you do need toreview these plans jus t as you w ould review the otherplans . Where is the water meter i f not shown some-where e l se? The f ir e pum p a nd as soc ia ted equ ipm entwi l l be show n here , as wel l as any spr inkler f low andtamper swi tches . Sum p pumps , condensate pum ps , hotwater pu mp s, chilled w ater pum ps, cooling towers, etc. ,and all of their associated electr ical equi pm ent will beshown here as wel l . Some eng ineer s wi l l i nc lude asche dule of al l the mech anical equipme nt , the nam e-plate d ata, and the contractors responsibilities.

Other engineers will l is t all of these requ iremen ts inthe specifications rather th an on the plans . The plumb-ing specifications m ay ind icate that all control wirin g isto be furnished an d installed by others. Seldom will theplum bing specifications require that th e con trol wiringbe furnished and insta lled by the plumbin g contractor.Most times it w ou ld be the responsibility of the electri-cal contractor.Heating, Venti lat ing, and Air-co ndit ionin gPlansThe total number of plans that are numb ered HVAC-1,W AC -2, W AC -3, etc. will be determined by the mechan-ical engineer. The HVAC plans may b e the most impo r-tant plans that th e electrical co ntractor reviews, otherthan th e architectural and electr ical plan s. These planswill sho w whe re all of the h eating, ventilating, an d air-conditioning equipm ent are located. You should review


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How to Est imate Electr ica l Construct ion Pro jects 7

the sheet-metal duc t drawing to kno w th e various sizes ofthe supply an d, if any, the return du cts. This will also layout the rooftop multizone or single-zone HVAC units,roof fans, cooling tower, duct-moun ted reheat un its, ther-mostats, ATC zone valves, lighting un it boot attachm entsfor air-handling fixtures, etc. The floor plans will locatethe motorized dampers as required fo r the vent i la tiondesign, piping details, unit heaters, unit ventilators, sill-line heat units, etc. Some engineers may include a sched-ule of al l equipm ent wi th the elect r ical requireme nts ,along wi th wh o is responsible for furnishing, installing,and wiring it all. Other engineers will spell it all out inthei r speci f ications . The plum bing a nd the HVAC de-s ign engineer ing are generally per formed by th e sam eengineering comp any. In som e instances, the plumbing,heating/ventilating/air conditioning, and electrical willbe designed by the sam e engineering company.Electrical PlansThe total number of plans that are num bered E-1, E-2 ,E -3 , etc. will be d etermine d by the electr ical engineer.

Now tha t we have reviewed all of the bid p lans , we willreview th e electr ical plans a nd prepa re to do a system-at ic es timate. Keep in m ind that we have previous lyasked the various material suppliers a nd subcontractorsfor their quotation s on su ch item s as interior and exte-rior l ight f ixtures, electr ical distr ibution panels , f irea l a rm equ ipment , comm unica t ion equ ipment , p r ecastconcrete bases , and excavat ion o n this project . Manysuppl iers wi l l meet w i th the elect r ical es t imator andreview al l of the equipment that wi l l need pr icing.Some electrical sup ply hous es, if asked, will supp ly theestimator with prices on the total amou nt of power an dcommunica t ion cab le , r aceways , and dev ices . Lookover each plan a nd become fam iliar with th e layouts ofall the devices an d equ ipm ent. We will begin an electri-cal material takeoff in Chapter 2 by turning to the Typ-ical Elect r ical Symbol Lis t , wh ich has three pages ofcom mon elect r ical symbols . (Note: There are symbollis ts on th e other contract plans th at the estimator canrefer to when there is equipment furnished by othertrades that require electrical connections.)


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CHAPTER 2Electrical M at er ia l and Labor Takeoff

Typical Electrical Sym bo l ListThe symbols shown be low are generi c in na tu re , bu tthey give the estimator a gu ide wh ile d oing a takeoff.Review this l is t and become familiar with th e symbols.Some estimators will pho tocopy the symbols and kee p

them h andy rather than keep fumbling through plans .Each engineer has symbol l is ts they use that may varywith others, but basic symbols are the same throughoutthe ind ustry and will be on all symbol lis ts .

ss2s3s4s,W pdim0@@

Single-pole switch, amp, an d volt rating in specsTwo-pole sw itch, amp, an d volt rating in specsThree-way sw itch, amp, an d volt rating in specsFour-way switch, amp , and volt rating in specsSingle-pole switch w ith l ighted handle, a mp, a nd volt rating in specsWeather proof (nem a rating as show n on pla ns and in specs)Dimmer switch rating, voltage, type, and incandescent or fluorescent in spe csDuplex receptacle, am p, and volt rating i n specsSingle (simplex) receptacle, am p, and volt rating i n specsSpecial receptacle, a mp , and volt rating in specs

