electrical estimator's manual _ how to estimate electrical construction projects, including everyday...

8/20/2019 Electrical Estimator's Manual _ How to Estimate Electrical Construction Projects, Including Everyday Labor Installati…

1/226

Electrical Estimator s Man u al

ow t o Estim ate Electrical Const ructio n Projects

Includin g Everyday Labor Installation Rates

Wil l iam Penn

Houston Texas


2/226

Copyright

2005

by Gulf Publishing Company Houston Texas. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication m ay be reproduced or transmitted

in

any form without the prior

written permission of the publisher.

Gulf Publishing Company

Greenway Plaza Suite 1020

Houston

TX

77046

10

9

8

7 6

5

4

3

Printed in the United States of America.

Printed on acid-free paper.

Text design and composition by Ruth Maassen.

ISBN 0-9765113-2-0


3/226

n troduct ion

he elect r ical cons t ruct ion indus t ry has evolved

T rom the rudimen tary adage “b lack is the hot leg

and w hite is the neu tral .” Although this is s t i ll true and

the theory is the same, much h as been discovered and

expanded on. 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 5 years ago . Yes, the

es t imat ing hardware, so to speak, has evolved f rom

handheld counters an d individual wheel map measures

to electronic probes that coun t and me asure and at the

same t ime keep a running total . New devices have

come into th e market to make t he estimating task faster

and more accurate, which , in theory, reduces the cost to

produce an es t imate. This i s a l l t rue, yet there is on e

factor that has survived al l these years an d wi l l co n-

tinue to survive-the han ds-o n ESTIMATOR.

The ESTIMATOR has th e ability to transform a set of

electrical construction plans a nd do cumen ts into a total

cost of labor, ma terials, an d job expen ses. All of the new

probes, markers, an d gadgets cannot a ttend a prebid site

investigative wa lk-through

or

actually interpret bidd ing

documents . This always has been, i s now, and wi l l be

performed 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 times

a contractor wi l l have an employee an elect r ic ian or

someone else) who shows respons ibi l i ty , good work

habi ts , dependabi l i ty , and enjoys thei r work. The con-

tractor might encourage that em ployee to begin to learn

the es t imat ing process ; th is was my personal exper i -

ence with a contractor who m

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 many

years of experience in the e lectrical construction in dus -

try. The contents have been designed in su ch a way that

electrical instructors, electricians, electrical engineers,

architects, blueprint readers, etc. can d raw som e benefit

from it, even if only for reference material. Tho se ind i-

viduals who have some electrical experience a nd want to

advance themselves in to the electrical estimators’ circle

shou ld study the material conta ined herein. The entire

format has been designed with th e beginner as well as

the seasoned estimator and others in mind .

Included are s tep-by-s tep ins t ruct ions on how to

interpret construction plans and specifications, what to

look for, and why you should read ll 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 there

will be i te ms in these categories of the specification s

that im pact an electrical contractor’s 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,


4/226

xiv

nt 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 in place.

Rough takeoff sheets have been dev elop ed for all of

the electrical materials show n on the partial plans a nd

associated mater ials required for a co mplete ins tal la-

tion . This book will show you ho w to transfer all of the

materials show n on the rough takeoff shee ts to estimat-

ing sheets for inserting prices a nd labor h ours . The next

s tep sh ow n is to total

al l

of the labor mater ial i s not

pr iced here due to each contractor ’s speci f ic pr icing

s 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 lude

al 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 on

actual 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 the

f i eld and app l i ed by many con t rac to rs who m I con-

sulted for in the past see “About the Author” ).

A com plete sample estimate has been included here

to show exact ly how a profess ional es t imate is formu-

lated. Al though the pr ices of the indiv idual mater ials

a r e no t shown

o n

the es t imate pr icing s heets , there

have been al lowances inser ted on the f inal recapitula-

t ion shee t s t ha t you can go through this she et f rom

beginning 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 for most commo n places , and blank es t imat-

ing and related b usiness 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 is

the heart nd soul of a successful comp any.


5/226

reface

his guide of instructional and informative material

T

as been developed for the individual who wo uld

like to add estima ting of electrical construc tion p rojects to

their 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 ing

courses who are involved in the electr ical constru ction

industry 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 d rawings , notat ions , detai l

sheets , and a complete sample estimate Blank esti-

mat ing sheets

for

the es t imator’s use w hen es t imat ing

are include d.

The guide begins by explaining the various sections

and divisions of a sam ple project’s bid specifications. We

also review each trade’s installation responsibilities for

example, general construction , plumbing, HVAC, and

electrical). Partial

floor

plans and s i te plans have been

developed for the electrical installation. These partial

plans w ill lay out the services to the building, th e site and

interior lighting, various devices, voiceldata communica-

tion, the f ire alarm system , and mechanical equipment

electrical requirem ents.

The samp le es t imate herein inc lude s a recapi tula-

tion sheet of the sample estimate that depicts all of the

job expenses, nonp rod uctiv e labor, materials, and labor

hours 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 for

qualified, experienced estimators as well as junior esti-

mators for thei r companies . By thoroughly s tudying

this guide , you w ill enha nce you r job marketabili ty to

electrical contractors.

A section of this guide includes more than 2 500 easily

accessed labor units on a w ide array of electrical materi-

als, along w ith charts, miscellaneous formulas, and rules

of thumb. he labor units included herein have been

developed by this author after more than

5

years in the

electrical construction industry see “Abo ut the Autho r”).

ix


6/226

Contents

Preface

ix

Abou t t he Au t hor xi

Introduction

xiii

CHAPTER Ho w t o Estim ate Electrical

Cons tructio n Projects

Contractor’s Library: Reference Material for the

Estimator’s Tools Required

Section 1: Preparing Estimates from Plans

Step :What Documents to Look for and

Estimator

Specifications and Related Documents 2

Examine

Invitation to Bid 2

Form of Proposal or Bid Form

Project Specifications

General Conditions

Supplementary Conditions 3

Special Conditions for the Mechanical and

Electrical Trades 3

General Construction Division 3

Structural Steel Division

4

Plumbing Division

Heating Ventilating and Air-conditioning

Electrical Division

4

3

Division

Step 2: The Bid Drawings and Estimate

Title Sheet

Site Plan 5

Foundation Plans 5

Finish Schedule Sheet 6

Architectural Plans 6

Structural Plans

6

Mechanical and Electrical Site Plans

Plumbing Plans 6

Heating Ventilating and Air-conditioning

Electrical Plans

6

Plans 6

CHAPTER

2

Electrical Mater ial and Labor

Takeoff

Typical Electrical Symbol List

Ceiling Finishes

Text Introduction to Fixtures Takeoff

Text Recap of Fixtures Takeoff 2

Text Introduction to Devices Takeoff

Ceiling Finishes Partial Floor Plan

Fixture Legend

15

Lighting Fixtur es Partial Floor Plan

Fixtures Rough Takeoff Shee t 18

Estimate S heet of Fixtures Labor Hours

Devices P artial Floor Plan

Devices Roug h Takeoff Sheet 4

Estimate Sheet

of

Devices Labor Hours

Text Introduction to Site Lighting Takeoff 26

Site Lighting Partial Plan

7

Site Lighting Roug h Takeoff Sheet 9

Estimate Sheet of Site Lighting Labor Hours

2

2

13

16

2

5

3

http://11320_pref.pdf/http://11320_auth.pdf/http://11320_intro.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_01.pdf/http://11320_intro.pdf/http://11320_auth.pdf/http://11320_pref.pdf/


