The conduit takeoff calculation method includes the counting of required components for the project. The evaluation must be accurate according to the sizes and types of conduit required. The accurate evaluation of electrical estimates helps to prevent over-budgeting. It is important to use advanced conduit takeoff methods. This helps to execute the projects faster and more accurately.
Contractors and building owners have now shifted towards new methods. Now they do not use old takeoff methods, which used to take a lot of time. By hiring expert construction takeoff services from a reliable company, they get the right quantities. This helps to complete the project under budget and on time.
Understanding Conduit Takeoff
Conduit takeoff is a detailed process of analysing the electrical drawings. The experts measure and count all the required conduit for the project. If you use simple measurements, there can be a lot of mistakes.
However, the proper takeoff process includes the consideration of:
- actual routing path
- vertical rises
- horizontal runs
- offsets around obstacles
- bends
- necessary accessories
Conduit takeoff calculation method for estimators
Step 1: Review Project Documents
You must have a complete document set before measuring. This includes
- electrical drawings
- floor plans
- single-line diagrams
- riser diagrams
- panel schedules
- specifications
- any addenda or revisions
Pay close attention to specifications that tell about conduit types and installation requirements. It can directly affect the material quantities and the labour.
Step 2: Set Up Your Takeoff System
Your methods always directly impact the results. Whether you are using manual calculations or digital software. You must create a consistent template for keeping a record of measurements.
So, your takeoff sheet should include columns for:
- item description
- conduit size
- conduit type
- location
- quantity
- unit of measure
- remarks for special conditions
The best thing is to divide the whole project into small sections. For complex projects, you can work floor by floor. Plus, you can separate power distribution, fire alarm, and all special systems into different categories. This will help you prevent double-counting.
Step 3: Perform Plan Review
You must begin a detailed review by checking all the drawings. Moreover, you have to be aware of all the areas. it is the best approach to mark electrical symbols. You can use different colours for marking different conduit sizes and types. This will give you visual clarity and prevent mistakes.
When measuring the con, you have to consider vertical rises from floors to ceilings. Do not miss any detail, whether it is about structural elements or HVAC equipment.
Step 4: Calculate Conduit Lengths
The most important part of conduit takeoff is accurately calculating run lengths. Various estimators do not accurately count. So,
- Account for Bends and Offsets. Every bend in conduit affects your material needs. You have to measure the run length and add extra for planned bends.
- Popular angle increments are 22.5°, 30°, 45°, and 60°. When estimating the spacing of bends while bending an EMT to make an offset, bending multipliers are used. For example, if a 4-inch bend offset at a 30° angle is to be created, you multiply 4 inches by 2.0 (the multiplier for the 30° angle) to give a total of 8 inches of additional conduit to be spaced between the bending points
The best way to prevent under- or over-estimating is by achieving professional cost estimating from a reliable company. The experts are trained to generate accurate estimates through modern methods.
Step 5: Apply Appropriate Waste Factors
Actual measurements will never be truly accurate to what is required to construct, and you will have to leave extra for waste and other contingencies. For the conduit, the industry standard is about 5-10% waste, but depending on the structure and conditions of the site for the project, this can vary.
If the conditions for the project are unpredictable, and there are many small sections/complex routing of the conduit, you will need to use the higher values. Otherwise, for the new structure and straightforward working conditions, the standard is a bit lower.
Account for cut-offs, damaged pieces during bending, and field adjustments. On large projects, these seemingly minor additions prevent costly material shortages mid-installation.
Step 6: Quantify Conduit Accessories
Conduit never runs alone. You have to check the count for the associated materials:
- couplings
- connectors
- elbows
- junction boxes
- pull boxes
- conduit bodies
You can also rely on the general rule of thumb. For every 100 feet of conduit, expect to need multiple couplings, box connectors, etc. Professional construction estimating services are developed to cover exact counts. The evaluations are based on the project requirements.
Formula for Conduit Length Calculation
Basic conduit length
= Point A to Point B distance + Vertical rises + Horizontal offsets + Bend allowances + Waste factor
When determining your lengths for vertical sections, there are several components you will need to add to your calculations. These are the vertical distances, the horizontal distances to the equipment, the 90° bends (5-6 inches per EMT bend), as well as your waste factor.
Conclusion
The right conduit takeoff calculation is important for electrical estimators. They have to be accurate by using perfect methods. However, it is recommended to stop using manual calculations. They are time-consuming and still have errors in them. By using advanced methods and formulas, you can achieve desired outcomes.