March, 2019 | Electrical Estimating Software | Electrical Contractors

March 26, 2019

Free Estimating Help #20

Understanding Man-Hours Every proper electrical estimate must include the time that it will take to install all of the material. This is based on calculating the installation time of each item down to the manhour. Therefore, it is important to understand the use of man-hours. So, what is a manhour? The definition of a Man-Hour is: A man-hour, Labor Unit or Person Hour is the amount of work performed by an average worker in one hour. It is used in written "estimates" for estimation of the total amount of uninterrupted labor required to perform a task. A labor unit is a benchmark used by a company or estimator to determine…

March 26, 2019July 26, 2020

Free Estimating Help #19

Note: As shown in the example above, I suggest scaling each feeder and recording the distance on the one line diagram as shown in the example above. As with all estimating, we will break the whole into smaller sections. 39 We now perform a takeoff of the feeders. Riser to MDP Note: The heights of the risers are 20’. 01. 6-3” Unistrut straps 02. 10’ Unistrut 03. 2-3” Myers Hubs (To enter MDP) 04. 2-3” weather heads 05. 40’- 3” GRS. ( Specifications call for GRS outside) Next is installing the conductors. Most estimators will decide how much conductor that they will add for termination and use that length. There…

March 20, 2019

Free Estimating Help #18

Next, look to see if you have access to the HVAC equipment schedule to determine what kind of units will be installed. Some of the different types may be as follows: 01. Split Systems, which would have an air handler and a condensing unit 02. Package units, which connect in one location 03. Gas Packs, which usually take less ampacity 04. Electric units, which would take more ampacity 05. Heat Pumps, which would take the most ampacity 06. Boilers 07. Chillers 08. VAV Valves 09. Air Handlers 10. TWU 11. Ductless Split units 33 Check for the fan schedule also. This will tell voltage and phase, along with any special…

March 20, 2019

Free Estimating Help #17

The feeders can be fast and easy to record, but this is also where the big money is, so spend extra time by measuring twice. Checklist should include the following: 01. Aluminum or Copper conductors 02. EMT, PVC or Rigid raceways 03. PVC or Rigid 90’s for underground feeders. 04. Backfill with existing material or concrete 05. Single run or parallel 31 06. Seismic supports 07. Grounding bushings You may find things to add to your list. Every time a new item shows up, just add it to your check list. It is good to identify each feeder by name, so you can give the installer a time and material…

March 12, 2019

Free Estimating Help #16

Note: Read the specifications and determine what type of raceway and fittings that you will be using. Record the type of device that is required along with the faceplate. When applying your assembly, if you are including the complete raceway system, be sure that you include ____ couplings per ____ ft of raceway. Also, adjust your straps and connectors in the same manor. In the example above, we have counted 9 duplex receptacles. 24 There are also 5 GFI receptacles. One GFI with WP cover and 1 single receptacle. 25 We will install the following counts on the Electrical Solution’s software. This is just the portion of the sheet that…

March 12, 2019

Free Estimating Help #15

Creating your assembly Now that you have the quantities recorded, it is time to create an assembly. This terminology is used to describe what products are brought into the estimate to install the quantity of switches that you have counted. It can be as simple as just a device and matching plate to as elaborate as you like. My suggestion would be as follows: Single gang switch: 01. 4 x 4 Box with box supports. 02. Plaster ring 03. SPST Switch 04. Grounding strap/ wire 05. Face Plate Some people choose to stop here but it saves steps to include the following: 06. 10’ of the raceway of your choice.…

March 7, 2019

Free Estimating Help #14

Switch Takeoff The next step in the natural progression of the estimate would be to count the devices. We start with the switches to follow the order of most plans. As with all phases of estimating, there are different thought patterns to this procedure. We have found that by performing the takeoff as the plans shows, it saves steps when we win the job. Some estimators only count the total number of switches because of the time savings, and a lot of estimating software doesn’t allow you the ability to input a 3 gang switch with 2-single pole and 1-3 way. We have found that the Best Bid Electrical Estimating…

March 7, 2019

Free Estimating Help #13

M=Moderate---Recessed lights installed in a lay in ceiling 9’ tall or less. C. D=Difficult---Bay fixture installed off a lift. D. E=Extreme---Custom chandeliers or large architectural lighting. E. P=Pole lights-Site Lighting Identify each fixture with its own tag of difficulty. This will speedy you up when entering your counts and adjusting labor. TIP: Don’t assume that all 2 x 4 Troffers will come with pigtails and bulbs or that recessed cans will come with hangers. Ensure that shipping costs are always included in your quote. If the part number on the lighting schedule doesn’t indicate these items, it is their chance to be low “At your expense”.