7/226

vi

Contents

Text Introduction to Branch Wiring Takeoff

Text Introduction to Communications

Branch Wiring Roug h Takeoff Shee t

Estimate Sheet of Branch Wiring Labor

Com mun icatio ns Partial Floor Plan

35

Comm unicat ions Rough Takeof f Sheet 37

Estimate Sheet of Com mun icatio ns Labor

Text Introduction to Fire Alarm Takeoff 39

Text Introduction to Mechanical Equipment

Text Introduction to Services to Building

Fire Al ar m Partial Floor Plan 4

Typical Fire Ala rm Riser Diagram

Fire Ala rm Rou gh Takeoff Sheet

Estimate Shee t of Fire Ala rm Labor Hours

Mecha nical Equip men t Partial Floor Plan

Mechanical Equipm ent Rough Takeoff Sheet 7

Estimate Shee t of Mechanica l Eq uip me nt Labor

Typical Power Riser Diagram 49

Estimate Sh eet of Panels and Transformers

Labor Hours

5

Site Services Partial Plan 52

Feeder Schedule 54

Estimate Sheet of Feeders Labor Hours

Typical Details Rough Takeoff Sheet

Rough Takeoff Sheets to Estimate Sheets

Recapitulation Sheet

61

Estimate Sheet of Equipment Prices

Needed 63

Recapitulation of Estimate She ets 64

Estimate Sheets:

32

Takeoff 32

33

Hours 34

Hours 38

Takeoff 39

Feeders Panels and Transformers 39

42

43

44

45

Hours

8

55

57

59

Feeders Labor Hours 65

Panels and Transformers Labor Hours

Indoor Feeders Labor Hours 68

Bra nch Wiring Labor Hours 69

Site Lighting Labor Hours 7

Fixtures Labor Hours

72

Devices Labor Hour s 7

Comm unicat ions Labor Hours 75

Fire Ala rm Labor Hours 76

Mechanical Equip men t Labor Hours 77

66

CHAPTER

3

Labor Rate Schedules and Forms

Charts and Diagrams

79

Section

:

Raceways and Fittings

82

Field Installation of Raceways a nd Associated

Field Installatio n of Rigid Co nd uit Assoc iated

Field Installation

of

Rigid C ond uit an d

Field Installa tion of W irew ays an d Fittings

Field Installation of Cable Tray an d

Field Installation of Flexible Conduit an d

Field Installation of Motor W h ip

Field Installation of Raceways and Ass ocia ted

Field Installation of Raceway s and Associated

Field Installation of Un der Floor Ducts an d

Field Installation of Trench Duct and

Field Installation of Metal Wiremo ld and

Field Installation of Mineral Insulated Cable

Fittings for RGC

82

Fittings

84

Associated Explosion-Proof Fittings

86

88

Fittings

89

Fittings

92

Connect ions

93

Fittings for EMT

9 4

PVC Fittings 95

Fittings 97

Fittings 98

Fittings 99

600V

1

Section 2: Devices Boxes Plates and

Flat Wiring 102

Field Installation of Devices and Plates

Fie1d Ins tall a ion of Poke- Thr ough Fittings/

Field Installation of Sh eet Metal Ou tlet an d

Field Installation of Cast Outlet and Ju nct ion

Field Installatio n of Un de r Carpet Flat- Wiring

1 2

Devices/Covers

1 3

Junct ion Boxes 1 4

Boxes

1 5

Sys tem

1 6

Section 3: Light Fixtures 1 7

Field Installation of HID Lighting Fixtures

Field Installation of Lighting Fixtures

Incandesce nt , Exi t , Emergency) 1 8

Field Installation of Fluorescent Fixtures

Field Installation of Track Lighting

Field Installation of Preassembled Quick Wiring

Field Installation of Area Lighting

Field Installation of W ood Poles

Section 4: Emergency Generators 115

Field Installation of Emerg ency Generator

1 7

1 9

Sys tems 1 1 0

Sys tems

1 1 1

1 1

3

1 1

Sets 11 5

Section 5: Grounding 1 1 7

http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02b.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/http://11320_02a.pdf/


8/226

Contents

v i i

Field Installation of Grounding

Field Installation of Cop per Bus Ducts

Field Installation of C opper Bus Ducts and

1 1

7

Section 6 :Bus Ducts 118

118

Plug-in U nits 119

Section 7: Distribution Equipment 120

Field Installation

of

Nonfused Disconnect

Field Installation of Nema

1

Motor Control

Field Installa tion of Starters, Contactors, an d

Fiel d In stallation of Hig h Voltage Transformers

Fiel d Installa tion of L ow- Voltage Transformers

Field Installation of Incoming Service and

Field Installation of Meter Sockets an d

Field Installation of Meter Stacks 13

Field Installatio n of Indoor Surfac e Panel

Field Installation of Indoor Surface-Mounted

Field Installation of Circuit Breakers

Field C onn ectio n of Preinstalled Circuit

Switches:

25

Volts

12

Centers 121

Controls 122

124

126

Distribution Sections 28

Stacks 129

Boards 131

Panels 132

133

BreakerdPressure Switches and Single- Wire

Terminations 134

and Circuit Breakers

136

Field Insta llation of Circuit Breaker Enclosu res

Section 8: Fire Alarm and Miscellaneous

Field Installation of Fire Ala rm Syste m

Field Installation of Miscellaneous System s

Field Installation of Electric Heating 139

Field Installation of S no w Melting Mats,

Sn ow Melting Cable, and Heat Tracing

Cable

141

Systems 137

Equipment 137

138

Section 9: Electric Heating 139

Section 10: High- and Low-Voltage Cables 143

Field Insta llation of High-Voltage Cable

in

Field Insta llation of “Copper” Wire an d

Field Installation of Multiconductor Tray

Conduit 143

Cable

1 4 4

Cables 146

Field Installation of Multiconductor Copper

Cables 1 4 7

Field Installation of Low-Voltage and

Multiconductor Cables 149

Section 11: Voice and Data Wiring 15

Section 12: Miscellaneous HVAC Devices

Field Installation of Voice/D ata Sy ste ms

151

Field Installation of W iring or Miscellaneous

15

HVA C Devices

151

Section 13: Light Bases 152

Section 14: Voltage Drop Tables

Field Installation of Concrete Bases

153

Voltage Drop Tables fo r Low-Voltage

152

Circuits

153

Section 15: Miscellaneous

154

Miscellaneous Information, Formulas

154

AC Motor Connections 155

Motor HP and Am pere Ratings

Single Phase) 156

Motor HP and Am pe re Ratings

Three Phase) 157

Typica l Motor C ontrol Circuits

158

Conv ersion Factors 16

Am pe re Ratings of Resistance Loads Single

Am pe re Ratings of Resistance Loads Three

Transformer Conne ctions Delta to Wye) 168

Transformer Connections Delta to Delta)

