Electrical Estimating.
No Shorts. No Gaps.
We trace the feeders, size the conduit, read the panel schedules, and catch the mechanical equipment power requirements that the electrical engineer forgot to draw.
Submit Electrical PlansNEC-Compliant Quantity Surveying
Electrical estimating is unforgiving. If you misread the scale and under-measure a 400-amp copper feeder run by 50 feet, you just lost thousands of dollars in material alone. We use Accubid-style logic combined with on-screen digitizers to pull exact branch circuitry, feeder lengths, and fixture counts.
Feeder Sizing & Voltage Drop Verification
Long home runs in large commercial buildings require voltage drop calculations per NEC 210.19(A). We verify that the specified conductor gauge meets the ampacity requirements at the actual run length, not just the terminal rating. If the one-line diagram shows a 200A feeder at 400 feet, we check whether the engineer upsized the conductors for voltage drop and add the additional material cost if they didn't.
Mechanical Equipment Coordination
One of the biggest causes of margin fade for electrical contractors is mechanical equipment connections. We perform a cross-discipline check: we take the mechanical equipment schedule and verify that the electrical plans show a breaker, a home run, a disconnect switch, and the final flexible conduit connection for every RTU, VAV, and pump on the job.
Missed: Motor Starters and VFDs
It is a constant battle over who provides and installs motor starters and Variable Frequency Drives. If the electrical estimator assumes the mechanical sub is doing it, the cost gets entirely left out of the bid.
We read the mechanical specs. Often, the mechanical engineer notes 'VFDs provided by Div 23, installed and wired by Div 26.' We capture the labor to mount the drive and pull the line and load side wiring, ensuring you aren't doing free work for the mechanical sub.
Underground Duct Banks & Site Distribution
Site electrical distribution is frequently underestimated. We quantify the full underground duct bank assembly: PVC schedule 40 or 80 conduit, concrete encasement volume, #4 copper ground ring, warning tape, and the secondary terminations at both ends. For site lighting, we measure the pole base foundations (rebar and concrete), the hand hole enclosures, and the wire pulling sections between pull boxes.
Fire Alarm & Low-Voltage Integration
Modern commercial buildings integrate fire alarm, access control, CCTV, and BMS systems that share pathways but require separation. We trace the NAC and SLC circuits, the FACP addressable device loop lengths, and ensure that conduit fill limits are not exceeded when sharing pathways with CAT6 or fiber. We explicitly price the J-hook supports, cable tray sections, and the firestop penetrations at rated wall crossings.
Robert Vance
Chief Electrical Estimator • Commercial & Industrial Power
"I check the one-line diagram against the panel schedules first. If the one-line says 800A switchgear but the schedules add up to 1200A of connected load, we stop and write an RFI. We don't bid bad math."
Our Takeoff Granularity
- Lighting: Fixtures, whips, 0-10V dimming wire, occupancy sensors.
- Gear: Switchboards, transformers, panelboards, grounding triads.
- Branch: MC cable vs. EMT conduit breakouts based on spec requirements.
- Fire Alarm: FACP, annunciators, strobes, horns, and 2-hour rated cable if required.
| Material / Scope Item | Base Qty | Unit | Waste / Lap Factor | Estimator Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4in EMT Conduit (Home Runs) | 8,450 | LF | 10% | Includes couplings, straps, and expansion fittings |
| #12 THHN Copper (Branch Circuits) | 42,000 | LF | 15% Makeup | 3-wire + ground per NEC 210.52 |
| 400A 277/480V Switchboard | 2 | EA | N/A | Verify lead time with supplier before bid |
| Simplex FACP & NAC Devices | 1 | LS | N/A | Includes battery backup calc per NFPA 72 |
The Electrical Precision Protocol
A systematic approach to commercial power takeoffs designed to eliminate scope gaps and protect your bid margins.
Panel Schedule Audit
We reconcile panel schedules against the one-line diagram. Discrepancies between connected load and bus rating are flagged before bid day.
Feeder Trace & Sizing
Every home run is traced from gear to termination. We verify voltage drop compliance and add oversized conductors when required by NEC.
Device & Fixture Count
Exact counts of all lighting fixtures, receptacles, switches, and special devices per each room's reflected ceiling plan.
Coordination Cross-Check
We verify that every mechanical unit has a disconnect, a feeder, and a final connection. No orphaned equipment in your bid.
Explore Related Preconstruction Services
Electrical Takeoff FAQ
Do you calculate conduit fill and wire makeup?
How do you handle site lighting and underground duct banks?
Do you estimate low-voltage and fire alarm systems?
How do you account for temporary power?
How do you verify switchgear sizing against connected load?
Secure Your Electrical Margins
Stop losing money on missed feeders, uncoordinated disconnects, and voltage drop penalties. Let us price it right.
NDA Protected & Confidential