F Duplex receptacle in a f loor box, amp, volt , and type i n specs

eXpl0 Explosion proof (class an d division ratings in specs)

tifmn: Duplex receptacle-2 gang floor box w ith combo cover for receptacle a nd com munication jack, in specsEnclosed circuit breaker as show n on plans an d in specsDisconnect switch ; I-, - or 3-pole amp an d volt as shown on plans an d in specsCombination disconnect an d starter as shown on p lans an d in specsStarter as shown on plans and in specsSingle-pole man ual motor starter as show n on plans an d in specsControl s tation with button s, switches, and /or l ights as show n on plans a nd in specs

SmSm, Single-pole ma nua l motor starter with pilot light as show n on plans and in specs19


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10 How t o Estimate Electrical Constru ction Projects

Contactor as shown on plans and in specsli me clock as shown on plans and in specsPhotocell as shown on plans and in specsRelay as shown on plans and in specsSingle-phase electric motor as shown on plans and in specsThree-phase electric motor as shown on plans and in specsUnit heater as shown on plans and in specsCabinet heater as shown on plans and in specsHeating, ventilating, and air-conditioning unit as shown on plans and in specsGround connection as shown on plans and in specsTransformer as shown on plans and in specs1 Switchboard as shown on plans and in specsMain distribution panel as shown o n plans and in specsPower panel as shown on plans and in specsLighting panel as shown on plans and in specsReceptacle panel as shown on plans and in specsManhole as shown on plans and in specsHandhole as shown on plans and in specsRaceway exposed as shown on plans and in specsRaceway concealed in slab or below grade as shown on plans and in specsRaceway or cable concealed above finished floor as shown on plans and in specs

E1Motor control center as shown on plans and in specs0

46F l

w\-- -7- R - Surface raceway as shown on plans and in specs (metal or nonmetal)- I- Mineral insulated cable as shown on plans and in specs

-TC- Tray cable as shown on plans and in specsCable tray as shown on plans and in specs [include bends , hangers, drops, grounds, couplings, etc.)Feeder bus duct as shown on plans and in specs (include all associated components)Plug-in bus duct as shown on plans and in specs (include all associated components)Bus plug-in disconnect/circuit breaker as shown on plans and in specsPatch panel floor stand as shown on plans and in specs64-port patch panel as shown on plans and in specsShelf for patch panel and wire manager as shown on plans and in specsFloor box with data outlet as shown on plans and in specsWall box with data outlet as shown on plans and in spec3Floor box with voice outlet as shown on plans and in specsWall box with voice outlet as shown on plans and in specs

100 pair #llO-voice block for voice communications as shown on plans and in specs- ommunication backboard, size as shown on plans and in specsV P T Wall box for public telephone connection as shown on plans and in specs0 e ncandescent light fixture recessed "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specs0 4 Incandescent light fixture wall-mounted "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specs@ Exit light fixture ceiling-mounted "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specs

Exit light fixture wall-mounted "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specs0 Incandescent light fixture recessed "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specs- Fluorescent light fixture 1 2 " to 24" long surface-mounted "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specs

[171mFVDB FmV

-

mFwo-gang floor box with data and voice outlet as shown on plans and in specs


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Electrical Materi al and Labor Takeoff 11- luorescent fixture 48" long surface I recessed I lay-in I suspended "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specsFluorescent fixture 24" x 24" surface I recessed I lay-in I suspended "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specs0 luorescent fixture 24" x 48" surface I recessed I lay-in I suspended "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specsFluorescent fixture 48" x 48" surface I recessed I lay-in I suspended "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specs- luorescent fixture 8' long surface I recessed I suspended "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specsnLight-track surface-mounted "TYPE" and length as shown on plans and in specsLight-track fixture "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specsChandelier suspended "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specsEmergency battery unit "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specsEmergency remote light "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specsHID lighting fixture "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specsHID lighting fixture "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specsBollard for walkway "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specsSite lighting pole and one fixture "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specsSite lighting pole and two fixtures "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specsSite lighting pole and four fixtures "TYPE" as shown on plans and in specsIn ground flagpole light as shown on plans and in specsFire alarm panel with battery backupFire alarm remote annunciatorFAmanual pull station

Lr# FA combination horn and light0 D FA smoke detector0 D FAheat detectorODDAduct detector with sampling tube~ I LAremote indicating lightwl FA data gathering panellaahl FAremote module

FAflow switchFA tamper switchFA electro/magnetic door holder

-P FA outdoor combination horn and light

Ceiling FinishesAs suggested previously, a good procedure for the esti-mator to follow is to review the architectural plan forthe ceiling fin ishes. Let us look at the ceiling finishespartial floor plan (Fig. 2-1, p. 13).

You will see that all ceiling finishes are type "A" unlessnoted otherwise. A type "A" ceiling finish is to be a 2' x 4'suspended grid with 2' x 4' acoustical ceiling tiles. A type"B" ceiling finish is to be a 2' x 2' suspended grid with 2'x 2' acoustical ceiling tiles. A type "C" ceiling finish is tobe a suspended framework for a sheetrock finish. Finally,a type "D" ceiling finish is to be exposed construction.