Transformer KVA and A mp ere Rat ings Single

Transformer KVA and Am pe re Ratings Three

Lighting Design/Footcan dle

Phase) 166

Phase) 167

169

Phase) 17

Phase) 171

Recommendat ions 172

CHAPTER

4

Sample Estimate and Forms

175

Estimator’s Check Sheet

176

Sam ple Est imate 179

Blank Forms

199

Recapitulation Sheet

Estimate Sheet

Change Order Recap itulation S heet

Rough Takeof l Sheet

Feeder Sche dule

Request fo r Information

Work A u thorization Form

Time and Material W ork Order

http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_04.pdf/http://11320_04.pdf/http://11320_04.pdf/http://11320_04.pdf/http://11320_04.pdf/http://11320_04.pdf/http://11320_04.pdf/http://11320_04.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03b.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/http://11320_03a.pdf/


9/226

CHAPTER

1

Ho w t o Estim ate Electrical

Construction Projects

his informat ion and ins t ruct ional mater ial i s de-

T

igned for those w ho have experien ce as an electr i-

cal contractor, electr ician, electr ical draftsperson, or

elect r ical engineer in the cons t ruct ion indus t ry , and

also for those who want to increase their knowledge of

the estimating field. If you have some knowledge of

blueprint reading, electrical materials, and field instal-

la t ions on co ns t ruct ion projects , th is m ater ial wi l l be

easier to learn and th en ap ply. After you com plete this

book, you will need to have access to the essential refer-

ence materials an d tools that are l is ted below, whether

you are a beginning or a seasoned estimator.

Contractor s Li b r a y : Reference Mater ial

for the Estimator

Reference material on installations of other trades

Pad s of rough takeoff, estimate , feeder, recap itu-

lation, and change-order sheets

Estimator s

Tools

Required

Triangular architect s rule

Triangular engineer s rul e

Miscellaneo us drafting tools (angles, protractor,

templates)

Manual hand counter

Map m easuring w heels (1 nch , inch , and

inch to th e foot)

Electronic probe counter a nd m easurer in lieu of

man ual counter and wheels

Walking m easuring w heel

A 100 -foot tape m easure

Highlighter markers

Latest edition of the National Electrical Code

Latest edition of the National Fire Prevention

Code

Access to a computer is r ecommended

Latest edition of the BOCA Code and local codes

in the area of construction

Estimating is the art of translating blueprints, scopes

of work, prebid field inspections, and verbal requests for

proposa ls into costs of materials an d labor required to

produc e a com plete electr ical installation with an ade-

quate profit margin. Although there are various types of

Catalogs and digests of electrical materials

Material pricing references

Labor uni t ma nua l for electrical materials

(enclosed within Chapter 3 preferred)


10/226

2

How o Estim ate Electrical Construction Projects

estimating, suc h 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 imator

uses methods other than the labor-unit approach to pro-

duce a budget

or

ballpark price. This often occurs wh en

t ime do es not a l low for a labor uni t es t imate, but th e

contractor feels compel led to subm it a proposal to th e

requesting party. These proposals are often costly to the

contractor and have a negative effect on the relationship

between both par t ies and perh aps others who have an

interest in the project.

SECTION : Preparing Estimates from Plans,

Specifications, and Related Docu ments

For this exerc ise, let us assume that a shell of a 5,000-

square- foot

(50'

x

100 )

bui lding has been erected for

future office spac e. The floor has been poured wi th 4

inches of reinforced concrete , the exter ior wal ls are

constructed 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 t

doors . The bui lding w i l l be heated by na tural gas an d

wil l be ful ly ai r -condi t ioned by four roof-mou nted,

prepackaged HVAC units . Th e men s and wom en s rest-

rooms wi l l have a roof-mounted exhaus t fan an d thei r

walls will be constructed

of

ceme nt blocks. T he ent i re

bui 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-

pen ded tee bars an d acoustical ceiling tiles sized at 2 ' x

4 a n d 2 ' x 2 ' as required. Th e interior walls will be steel

stud s with sheet rock.

A

utility room with exposed ceil-

ing cons t ruct ion has been pro vided for the elect r ical

equipm ent, building m aintenance i tems, an d comm uni-

cation space for voice and data distribution.

There are electrical floor plans that s how th e electri-

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 , and

detailed r iser diagrams for power, f ire alarm , and com -

mun icat ions systems. Most estimators will review the

electrical plans immediately and notify the various

major material suppliers

of

the need for pricing and

the date their prices are required.

A s i te plan a nd par t ia l s i te services plan sho w the

site l ighting poles and fixtures, the wall a nd

floor

open-

ings for the electr ical service, and com mun ications and

s i te l ight ing that the bui lder ins tal led in th e concrete

bearing walls below grade. Also show n are details on th e

site 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. The

location of the te mp orary elec tric service for the p roject s

construction an d staging area is also sh ow n.

Included in the bid package a re the plans , contract

specifications in clud ing a scope of wo rk, and a form of

proposal to be used by the bidder w hen submit t ing his

or

her p r i ce . The s cope of work def ines what i s to be

inclu ded in each contractor s proposal . There is a lso a

bu l l e t in

1

( somet imes r e fe r r ed to as an ad den dum )

tha t i s t o be acknowledged as r ece ived , an d any cos t

impac t m us t be inc luded wi th the con t rac to r s p ro -

posal. Bulletins an d add end a often arise in respon se to

que stion s of clarification asked by the con tractors. This

meth od keeps all of the bidders aware of any changes in

thei r sco pe of work, wh ich 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

f o r

and Examine

Invi tat ion to Bid

The invitation may c om e to the bidder in the form of a

let ter , pos tcard, newspaper adver t isement , facs imile ,

emai l ,

or

by telephon e. Let us assume it was delivered

to the bidd er by letter , requesting a proposal for his or

her 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 the

phys 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 at

the s i te for al l the bidders ( somet imes at tendance is

manda 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 to

e i ther submi t

or

decl in e to submit a proposal . In this

case, we w ill review t he in vitation along with the form

of proposal (bid form) pr ior to proceeding wi th the

decision to su bmit a proposal.


