Electrical estimates counted device by device.
Electrical takeoffs: gear and panels, feeders by LF, devices and lighting fixtures by count, and low-voltage and fire alarm scopes.
Electrical estimates start with counts and runs. We count receptacles, switches, lighting fixtures by type, and equipment connections from the plans and schedules, then measure feeders and homeruns by conduit and wire size in LF.
Service and distribution equipment, panelboards, transformers, and disconnects are taken off from the one-line diagram and panel schedules. Low-voltage, data, security, and fire alarm devices are counted under Divisions 27 and 28 when they are part of your package.
CSI MasterFormat divisions
- Division 26 — Electrical
- Division 27 — Communications
- Division 28 — Electronic Safety and Security
What we quantify
- Switchgear, panelboards, and transformers (EA)
- Feeder conduit by size (LF)
- Feeder wire by size (LF)
- Branch conduit and cable (LF)
- Receptacles and switches (EA)
- Lighting fixtures by type (EA)
- Equipment connections (EA)
- Data and low-voltage devices (EA)
- Fire alarm devices (EA)
- Grounding and bonding (LF / EA)
What the estimate accounts for
- Routing allowances: Feeder and homerun lengths include vertical drops and routing allowances that you can review and adjust.
- Fittings and supports: Boxes, fittings, straps, and supports are accounted for by device count and conduit length.
- Wiring method: Conduit and wire versus MC cable or NM cable is noted per area based on the specs and project type.
- Fixture schedule: Fixtures are counted by schedule tag so lamps, drivers, and controls follow the specified products.
- Temporary power: Temporary power and lighting are flagged as a separate line when they are part of your scope.
Who orders it
- Electrical contractors
- General contractors
- Home builders
- Low-voltage contractors
Request a quote
Upload your plans and tell us the trades you need. We review the scope and reply with a written quote before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Do you take off wire as well as conduit?
Yes. Feeders are measured by conduit and wire size, with wire quantity based on conductor count and run length plus allowances for terminations.
Can you include fire alarm and low voltage?
Yes. Fire alarm, data, security, and other low-voltage devices can be counted under Divisions 27 and 28 when they are included in your scope.
Do you estimate residential electrical?
Yes. Residential takeoffs count devices, fixtures, circuits, and service equipment, typically with NM cable lengths estimated per circuit.