Reviewing the ceiling finishes prior to counting thelight fixtures will save many headaches when purchas-ing the light fixtures and fixture frames for recessedlight fixtures, pendant s for suspended light fixtures,hold-down clips for lay-in light fixtures, shade alignersfor light fixtures with RLM-type shades (reflectors), andairplane-type steel cable for suspended light fixtures.

The estimator should transfer the ceiling finishes in-formation to the electrical plans. Here is where coloredhighlighters will help the estimator-you can color codethe various ceiling types on the electrical plans. Perhapsthe ceiling finish with the greatest percentage of the


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12 Ho w to Estim ate Electrical Cons truc tion Projects

ceiling construction w ould not be color code d; just colorcode the smaller ceil ing areas. This will m ake th e l ightfixture takeoff easier an d more accu rate than hu rryingthe takeoff an d omitting some of the associated light fix-ture ac cessor ies. This color-coding metho d wi l l avoidserious and costly mistakes.Text Introd uction t o Fixtures T akeoffBefore beginning to count th e light fixtures, the estimatorshou ld have p enci ls , blank roug h takeoff shee ts , a fewdifferent colored highlighters, and a man ual or electroniccounte r. These are essential for the estimator to keephan dy at all times. As you begin to coun t the item s, makea small colored slash mark on eac h item an d record eachitem w ith the counter. It is a good idea to select a colorfor each division of the takeoff, such as fixtures, devices,and their wiring in orange, f ire alarm systems in red,comm unications voice in green, data in yellow, etc. Thismethod will en sure that each item will be cou nted onlyonce (Figs. 2-2A, B , pp . 1 5 , 1 6 ) . Note that there are manyproduc ts on the market that can color and coun t at thesame time. Use whatever you find m ost comfortable.

All of the fixtures are listed on the top section of thefixtures rough takeoff she ets (Figs. 2-3A, B, pp . 18,19).Bylisting the f ixture type , s ize, mou nting , lam ps, voltage,etc., the estimator has a snapsh ot of the most im por tantfacts about the fixtures. Beginning with type A fixtures,count all of them on the floor plan an d enter the total inthe block under the description. Note that in the left-mostcolumn the estimator will l is t which plan the f ixtureswere co unted from. There is a reason we takeoff the elec-tr ical i tems a nd lis t them according to which plan the ywere c ounte d from. For example, if after the co ntracts areawa rded, the ow ner requests that all of the type B lightfixtures on th e first floor be changed to another style ordeleted, the estimator can turn to the rough takeoff sheetsand very quickly respond to the request. This saves over-head t im e and m oney. The es t imator does not have toopen the plans a nd do another c oun t on that type of fix-ture. This method applie s to all of the takeoffs.Tex t Recap of Fixtures Tak eoffThis concludes the l ight f ixture count ing and com-pletes the takeoff of all the building light fixtures. After

al l the l ight f ixtures have been c oun ted, we total the mand l is t a l l of t he as soc iat ed i t ems needed to have acomple te work ing l igh t ing sys tem fo r the bu i ld ing .Each f ixture wi l l have lamps , out let boxes , junct ionboxes , f lexible whip s , e tc . Other necessary i tem s maybe ho ld -dow n c l ips , suspension mate r i a l s (pendan t s ,chain s , cables , e tc . ) , spl icing mater ials , f ixture wire,and l abor fo r tes t ing an d tagging. A f lexible whip isal lowed for each lay- in and recessed f ixture. Wal l -mou nted f ixtures wi l l require a w al l out let box, as wi l lsome cei l ing-m ounted f ixtures . The es t ima tor shouldinvest iga te which f ixtu res may be fu rn i shed wi th anoutlet box and check all notes an d the specifications forpossible spare lam ps an d fixtures. There are occasionswh en th e enginee r will specify that a percen tage of alltypes of lamps be turne d over to the owner as spa res atthe c omp letion of th e project. The estimator mu st allowa sum of mone y for this requirement i n the estimate.

The estimate sheets (Figs. 2-4A, B , pp. 2 0 , 2 1 ) wil lsho w how all of the fixtures and associated m aterials areto be l is ted for pricing and the h ours required for eachmaterial. The prices are not included due to each contrac-tors price structure with the material suppliers and actualprice fluctuation in the markets. A few of the items su chas hold- dow n clips, supp orts, splicing, tags, testing, etc.are allowance items of money a nd hours. These amou ntswill vary acc ording to the size of each project.Text Intr odu ctio n t o Devices TakeoffIn order to count all the devices, we need to turn againto the lighting fixtures partial floor plan (see Fig. 2-2B,p . 16) t o coun t the swi t ches . Th i s p l an wi l l show youthat some of the swi tches are ganged together as re-quired (meaning more tha n one is ut i l ized) . When youcount these sw i t ch loca t ions , coun t them as you s eethem ; fo r example , SSS is a t h r ee-gang box and p la t ewi th th r ee swi t ches . Count ing the swi t ches th i s waywil l not on ly give you th e sw i tch cou nt , but w i l l g iveyou th e coun t of the boxes (s ingle or ganged) and thematching plate(s ) . These sw i tch totals are l i s ted o n thedevices rough takeoff sh eet (Fig. 2 - 6 , p . 2 4 ) . Also onthis sheet i s a count of the receptacles shown on thepar t ia l device floor plan (F ig. 2 - 5 , p . 2 2 ) . You shou ldcheck th e specification s to see if any spe cial covers or