11/226

How to Estimate Electrical Construction Projects

3

Form of P roposal or Bid Form

This will give the contractor information

on

bonding

requirements, 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 to

know 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 do llar am oun t of

volume the bonding com pany (also referred to as the

surety) has predeterm ined to be the limit of liability.

There are many different ways a total estimated price

might be requ este d. Inste ad of asking for just on e total

price for the contractor’s entire scope of wo rk, the bid

request might require

a

breakdown of the total price by

tasks within the scope of work. Thu s, there will be many

different forms of proposal that th e contractor will be ex-

posed to.

The estimator

ust

prepare the estimate ac-

cording to the requirements as described in the proposal

form

Note : It is the estimator’s resp onsib ili ty to info rm

the contractor of bid ding a n d bonding requirem ents as

soon a s poss ible to give the contractor amp le t ime to

m a k e n intelligent decision as to whether to bid on th e

project or decline. T his also gives everyone concerned

ample t ime to co mplete their tasks pr ior

to

the da te

fixed for submitting proposals.

Now that we have examined the invi tat ion to bid

and the form of proposal , the contractor has mad e the

decision to subm it a proposal on the project.

Project Specifications

Contained w ithin the specifications are the general con-

di t ions , the supp lementary condi t ions , and the special

conditions for the mechanical an d the electrical trades.

Next we w i l l fol low the var ious t rade divis ions of the

work. Let us look at eac h divis ion for t he i t ems tha t

may imp act th e estimator’s price structure.

General Condit 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, which

is part of the general conditions, wil l provide eac h con-

tractor wit h specific requirements for the com pletion

of

their work. Here the contractor wi ll review information

on all of the contractor’s oblig ations

for

their work. A

scope of work is out l ined, and also informat ion on in-

sura nce requiremen ts, time of completion, paym ents to

contractors ( including a sched ule

of

valu es), 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 path

meth od) , temporary faci l it ies required, inspect ion re-

por ts , cooperat ion wi th other t rades , c lea nup, s torage

facilities, sho p drawing s, etc.

Supplementary Condi t ions. Not all projects will re-

quire this type of supp lem ent. These are used primarily

when a generic set of general condi t ions is used for a

project. This reduces t he cost of designing a whole new

set of general conditions. As eac h project s tan ds on its

own as to conditions, it is more cost effective to use sup-

plements along with a generic set of general conditions.

Special Cond itions for th e Mechanic al and Electrical

Trades. These trades requ ire specific instructions be-

cau se each trade either sup plies electrical materials for

installation by oth ers, or is obligated to sup ply and in-

stall certain item s requiring electrical power su pp ly in

one form

or

another. It is very im portant that th e electri-

cal estimator read the req uireme nts of all the mechani-

cal trades to asce rtain the responsibility of the electrical

contractor . Examples of i tems that would need to be

clarif ied are motor co ntrols , disconn ect switches, duct

heaters , automa t ic temp erature control sys tem s, han-

dling of motors, fire-pump c ontrols, and th e like.

General Construc t ion Divis ion. Although we will be

assuming that a shel l of a bui lding is in place and the

scope

of

work w i l l govern, i t i s necessary to become

familiar with all building specifications that follow.

This sect ion wi l l d iscuss who is respons ible for the

fol lowing: s i te c lear ing and preparat ion, c ivi l work,

drainage, roadways and

parking areas,

surveying,

exca-

vation,

forms, reinforced concrete w ork,

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


12/226

4

How to Estimate Electrical Const ruction Projects

door holders for the fire alarm system,

hardware

floor

covering painting

suspended ceilings, acoustical treat-

ment,

carpentry

openings

for

other trades,

and other

miscellaneous items.

Structural Steel Division.

This section will not be as

detailed as the general construction div ision. The esti-

mator should review this and look for such items as

openings in the roof material and bar joist construct ion.

There may be specific loading and

or

hanging require-

ments allowed from these joists in addit ion to other

agencies having jurisdiction.

Plumbing Div is ion. Do

not overlook this division by

assuming that plumbing has no significant impact on

the electrical work. There are items that may require

electrical power such as but not limited to

sewage

ejector pumps, sump pumps, water pumps, boilers,

certain gas-fired units, water connections to emer-

gency power generators, motor controls, fire pumps

and related flow switches, and tamper switches and

controllers.

So,

be sure to review thi s division as well

as the supplementary conditions for the mechanical

and 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 divi sion 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 items

that require electrical power and perhaps control wiring.

These specifications will define who furnishes installs

and connects the materials necessary for 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 in

their entirety; along with all the other divisions and

sections these form the written requirements for the

electrical contractor. The specifications will define all

of the electrical components as to type installa tions

sizes manufacturers shop drawing requirements etc.

When the specifications and plans conflict, a general

rule of thumb would be that the plans take precedence

over the specifications.

The thought behind this is that

the plans are drawn for a particular project while the

specifications are used by many electrical engineers

for

many different projects.

If

a major conflict is detected and a cost impact is

apparent the electrical estimator should write to the

electrical engineer with a copy to the architect asking

for a clarification. Beware of seeking answers in phone

conversations. Too often phone calls are forgotten and

in

the general conditions this type of communic ation

will not be honored if challenged. Always put all of

your job-related concerns questions and statements in

writing to all the interested parties. Send copies to the

owner’s representative inspectors the architect engi-

neers the general contractor subcontractors and any

other persons who would be directly involved with

your concern question

or

statement.

STEP 2: The id Drawings

and Estimate

Let us begin with a set of bid drawings issued along

with the previous bid documents. The drawings include

a title sheet which will list the project name and ad-

dress the owner’s 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

the

various sections will have all of the building informa-

tion necessary to submit a sound proposal. Unfortu-

nately there will be times when you will only receive

the electrical

floor

plans and perhaps a site plan. This

creates a list of exclusions you will need to submit along

with your proposal. But let us continue with the prem-

ise you have all of the bid drawings.

Tit le Sheet

This sheet offers important information such as a list of

the drawings for each main sect ion of the work the

number of drawings revisions with their dates and the

contact information for the architects and engineers.


13/226

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 bound

in the bid set are the a ppro priat e bidding docum ents. If

the es t imator discovers any discrepancies in the bid

drawings, he

or

he sho uld immediately ask the archi-

tect for c lar i f icat ion, in wr i t ing, wi th copies to the

owner s representative an d the engineer. If th e proposal

is being ma de to a gene ral contracto r, the requ est for

clarification wo uld go to that contractor.

Remember, all

communications by telephone must be followed up in

writing to avoid under-

or

overbidding.

Site Plan

Now that we have verified that all of the drawing nu m-

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 t yp ica l s it e p l an wi l l sho w

the b ui lding(s ) , roads , dr ivewa ys , s idewalks , parking

areas, utilities, lan dsca ping , lighting, and various other

details . Note the sca le on the site plan for future refer-

ence and highlight it w ith a marker.

