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 we used. This same procedure can be used on multi-story buildings with 1000’s of devices. The idea is to cover the cost and spend as little time as possible to include these items, such as switches and receptacles. It is the larger feeders that will be the bulk of the money, and you want to spend time making sure that you don’t make a mistake on the larger items. Often times when you start counting screws and wing nuts, you will become tired and miss the important things. Averaging is a good way to account for the raceway and conductors for these items. We are not against scaling out each device, and if you feel more comfortable using this method use it. NOTE: You need to feel good about your estimate. 26 Stub Ups This is common terminology for empty raceways installed from a box to above an accessible ceiling. These are often ¾” EMT from a box with a plaster ring to above a dropped ceiling. Some type of busing is installed on the open end with a pull wire installed for other trades to install cable at a later date. Review the Electrical Symbol Schedule as show below. Notice that there are 8 different types of symbols, but all 8 require the same amount of material and labor. 27 The choice is up to the estimator but some estimators will group all 8 symbols into one takeoff while others will separate all 8 into different assemblies such as: Telephone Data Cable If you are not installing the conductors and jacks, I suggest combining them all into one. As before, we need to create an assembly of items that we will use for each stub up. 01. 10’ ¾ EMT 02. 1-4 x 4 box with bracket 03. 1-Plaster ring 04. 2/3/4” Straps 05. 2-3/4” Connectors 06. 1-3/4” Plastic Bushings 07. 4-teck screws 08. 14’ string 28 Feeders The definition of a feeder is: A circuit conductor between the power supply source and a final branch circuit overcurrent device. In estimating, it is common for other runs of conduit and wire to be thrown in the feeder portion of an estimate that are not by the NEC’s definition of feeder and this is OK. The purpose is to include everything no matter what you call it. In the example above, we show a MDP Panel, Panel A, and Panel B. The conductors that power Panel A and Panel B are feeders. Notice in the example above that in the real installation seldom will you run the shortest distance. You will often run the raceway in angles with the building. You will also have a portion of the conductors for the risers, whether it will be overhead or underground there will be extra distance. You will also have additional distance of conductors for termination. The point is that you cannot draw a straight line between MDP and Panel A and use that length for your final footage. 29 Below is a sample feeder takeoff sheet. There isn’t a right or wrong way to collect information, so feel free to create your own method. The sample below would be for a pen and paper estimator that needed to collect more information than a software estimator. As you measure each feeder, record it in the manner shown below and transfer it to your estimate. Below we have collected MDP to Panel A. We have titled it and recorded the size of raceway needed. Next, we record the type of raceway and how many 90’s that we will need. We have recorded the connectors, bushings, couplings and straps that will be needed. Next, we record the length of the run including the up and down that might be needed. Next, we record the wire that will be needed for the installation, which will include, # of wires, size of wires and the extra length for terminating. You may elect to create a feeder takeoff sheet like the one above or choose a product like the Electrical Solution’s Takeoff Sheets as shown below or take it to the next level with a digital takeoff solution like the Digi Count Takeoff Pro.