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14 How to Estim ate Electrical Cons truc tion Projects

NOTES


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Electrical Materi al and Labor Takeoff 15

SYMBOL -YPEAA- 1BCDEFGHJ

J-1KLMN

EMEMRH

FIXTURE LEGENDDESCRlPTlON

FLUORES CENT 277V LAY-IN 2' X 4' 3/32W CWRS LAMPSII II

I' 2 ' X 4' 2/32W CWRS LAMPSI' 2' X 2' 2/32W U CWRS LAMPSI' 4 'X 4' 6/32W CWRS LAMPS

II II

II II

II II RECESSED 1' X 4' 2/32W CWRS LAMPS & FRAMEEXIT LIGHT UNIVERSAL MOUNT 277V W/ LAMPS AND BATTERYFLUORESC ENT 277V RECESSED HIGH HAT W/ 1 PL LAMP

II I' WALL MOUNTED W/1 PL LAMPHI-PRESSURE SODIUM 277V W/P W ALL MOUN TED W/ 1 70W LAMPTRACK LIGHT FIXTURE 120V W/ 1 75W PAR LAMP4 ' LONG TEE BAR MOUNTED LIGHTTRACK 120V 1 CIRCUIT & HARDWAREFLUORES CENT 120V UNDER COUNTER PLUG IN FIXTURE 24" LONG

II 277V SUSPENDED FIXTURE W/ 2 32W CWRS LAMPSINCANDESC ENT FIXTUR E W/P W/ 1 1OOW IF 130V LAMP & BOX

I1 II I' W/ 1 150W PAR 38 FLOOD LAMP & PEEM ER' B A T UNIT 277V 2 HEADS WALL MTD.

II II I1 II III' 1 HEAD

REMOTE EM ER. BATT' HEADFigure 2-2A

colors for the devic es are required. Normally the cata-log num bers of the devices are l i s ted in th e elect r icalspecifications or on th e symbol l is t. The a rchitect maynote special colors fo r all wall devices on the architec-tural plans: they m ight not be foun d elsewhere. This iswhy we s t ress the ne ed for reviewing al l the biddingdocuments fo r possible items that w ill affect the electri-cal estimate. Be assured tha t this will come u p in yourestimating at some poin t, so do not overlook the reviewof al l the bidding docum ents.

The es t imate sheet (Fig. 2 - 7 , p . 2 5 ) wi l l show howal l of the devices and associated mater ials are to belis ted onto the estimate she et for pricing an d the hou rsrequired for each item.

The prices are not included du e to each contractor'spr ice s t ructure wi th the mater ial suppl iers and actualpr ice f luctuat ion in the markets . A few of the i temssuch as the metal wal l s tud box suppo r ts are an al low-ance of money a nd hours . These amounts wi l l vary ac-cording to the size a nd typ e of project.


23/226


24/226

Electrical Mater ial an d Labor Takeoff

NOTES

17


25/226

EST. NO: 10/01/03-1

Lighting Fixtures 2 x 4 ' lay-irLOCATION 277 voltITEMS & 3 - 3 2 ~w

~

20

0

0

02-

IXTURES ROUGH TAKEOFF SHEET

1

10

-ype "A -12 x 4 ' lay-ir

277 volt2 - 3 2 ~w

5

0

Type '8'2 ' x 2 lay-in

277 volt2-32wU cw

10

1

0

0

0

0

1- 000

1

0

0

0

5w/f rm's

T4

Type 'EM"wall batt uni

2 heads277 volt

emer unit

30

0

0

03- 00

Figure 2-3A


26/226

EST. NO: 10/01/03-1

Plan E-1 Lighting

Plan E-3 TeVDataPanels &

"J " fittings "J" fittingsinternal90 live end

hips

"J" fittings 'J" fittings "J"heads Type "K" Type 'L"couplings 'T" bar clips cylinders 2 surf 4' susp'd

TOTALSr

feed in withoutlet coverfor "T" bar

TOTALS

each with under cab' rlm reflect'rpar20 75w 1- 1 8w cw 2-32w cw

lamps 120 volt 277 volt

FwType "J"8' track surf

1 circuit120 volt

0

000

1 0 3 2 0 40 0 0 0 1 0

0

0>0

. - - - -

0

0

32 WAITCOOL WHTFLUO LAMF

0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0

74

0

-ype "J-I"4' track surf

1 circuit120volt

1 0 3 2 1 4

18WAl-rDUAL PLLAMPS

10

IOOWATT 75WAlT 18WAIT 150WATT 70WAlT FIXTUREINCAND PAR 20 COOL WHT PAR 38 FL HPS BD OUTLETLAMPS LAMPS FLUORLAMP LAMPS CLEAR BOXES120v 120v 120 v LAMP WALL

0

0

21

- - - - -

11

32 WAIT UCOOL WHTFLUO LAMF

4 2 1 1 4 17

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

llow materials for independently supporting all light fixtures mounted in or on suspendAllow for hold-down clips on lay-in ixtures, splicing materials ags, testing, etc.