Consider repeating

the scale in large numbers with a colored marker in an

open area on all the plans so you can't miss it.

Take

note of the com pass heading in reference to the build -

ing for your information when placing photocells for

exterior lighting, if spe cified.

The main road that provides access to the project

wi l l be the most l ikely area whe re al l services wi l l be

accessed. Regarding the elect r ic , te lephone, an d da ta

services to the bui lding, you wi l l need to pay close

at tent ion to var ious elem ents such as the topography,

landscaping, other ut i l i t ies , paving, and curbs . Al l

these factors have a direct impact

on

the electrical pro-

posal. If the co ndu its that sup ply these services need to

be buried at a de pth of

42

minim um, then the topogra-

phy wi l l need to be examined closely for r i ses and

decl ines of the rou gh grade d area. You may have to

excavate 60 of de pth i n som e areas of the dir ectio n of

the cond ui ts to maintain 42 minim um d epth of these

condui ts ,

Locate any landscaping

that may affect the

direct ion an d de pth of these con dui ts , and repor t an y

depth a nd di rect ion conf l ic ts to the archi tect . I have

seen many auger bi ts chew up condui ts 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 they

relate to utilities that may be bu ried there. K eep this in

mind wh en preparing your estimate.

Look for the water meter, whic h may be located in a

pi t

on

the exter ior of the bui lding

or

in the bui lding.

This water meter may require a cont inuous bonding

jumper a roun d the meter to prevent loss of continuity of

the m etal water service cond uit if the meter is removed.

The local inspecting agency will be able to answer any

questions regarding grou nding an dlo r bonding that they

require . Remember that the Nat ional Elect r ic Code

(NEC) provides the m inim um req uirements for electrical

installations, but the local electrical in specting agency

may enforce a higher level of requirem ents. Question

the local electrical inspector. Locate the sleeves that the

general contractor bui l t in to the wal ls below grade for

the elect r ic service, te lephone , data com municat ions ,

an d site lighting. You will need to connect to these and

list this work in the estim ate. Review th e site l ighting

fixtures an d bases. Look for any details o n the site light-

ing fixtures, bases, and the ir description schedu le that

may be on this shee t. If ther e are no details here , they

wil l be located on the elect r ical plans . This plan may

also 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 Plans

Not 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 ity

sleeves

or

windows be low grade in the founda t ion

wal ls . Here you wi l l f ind the depth and s izes of the

foo tings, and the wid th

of

t he founda t ion wal l s and

grade beams. Take note of the elevation of the top of the

footings. This will determ ine whether you need to stay

above

or

below the footings wi th your con dui ts enter -

ing the building from th e exterior. This plan m ight also

include a l i s t

of

test borings show ing the earth compo-

sit io n at different levels made in various areas of the

s i te . This wi l l help you a ndlo r

your

subcontractor in

estimating your excavation costs for trenches, manh oles,


14/226

6


handholes , s i te l ight ing pole bases , e tc . that may be

required.

Finish Schedule Sheet

This she et will l is t every

floor,

wall , and cei l ing finish

with in the bui lding. This wi l l guide you in select ing

the proper floor outle ts, wall outlet bo xes , ceiling outlet

boxes, recessed or flush-mounted ceiling fixture frames

or 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 not

know w hat colors may be special without reviewing the

f inish schedule, so the f inish schedule has a di rect

impact o n the elect r ical es timate. This sheet may also

incorporate the door f inish sch edu le. This will nee d to

be reviewed for any electrically operated overhead-type

doors, entry doors, roll-up win dow s, etc. for their elec-

tric requirements.

Architectural Plans

The 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 and

the complexity of the project. These plans will be used

to construct the project. All of the inform ation nee ded

by the general contractor will be inco rporated the rein.

The elect r ical es t imator should review al l of these

drawings to become famil iar wi th al l the di f ferent

rooms, 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 reflected

ce i ling p lan wi 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 e

electrical enginee r will use the reflected c eiling plan to

des ign th e f ixtures and ci rcui t ing. Note the detai ls on

the suspe nsion system of all the susp end ed ceil ings.

Structura l Plans

Again, 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 t

to review al l of these plans an d the associated detai ls

for slab thickness, foundation an d footing design, struc-

tural s teel layou t , bar jois t p lace ment , roof s te el , and

decking. D o not over look these p lans ,

as

many ques -

tions can be answered here.

Mechanical and E lectrical Site Plans

Some engineers will prefer to ad d this plan rather than

try to incorporate al l of thei r des igns onto the archi-

tect’s s i te plan. This pla n will lay o ut su ch item s as the

elect r ical and communicat ions services , s i te l ight ing

with their details, temporary services locations, cooling

towers , conde nsers for air cond i t ioning, motor-dr iven

pu mp s, emergency power u nits , fuel tanks, etc. Coordi-

nate this plan with other si te plans in the bid package.

Plumbing Plans

Here again, the total number of plans that are numbe red

P-1, P-2 , P-3, etc. will be determ ined by the m echanical

engineer . Al though you may thin k that reviewing the

p lumbing p lans a r e no t

so

impor tant , you do need to

review these plans jus t as you w ould review the other

plans . 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 ent

wi l l be show n here , as wel l as any spr ink le r f low a nd

tamper swi tches . Sum p pump s , condensate pum ps , hot

water pumps, chilled water pumps, cooling towers, etc.,

and all of their associated electr ical eq uipm ent will be

shown here as wel l . Some eng ineer s wi l l i nc lude a

sche dule of al l the mech anical equipme nt , the nam e-

plate d ata, and the contractor’s responsibilities.

Other engineers will l is t all of these requirem ents in

the specifications rather than on the plans . The plumb-

ing specifications m ay ind icate that all control wirin g is

to be furnished an d installed by others. Seldom will the

plum bing specifications require that th e con trol wiring

be 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 g

Plans

The 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, other

than th e architectural and electr ical plan s. These plans

will sho w whe re all of the h eating, ventilating, an d air-

conditioning equipm ent are located. You should review


15/226

How to Est imate Electr ical Construct ion Projects

7

the sheet-metal duc t drawing to kno w th e various sizes of

the supp ly an d, if any, the return ducts. This will also lay

out 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 ents

for air-handling fixtures, etc. The

floor

plans will locate

the motorized dampers as required for the vent i la tion

design, 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 w ho is responsible for furnishing, installing,

and wiring it all. Other engineers will spell it all out in

thei r speci f ications . The plum bing a nd the HVAC de-

s ign engineer ing are generally per formed by th e sam e

engineering comp any. In som e instances, the plumbing,

heating/ventilating/air conditioning,

and

electrical will

be designed by the sam e engineering company.

Electrical

lans

The 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 will

review 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 ly

asked the various material supp liers and subcontractors

for their quotation s on su ch item s as interior and exte-

rior

l ight f ixtures, electr ical distr ibution panels , f ire

alarm equipmen t , com munica t ion equipment , precas t

concrete bases , and excavat ion o n this project . Many

suppl iers wi l l meet w i th the elect r ical es t imator and

review al l of the equipment that wi l l need pr icing.

Some electrical sup ply hous es, if asked, will supp ly the

estimator with prices on the total amou nt of power an d

communica t ion cab le , r aceways , and dev ices . Look

over each plan an d become familiar with t he layouts of

all the devices an d equ ipm ent. We will begin an electri-

cal material takeoff in C hapter

2

by turni ng to the “Typ-

ical Electrical Symb ol List ,” w hic h has th ree pages of

com mon elect r ical symbols . (Note: There are symbol

lis ts on th e other contract plans th at the estimator can

refer to when there is equipment furnished by other

trades that require electrical connections.)


16/226

CHAPTER

2

Electrical M at er ia l and Labor Takeoff

Typical Electrical Sym bo l List

The symbols shown below are gener ic in nature, but

they give the estimator a gu ide wh ile d oing a takeoff.

Review this l is t an d become familiar with the symbols.

Some estimators will pho tocopy the symbols and kee p

them h andy rather than keep fumbling through plans .

Each engineer has sym bol l is ts they use that m ay vary

with others, but basic symbols are the same throughout

the ind ustry and will be on all symbol lis ts .

s

s2

s3

s4

s,

W p

dim

0

@

@

Single-pole switch, amp, an d volt rating in specs

Two-pole sw itch, amp, an d volt rating in specs

Three-way sw itch, amp, an d volt rating in specs

Four-way switch, amp , and volt rating in specs

Single-pole switch w ith l ighted handle, a mp, a nd volt rating in specs

Weather proof (nem a rating as show n on pla ns and in specs)

Dimmer switch rating, voltage, type, and incandescent or fluorescent in specs

Duplex receptacle, am p, and volt rating i n specs

Single (simplex) receptacle, am p, and volt rating i n specs

Special receptacle, a mp , and volt rating in specs

F Duplex receptacle

in

a f loor box, amp , volt , an d type in 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 specs

Enclosed circuit breaker as show n on plans an d in specs

Disconnect switch; I-,

-

or 3-pole amp an d volt as shown on plans an d in specs

Combination disconnect an d starter as shown on p lans an d in specs

Starter as shown on plans and in specs

Single-pole man ual motor starter as show n on plans an d in specs

Control s tation with button s, switches, and /or l ights as show n on plans a nd in specs

Sm

Sm, Single-pole ma nua l motor starter with pilot light as show n

on

plans and in specs

1

9


17/226

10

How t o Estimate Electrical Constru ction Projects

Contactor as shown on plans and in specs

li me clock as shown

on

plans and in specs

Photocell as shown on plans and in specs

Relay as shown

on

plans and in specs

Single-phase electric motor as shown on plans and in specs

Three-phase electric motor as shown

on

plans and in specs

Unit heater as shown on plans and in specs

Cabinet heater as shown on plans and in specs

Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning unit as shown on plans and in specs

Ground connection as shown on plans and in specs

Transformer as shown on plans and in specs

1

Switchboard as shown on plans and in specs

Main distribution panel as shown

o n

plans and in specs

Power panel as shown on plans and i n specs

Lighting panel as shown on plans and in specs

Receptacle panel as shown on plans and in specs

Manhole as shown on plans and in specs

Handhole as shown

on

plans and in specs

Raceway exposed as shown on plans and in specs

Raceway concealed in slab or below grade as shown on plans and in specs

Raceway or cable concealed above finished

floor

as shown on plans and in specs

E1

Motor control center as shown on plans and in specs

4

F 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 specs

Cable 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 specs

Patch panel floor stand as shown on plans and in specs

64-port patch panel as shown on plans and in specs

Shelf for patch panel and wire manager as shown

on

plans and in specs

Floor box with data outlet as shown on plans and in specs

Wall box with data outlet as shown

on

plans and in spec3

Floor

box with voice outlet as shown on plans and in specs

Wall 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 specs

V P T

Wall box

for

public telephone connection

as

shown on plans and

in

specs

e ncandescent light fixture recessed TYPE as shown on plans and in specs

0 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 specs

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

[171

m

VD

F

mV

mF

wo-gang

floor

box with data and voice outlet as shown

on

plans and in specs


18/226

Electrical Materi al and Labor Takeoff

-

luorescent fixture 48 long surface

I

recessed

I

lay-in

I

suspended TYPE as shown

on

plans and in specs

Fluorescent fixture 24 x 24 surface

I

recessed I lay-in

I


on

plans and in specs

luorescent fixture

24

x 48 surface

I

recessed

I

lay-in

I


on

plans and in specs

Fluorescent fixture 48 x 48 surface

I

recessed

I

lay-in

I


on

plans and in specs

-

luorescent fixture 8' long surface

I

recessed

I


on

plans and in specs

n

Light-track surface-mounted TYPE and length as shown on plans and in specs

Light-track fixture TYPE as shown on plans and in specs

Chandelier suspended TYPE as shown

on

plans and in specs

Emergency battery unit TYPE as shown on plans and in specs

Emergency remote light TYPE as shown on plans and in specs

HID lighting fixture TYPE as shown

on

plans and in specs

HID lighting fixture TYPE as shown

on

plans and in specs

Bollard for walkway TYPE as shown on plans and in specs

Site lighting pole and one fixture TYPE as shown

on

plans and in specs

Site lighting pole and two fixtures TYPE

as

shown on plans and in specs

Site lighting pole and four fixtures TYPE as shown

on

plans and in specs

In ground flagpole light as shown on plans and in specs

Fire alarm panel with battery backup

Fire alarm remote annunciator

FAmanual pull station

Lr FA combination horn and light

D

FA smoke detector

D FAheat detector

ODDAduct detector with sampling tube

~ I L

Aremote indicating light

wl FA data gathering panel

laahl

FAremote module

FAflow switch

FA tamper switch

FA electro/magnetic door holder

-P FA outdoor combination horn and light

Ceiling Finishes

As suggested previously, a good procedure for the esti-

mator to follow is to review the architectural plan for

the ceiling finishes . Let

us

look at the ceiling finishes

partial

floor

plan (Fig. 2-1, p.

13).

You will see that all ceiling finishes are type A unless

noted 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 to

be 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 the

light fixtures will save many headaches when purchas-

ing the light fixtures and fixture frames for recessed

light fixtures, pendant s for suspended light fixtures,

hold-down clips for lay-in light fixtures, shade aligners

for light fixtures with RLM-type shades (reflectors), and

airplane-type steel cable for suspended light fixtures.