Figure 2-3B


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20 How to Estim ate Electrical Construction Projects

ESTIMATE SHEET ESTIMATE NO : 10/01/03-1JOB: Office bldq ' #lo0 Utown, USA PAGENO: 1 OF 2Estimate Sheet of Fixtures Labor Hours

C H C K D B Y : Sr. DATE: 10101103STIMATED BY : F S.T.

1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132

Figure 2-4A


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Electrical Material and Labor Takeoff 21

ESTIMATE SHEET ESTIMATE NO: 10/01/03-1JOB: Office bldq' #lo0 Utown, USA PAGENO: 2 OF 2Estimate Sheet of Fixtures Labor HoursESTIMATED BY: M C HCK DBY : Sr. DATE: 10/01/03

I DESCRIPTION OF MATERIALS MATERIALS i LABOR tQUANTITY I UNITCOST IPERIMOUNT I UNIT I PEFI I I I i i1 -FIXTURE OUTLET BOXES FOR WALL 17 EA 0.35 EA0.35 EAFIXTURE OUTLET IN CEILING SPACE 20 EA0.35 EA4" SQ ' BOXES W1 BLANK COVERS 8 EA0.1 EAFLEXIBLE FIXTURE WHIPS W/WIRE 33 EA

5

6 HOLD-DOWN CLIPS FOR LAY-IN FIXTURES7 INDEPENDENT SUPPORTS FOR LAY-IN FIXT'S

ALLOWALLOW

89

1011121314151617181920212223242526

aving out a price or hours aregreatly reduced. Get in the habit of making a l ine from thequantity column to the labor hours amount column. Leaveopen only those spaces that requ ire material prices and laborhours! This applies to all estimate sheets of the estimate frome recapitulation sheet to the last estimate sheet.

" 7 I~

28 I29 I30 I31 I

I32 EA = Each

TOTAL TOTAL

78og12131415161718192021222324252627282930313211.55

Figure 2-4B


29/226

DEVICES PARTIAL FLOO R PLAN

'.'0

tlNote: These items are l ocated on the roof.

Typical fo r 4 locations.

Notes: The type M fixture is a w/p globe complete with a photocell& box. Provide a suitable support for mthe fixture to. Mount the w/p receptacle on the same support.Branch circuiting to run beneath in the hung ceiling space.Coordinate roof penetrations with the general contractor and architect.*Provide a single pole switch at the roof hatch to control the lights and outlets.

Figure 2-5


30/226

Electrical Material and Labor Takeoff

NOTES

23


31/226


32/226

Electrical Materi al and Labor Takeoff

3132

25

I I I I I I 31I I 32EA = EachINC = Included TOTAL TOTAL 30.85

ESTIMATE SHEET ESTIMATE NO : 10/01/03-1JOB: Office bldg' #lo0 Utown, USA PAGE NO: 1 OF 1Estimate Sheet of Devices Labor HoursESTIMATED BY: Mr. E S T . CH CKD BY: Sr. DATE: 10/01/03

DESCRIPTION OF MATERIALS MATERIALS I LABORHOURSQUANTITY I UNITCOST IPERIMOUNT I UNIT IPERIMOUNT1 12 23 34 45 56 67 78 89 9

10 1011 1112 1213 1314 1415 1516 1617 1718 1819 1920 2021 2122 2223 / 2324 I 24

I I

26 I 2627 I I 27-, I I29 I 2930 I I 30

I I

Figure 2-7


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26 Ho w to Estimate Electrical Construction Projects