The estimator should transfer the ceiling finishes in-

formation to the electrical plans. Here is where colored

highlighters will help the estimator-you can color code

the various ceiling types

on

the electrical plans. Perhaps

the ceiling finish with the greatest percentage of the


19/226

12

How to Estim ate Electrical Cons truc tion Projects

ceiling construction w ould not be color code d; just color

code the smaller ceil ing areas. This will m ake th e l ight

fixture takeoff easier an d more accu rate than hu rrying

the takeoff an d omitting some

of

the associated light fix-

ture ac cessor ies. This color-coding metho d wi l l avoid

serious and costly mistakes.

Text Introd uction t o Fixtures T akeoff

Before beginning to count th e light fixtures, the estimator

shou ld have p enci ls , blank roug h takeoff shee ts , a few

different colored highlighters, and a man ual or electronic

counte r. These are essential for the estimator to keep

han dy at all times. As you begin to coun t the item s, make

a small colored slash mark on eac h item an d record each

item w ith the counter. It is a good idea to select a color

for 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. This

method will en sure that each item will be cou nted only

once (Figs.

2-2A,

B , pp.

1 5 , 1 6 ) .

Note that there are many

products on the market that can color and c ount at the

same time. Use whatever you find m ost comfortable.

All of the fixtures are listed on the top section of the

fixtures rough takeoff sheets (Figs.

2-3A,

B, pp. 18,19).By

listing the f ixture type , s ize, mo untin g, lamps , voltage,

etc., the estimator has a snapsh ot of the most im por tant

facts about the fixtures. Beginning with type “A ” fixtures,

count all

of

them on the floor plan a nd enter the total in

the block under the description. Note that in the left-most

column the estimator will l is t which plan the f ixtures

were 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 y

were c ounte d from. For example, if after the co ntracts are

awarded, the owner requests that all of the type “B ” light

fixtures on th e first floor be changed to another style or

deleted, the estimator can turn to the rough takeoff sheets

an d very quickly respond to the request. This saves over-

head t im e and m oney. The es t imator does not have to

open the plans a nd do another c oun t on that type of fix-

ture. This method applie s to all of the takeoffs.

Text Recap of Fixtures Tak eoff

This 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 m

and l is t a l l

of

t he as soc ia ted i t ems needed to have a

comple te w ork ing l igh t ing system fo r the b u i ld ing .

Each f ixture wi l l have lamps , out let boxes , junct ion

boxes , f lexible whip s , e tc . Other necessary i tem s may

be ho ld -dow n c l ips , suspens ion m ate r ia l s (pendan t s ,

chain s , cables , e tc . ) , spl icing mater ials , f ixture wire ,

and l abor for testing and tagging. A f lexible whip is

al 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 l

some cei l ing-mounted f ixtures . The es t imator should

invest iga te which f ixtu res may be fu rn i shed w i th a n

outlet box and check all notes an d the specifications for

possible spare lam ps an d fixtures. There are occasions

wh en th e engine er will specify that a percentage of all

types of lamps be turne d over to the owner as spa res at

the c omp letion of th e project. The estimator mu st allow

a sum of money for this requirement i n the estimate.

The estimate sheets (Figs.

2-4A,

B , pp.

2 0 , 2 1 )

wil l

sho w how all of the fixtures and associated m aterials are

to be l is ted for pricing and the h ours required for each

material. The prices are not included due to each contrac-

tor’s price structure

with

the material suppliers and actual

price fluctuation in th e markets. A few of the items suc h

as hold- dow n clips, supp orts, splicing, tags, testing, etc.

are allowance items of money a nd hours. These amou nts

will vary acc ording to the size of each project.

Text Intr odu ctio n t o Devices Takeoff

In order to count all the devices, we need to turn again

to 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 you

that some of the swi tches are ganged together as re-

quired (meaning more tha n one is ut i l ized) . When you

count these sw i t ch loca t ions , coun t them as you s ee

them; for example,

SSS is a

t h r ee-gang box and p la t e

wi th th r ee swi t ches . Count ing the swi t ches th i s way

wil l not on ly give you th e sw i tch cou nt , but w i l l g ive

you the co unt of the boxes (s ingle

or

ganged) and the

matching plate(s ) . These sw i tch totals are l i s ted o n the

devices rough takeoff sheet (Fig. 2 - 6 , p . 2 4 ) . Also on

this sheet i s a count of the receptacles shown on the

par t ia l device

floor

plan (Fig.

2 -5 ,

p .

2 2 ) .

You shou ld

check the sp ecifications to se e if any sp ecial covers or


20/226


21/226

14

How to Estim ate Electrical Cons truc tion Projects

NOTES


22/226


15

SYMBOL

YPE

A

A-

1

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

J

J-1

K

L

M

N

EM

EM

RH

FIXTURE LEGEND

DESCRl

PTl

ON

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

II II

I' 2 ' X 4' 2/32W CWRS LAMPS

I'

2' X 2' 2/32W U CWRS LAMPS

I' 4 'X 4' 6/32W CWRS LAMPS

II

II

II II

II

II

RECESSED 1' X 4' 2/32W CWRS LAMPS & FRAME

EXIT LIGHT UNIVERSAL MOUNT 277V W/ LAMPS AND BATTERY

FLUORESC ENT 277V RECESSED HIGH HAT W/ 1 PL LAMP

II

I'

WALL MOUNTED W/1 PL LAMP

HI-PRESSURE SODIUM 277V W/P W ALL MOUN TED W/ 1 70W LAMP

TRACK LIGHT FIXTURE

120V W/ 1 75W PAR LAMP

4 '

LONG TEE BAR MOUNTED LIGHTTRACK 120V

1

CIRCUIT & HARDWARE

FLUORES CENT 120V UNDER COUNTER PLUG IN FIXTURE 24" LONG

277V SUSPENDED FIXTURE W/ 2 32W CWRS LAMPS

INCANDESC ENT FIXTUR E W/P W/ 1 1OOW IF 130V LAMP & BOX

I1 II I'

W/ 1 150W PAR 38 FLOOD LAMP

&

PE

EMER' B A T UNIT 277V 2 HEADS WALL MTD.

II

II I1 II II

I' 1 HEAD

REMOTE EM ER. BATT' HEAD

Figure

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 ical

specifications or on th e symbol l is t . The architec t may

note special colors

for

all wall devices

on

the architec-

tural plans: they m ight not be foun d elsewhere. This is

why we s t ress the ne ed for reviewing al l the bidding

documents

for

possible items that w ill affect the electri-

cal estimate. Be assured that this w ill come u p in your

estimating at some poin t, so do not overlook the review

of ll

the bidding docum ents.

The es t imate sheet (Fig.

2 - 7 ,

p . 2 5 ) wi l l show how

al l of the devices and associated mater ials are to be

lis ted onto the estimate she et for pricing an d the hou rs

required for each item.