Text Introductio n to Site Lighting TakeoffThe site lighting partial plan (Fig. 2-8, p. 27) gives us aview of the build ing, site light fixtures, site lighting polebase detail , parking areas, s idewa lks, drivew ays, roadloca tions , utility pole , utility transformer, lighting con-tactor, t ime clock , and pho to cell . Begin the takeoff bylisting the site l ighting pole types o n th e rough takeoffsheet (Fig. 2-9, p. 29).The poles have single or mult iplefixtures on them an d are laid out for driveway an d park-ing area illumination. When we coun t the pole types, wewill also be counting the f ixture he ads, lam ps, and co n-crete bases at the sam e time. As listed on t he shee t, thereare many items that will be required for the fixtures, butnot seen, such as fuses , spl icing, di rect bur ial warningtape, wire in the po les , and ground lugs . The concretebases have a $9' PVC sleeve in the center to accom moda tethe insta llation of a ground rod after the base is set inplace. The precast contractor will place the anchor bolts,s leeves for wiring, and the ground rod. They will notneed a labor factor ap plie d, just delivery charges to theprecast company for their installation. The conduit sys-tem will be 1%'' chedule 40 PVC with c opper wire sizesand typ es as sho wn . To determ ine the footages of thePVC, wire, trenching, and warning ta pe, you will need ascaled rule or map measurer. Measure ea ch run of PVCan d enter the totals as show n on the rough takeoff sheet(see Fig. 2-9,p . 29). List all of the PVC raceways, elbows,couplings, and PVC cement. The excavation a nd associ-ated i tems requ ired fo r the site l ighting w iring are alsolisted. The estimator can request a quotation from exca-vators or do this work wi th in-house workers and in -house equipm ent . coordinate the raceway ins tal la tionwith the s i te contractor to avoid problems w i th cu rbs ,sidew alks, other utilities, and the like.

You can use the back of the sheet to l is t all of th eindiv idua l footages of the PVC, wire , t r ench , warn ingtape, e tc . and th en t ransfer the totals (as shown on th eshee t) to the face of the sheet. This will prov ide b ackup

of the totals accumulated f rom the s i te plan as youmeasure a ll distances between poles an d building.

Items not to overlook in the estimate:1. Excavation, stone base, backfilling, and ta mp ing

for the preca st conc rete bases (allow for theremoval or spre adin g of excess earth).

2. Delivery of bolt circles, anchor bolt s, prec ut PVCground rod sleeves, and preassembled PVC race-ways to the precast manufacturer. Determinewhethe r the precast manufu cturer will set the basesin the holes or in one staging area upon delivery.If all the bases are delivered and unlo aded in oneplace, the estimator must allow time a nd mo neyto move the bases into place and set them.

3. Allow m oney for a boom truck to pick up thepoles and set them on their bases. Preassemblethe pole arms, f ixtures, and wiring, and test th epole assembly on the groun d prior to l ift ing i tinto place. Allow money for leveling m aterialan d allow for labor.

4. Allow money to lay out the pole locations withthe site engineer. Request a quotation from othercivil engineers, also.

The estimate sheets (Figs. Z-lOA, B , pp . 30 , 31) wil lshow h ow al l of the s i te l ight ing poles an d al l associ-ated m ater ials are to be l i s ted for pr icing an d the re-quired labor hours for al l mater ial . The pr ices are notinclu ded d ue to each contractor 's pr ice s t ructure wi ththe m ate r ia l supp l i e r s and ac tua l p r ice f luc tua tion inthe m arke t s . A f ew i t ems such as in - l ine fuse ho lder s(wi th fuses) , ground lugs , wirenuts , e tc . wi l l be al low-ance i t ems of money and hour s . Some of t he m ate r ia lwill be required i n the specifications and not sho wn onthe electr ical plans. I t is important for the estim ator toreview the sp ecif icat ions repeatedly to avoid miss ingspecified materials.


34/226

EST. NO: 1O/O1/03-1 SITE LIGHTINGJOB: Office bldq #lo0 Utown, USA

SITE LIGHTING PARTIAL PLAN

Primary eleCommunicSee site se..... .....I ......A ............... d P w r ' co

PwrlCo. Term Pole2#8 & 1#10 n 1. *

2#0 1#10 n 1 1/epvc -$

Type 3

-

2#6 & 1#10 n 1 1/4"pvc

Type 1 -* -2#8 &1#10 n 1 1/4"wc

-f. Type 1 +I'

.IOFFICEBUILDING

' II NOTTOSCALEFigure 2-8


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28 How to Estimate Electrical Construc tion Projects

NOTES


36/226

Type "1" Type "2" Type " 3 400 wan 400 wan in-line #12 thhn cu wirenuts ground lugsSite Lighting 2 0 alum pole 2 0 alum pole 20' alum pole fixt heads hps lamps fuse holders in poles tape & etc. attach to ITEMS & 2 40Ow fix 4 40Ow fix 1 400w fix w/ballasts base horz. w/ fuses from feeder to splice to pole LOCATION 26 ar ms 43'arms 16' arm 480 volt up to fixt. feeds in pole480 volt hps 480 volt hps 480 volt hps 480 volt hps

Plan MEP-1 6 4 4 32 32 64 1.500 allow $$$ 14 A good rule to follow when measuring he conduit and wire between the building panel and each pole light is as follows: Begin by numbe(A, B, C, etc.) each pole light. Then measure from the panel to the first pole and record that on the back of this sheet. Continue until you light and then transfer all that info to this side of the rough takeoff sheet as shown below. The estimator may want to use a separate rougback of this sheet, whichever is more comfortable for the estimator ....

Figure 2-9


37/226


ESTIMATE SHEET ESTIMATE NO : 10/01/03-1JOB: Office bldg' #lo0 Utown, USA PAGENO: 1 OF 2Estima te Sheet of Site Linhtina Labor HoursESTIMATED BY: Mr. E S T . CHCK'D BY: Sr. DATE: 10/01/03

Figu re 2-10A


38/226

Electrical Materi al and Labor Takeoff 31

ESTIMATE SHEET ESTIMATE NO : 10/01/03-1JOB: Office bldg' #lo0 Utown, USA PAGE NO: 2 OF 2Estimate Sheet of Site Lighting Labor HoursESTIMATED BY: Mr. E.S.T. CHC KDB Y: Sr. DATE: 10/01/03

12345678 #lo thhn 600v copper wire stranded 1,800' M 10 M 189

10 Direct buried electrical line s warning tape 1,500' M 4 M 6I 1

121314151617181920212223242526272829303132

Figure 2-10B


39/226


Text Introdu ction to Branch W ir ing TakeoffIn order to takeoff the branch w iring, you nee d to refer toa few of the electr ical plans. On th e l ighting plan (seeFig. 2-2B) you will find the circuiting for the lighting fix-tures an d for the associated switchin g of the se f ixtures.On the devices plan (see Fig. 2-5) you will f ind th e cir-cuiting for the receptacles and the 120 V feed to the firealarm control panel from the RP panel. In our examplehere, MC cable is permitted on this project for all branchwir ing wi thin the bui lding. There is no wir ing in thefloor, as it had been poured prior to the contracts beingawarded. There may be a need to install a short amounton EMT in the utilities and restrooms (less than 50 feet),but we will make an allowance for this small am oun t ofEMT and wire required. On the branch wir ing roughtakeoff sheet (Fig. 2 - 1 1 , p . 33), the MC cable and associ-ated fittings have been listed according to the plan nu m-ber. As described above, we takeoff the m aterial an d listit according to the p lan num ber, which serves as a checkthat a plan was not overlooked in th e takeoff procedure.

The estim ate sheet (Fig. 2 - 1 2 , p. 34 ) will sho w howall of the branch circuit wiring a nd associated m aterialsare to be l i s ted for pr icing and the h ours req uired foreach item. The prices are not included du e to each c on-tractors price structure with the material suppliers andactual pr ice f luctuat ion in the markets . A few i temssuch as wall s tud sleeves, splicing m aterials , tape, tags,junction boxes, etc. will not be shown on the plans, butwi l l be required. I t i s impor tant for the es t imator tovisual ize the ins tal la t ion of the cable and l i s t ing thematerial and labor allowances in the estimate.

Text Introduction to Com munications TakeoffThe partial communication f loor plan (Fig. 2-13, p. 35 )shows the comm unica t ions equ ipment fo r the vo iceand data wir ing required. The voice backboard and110-pu nch-do wn block are located in the uti li t ies room.

The da ta patch panel f loor s tand wi th the patch panelare also located in the ut i l i t ies room. There are threelocations that have a com bination voice an d data outlet .These three out let locat ions wi l l require o ne category# 3 plenum -rated cable for voice a nd on e category #5plenum -rated cable for data. Both cables will term inatein the u ti l i t ies room on thei r respect ive voice block ordata pan el . The out lets a t the wal l wi l l cons is t of ones ingle-gang wal l bo x, one voice conn ector , one dataconnector , and one s ingle-gang combinat ion wal l p lateto accomm odate bo th vo ice and da ta connec to r s . Thesingle-voice outlet in the uti l i t ies room w ill require anout let box, a voice connector , and a s ing le wal l p late .As you can see on the f loor plan, the cables run to-gether through the su spen ded ceil ing from the outlet tothe ut i l i t ies room. These cables wi l l be sup por te d by J hooks an d through th e wall s leeves as required at allpenetrat ions . Patch co rds are provided fo r both voiceand data . All cab les , p lates , b locks , and pane ls w i l l betagged wi th the appropr iate markings . Field tes t ingmust be per formed on al l cables and a record of thetes ts turned over to the prop er author i ty . Al l penetra-tions of walls an d parti t ions require sleeves to accom-mod ate the voice and data cables . The es t imator mustcount a nd list all the com ponents required for the voice/data system on the rough takeoff sheet (Fig. 2-14, p. 37).The estimate she et (Fig. 2-15, p. 38) wi l l show howall of the commu nication items and the associated m ate-rials are to be l is ted for pricing an d the require d laborhours. The prices are not included due to each contrac-tor s pr ice s t ructure wi th the mater ial suppl iers andactual price fluctuation in the markets. As listed above,many m ater ials for the com mun icat ion sys tem are notshown on the p lans but w ill be necessary for a completesys tem. Some of these m ater ials may be p atch cables ,grounding , a cable su ppo r t sys tem, labels , tes t ing, e tc .The sp ecifications will also specify the various com po-nents required for a complete communication system.