The prices are not included due to each contractor's

pr ice s t ructure wi th the mater ial supp l iers and actual

pr ice f luctuat ion in the markets .

A

few

of

the i tems

such as the metal wal l s tud box suppo r ts are an al low-

ance

of

money a nd hours . These am ounts 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-ir

LOCATION 277 volt

ITEMS & 3 - 3 2 ~w

~

2

0

0

0

0

2

-

IXTURES ROUGH TAKEOFF SHEET

1

0

ype

A-1

2 x 4 '

lay-ir

277 volt

2 - 3 2 ~w

0

Type

8

2 ' x 2 lay-in

277 volt

2-32wU cw

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

5w/f

rm's

T

Type 'EM"

wall batt uni

2 heads

277 volt

emer unit

3

0

0

0

0

3

0

0

Figure

2-3A


26/226

EST.

NO:

10/01/03-1

Plan E-1 Lighting

Plan

E-3

TeVData

Panels &

J

fittings J fittings

internal

90

live end

hips

J fittings 'J

fittings

J

heads

Type

K

Type

'L

couplings 'T"

bar clips

cylinders

2 surf

4'

susp'd

TOTALS

r

feed in with

outlet cover

for

T

bar

TOTALS

each with under cab'

rlm reflect'r

par20 75w

1-1 8w

cw 2-32w cw

lamps 120 volt 277 volt

Type J

8' track surf

1 circuit

120 volt

0

0

0

0

1 0

3

2

0

4

0 0 0

0

1

0

0

0

>

0

. - - - -

0

0

32 WAIT

COOL WHT

FLUO LAMF

0 0 0 0

0 0

0 0 0

0

0 0

74

0

-

ype

J-I

4'

track surf

circuit

120

volt

0 3 2 4

18WAl-r

DUAL PL

LAMPS

1

0

IOOWATT

75WAlT

18WAIT 150WATT

70WAlT FIXTURE

INCAND PAR 20 COOL WHT PAR 38 FL HPS BD

OUTLET

LAMPS LAMPS FLUORLAMP LAMPS

CLEAR BOXES

120v 120v 120 v LAMP WALL

0

0

1

- - - - -

11

32 WAIT U

COOL WHT

FLUO 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 suspend

Allow for hold-down clips on lay-in ixtures, splicing materials ags, testing, etc.

Figure 2-3B


27/226


28/226

Electrical Material and Labor Takeoff

21

ESTIMATE

SHEET ESTIMATE

NO: 10/01/03-1

JOB: Office

bldq'

#lo0

Utown, USA

PAGENO:

2 OF 2

Estimate Sheet of Fixtures Labor Hours

ESTIMATED BY: M C HCK DBY : Sr. DATE: 10/01/03

I

DESCRIPTION OF MATERIALS

MATERIALS

i

LABOR

QUANTITY I UNITCOST IPERIMOUNT I UNIT I PEF

I

I i

i

1

-FIXTURE OUTLET BOXES FOR WALL 17 EA 0.35 EA

0.35 EA

FIXTURE OUTLET IN CEILING SPACE 20 EA

0.35 EA

4

SQ' BOXES W1 BLANK COVERS

8

EA

0.1 EA

FLEXIBLE FIXTURE WHIPS W/WIRE 33 EA

6 HOLD-DOWN CLIPS FOR LAY-IN FIXTURES

7

INDEPENDENT SUPPORTS FOR LAY-IN FIXT'S

ALLOW

ALLOW

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

aving out a price or hours are

greatly reduced. Get in the habit of making

a

l ine from the

quantity column

to

the labor hours amount column. Leave

open only those spaces that requ ire material prices and labor

hours This applies to all estimate sheets of the estimate from

e recapitulation sheet to the last estimate sheet.

7

~

28

29

30 I

31

32

EA

= Each

TOTAL

TOTAL

7

8

og

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

1.55

Figure 2-4B


29/226

DEVICES

PARTIAL FLOO R PLAN

.

0

t

Note: These items are l ocated on the roof.

Typical for

4

locations.

Notes: The type M fixture is a w/p globe complete with a photocell

&

box. Provide a suitable support for m

the 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


31/226


32/226


31

32

25

I I I I I I 31

I I 32

EA = Each

INC

= Included TOTAL TOTAL 30.85

ESTIMATE

SHEET

ESTIMATE

NO:

10/01/03-1

JOB: Office bldg' #lo0 Utown, USA PAGE NO:

1

OF

1

Estimate Sheet of Devices Labor

Hours

ESTIMATED BY: Mr. E S T . CH CKD BY: Sr. DATE: 10/01/03

DESCRIPTION

OF

MATERIALS

MATERIALS

I

LABORHOURS

QUANTITY I UNITCOST IPERIMOUNT I UNIT IPERIMOUNT

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

5 5

6 6

7 7

8 8

9 9

10 10

11 11

12 12

13 13

14 14

15 15

16 16

17 17

18 18

19 19

20 20

21

21

22 22

23 / 23

24

I

24

I I

26 26

27 I I 27

-, I I

29 I 29

30

I I

30

I

Figure 2-7


33/226

26


Text Introdu ction to Site Lighting Takeoff

Th e site lighting partial plan (Fig.

2-8,

p.

27)

gives

us

a

view of the build ing, site light fixtures, site lighting pole

base detail , parking areas, s idewa lks, drivew ays, road

loca tions , utility pole , utility transformer, lighting con-

tactor, t ime clock , and pho to cell . Begin the takeoff by

listing the site l ighting pole types o n th e rough takeoff

sheet (Fig.

2-9,

p.

29).

The poles have single

or

mult iple

fixtures on them a nd are laid out for driveway a nd park-

ing area illumination. When we coun t the pole types, we

will 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, there

are many items that will be required for the fixtures, but

not seen, such as fuses , spl icing, di rect bur ial warning

tape, wire in the po les , and ground lugs . The concrete

bases have a $9' PVC sleeve in the center to accommodate

the insta llation of a ground rod after the base is set in

place. The precast contractor will place the anchor bolts,

s leeves for wiring, and the ground rod. They will not

need a labor factor ap plie d, just delivery charges to the

precast company for their installation. The conduit sys-

tem will be 1%'' chedule 40 PVC with c opper wire sizes

and types as shown. To determine the footages of the

PVC, wire, trenching, and warning ta pe, you will need a

scaled rule or map measurer. Measure ea ch run of PVC

an 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 for the site l ighting w iring are also

listed. The estimator can request

a

quotation from exca-

vators or do this work wi th in-ho use workers and in-

house equipm ent . coordinate the raceway ins tal la tion

with the s i te contractor to avoid problems wi th curbs ,

sidew alks, other utilities, and the like.

You can use the back of the sheet to l is t all of t he

indiv idua l footages of the

PVC,

wire , t