40/226

Figure 2-11


41/226

34

1234567a9

Ho w to Estim ate Electrical Construction Projects

2/c #12MC cable 3,0003/c #12MC cable 1,0004/c #12MC cable 400'2/c #10MC cable 100'3/c #10MC cable 300'4/c #lo MC cable 750'

MC cable connectors 374MC cable hangers and SupportsMastners Allow

ESTIMATE SHEET

1011

ESTIMATE NO: 10/01/03-1

I IMetal stud wall sieves 90 I

JOB: Office bldg' #lo0 Utown, USA PAGENO: 1 OF 1Estima te Sheet of Bran ch Wirinq Labor Ho ursESTIMATED BY: Mr. F S.T. C HC KD B Y Sr. DATE: 10/01/03

I DESCRIPTIONOF MATERIALS MATERIA1QUANTITY I UNITCOST

121 I13 4" and 5" square boxes with blank covers I 5014 I II15 Misc. splicing, tags, tape, ty-raps, etc. Allow16 II17 Allowance for misc' EM T and wire I Allow Ii a192021

2526 I I302

2 I IM = Per Thousand EA = Each

36

55

I I -I I -

15M 41.25II2345678910111213141516

17i a1920212223242526272829303132

I C = Per Hundred TOTA L I I OTAL 1 324.35Figure 2-12


42/226

-3ct

I

@,

\/

L


43/226

36 How to Estimate Electrical Constructio n Projects

NOTES


44/226

EST. NO: 10/01/03-1 VOICE-DATA COMM' ROUGHTAKEOFF SHEETVD

datawall outletbox & plate& connector

0

voice cablepunch down

at 110block

4

v w Doice/dataI-IHPelephone 64 pori I - helf forwall outlet voice/data patch panel data patch patch panelbox & plate backboard floor stand panel 8 wire mng'rI connectors 4x8' & qnd conn

3 1 1 1 1

cat' 5 cat' 3 'J' hooks test alldata cable voice cable for cables cables

***.**

plenum plenum3x100 4x10 0

*

.

Figure 2-14


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38 Ho w to Estim ate Electrical Construction Projects

ESTIMATE SHEET ESTIMATE NO : 10/01/03-1JOB: Office b ldd #lo0 Utown, USA PAGENO: 1 OF 1Estimate Sheet of Communications Labor HoursESTIMATED BY: Yr. F S.T. CHCKDBY: Sr. DATE: 10/01/03

C = Per Hundred PR = Per Pair TOTAL I TOTAL 27.9Figure 2-15


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Electrical Material an d Labor Takeoff 39

Text Introduct ion t o Fire Alarm TakeoffThe fire alarm partial f loor plan (Fig. 2-16, p . 40) laysout the f i re alarm devices required for this por t ion ofthe building. Th e typical f ire alarm riser diagram (Fig.2 - 1 7 , p. 42 ) provides th e estimator with the wiring an dzones required. The main fire alarm panel is located inthe ut i l i ty room along wi th the spr inkler f low andtamper switches. The remote annu nciator panel shouldbe located near the entra nce to give the first respondersthe immediate locat ion that in i t ia ted the alarm. Theduct detectors will be moun ted o n the HVAC duct workin accordance wi th the local autho r i t ies codes . Thelength of the samp ling tubes for the detector w ill needto be measured af ter a location has been d etermined .Coordinate the ins tal la t ion of the tube and detectorwith th e HVAC duct installer. Th e estimator shou ld ver-i fy the wir ing requirements and device quant i t ies foreach zone wi th the f i re alarm equipment suppl ier . Thedetector zones may incorporate manual stations as wellas automatic detectors. The estimator sho uld request afloor plan from the fire alarm eq uipment supplier sho w-ing the locations of the devices, wiring, and zones. Hereagain w e lis t all of this ma terial on th e rough takeoffsheet (Fig. 2-18, p. 43).

The estimate sheet (Fig. 2-19, p, 44) will sho w all ofthe f i re alarm sys tem mater ials and associated i temsthat are to be l i s ted for pr icing a nd th e required laborhours for al l the mater ial . The pr ices are not include ddu e to each contractors price structure w ith the mate-r i al sup p l i e r s and ac tua l f luc tua tion in the m arke ts .There are various i tems that are not show n on the pla nsbut w i l l be required for a complete f ire alarm sys tem;some of these may be junction boxes, hangers and sup -por ts , wal l s leeves , spl icing mater ials , and labels andtags. The estimator will find tha t the specifications willspeci fy m any of these i tem s, but not a l l ; the es t imatormust allow for these unseen items.Text Introd uction t o MechanicalEquipment Takeoff SheetAllow for splicing, tagging, tape, testing, etc. Locate theATC panel a nd fu rnish it wi th a 12 0 V circuit (Fig. 2-20,

p. 45). All automatic temperature control wiring is to befurnished and ins tal led by the HVAC contractor . Al lmotor control lers and controls are to be furnished bythe HVAC contractor. The electr ical co