CSI Division 26 Electrical

Electrical Estimating Services & Quantity Takeoffs

Accurate CSI Division 26 electrical cost estimates and material takeoffs for electrical contractors, estimators, and builders across commercial, industrial, and residential projects in the USA.

24–48 Hr Turnaround
Commercial & Residential
All 50 U.S. States
Bid-Ready Deliverables
Sample Electrical Estimating Service Takeoff Summary
Illustrative Plan Sample

Representative Quantification & BOQ Deliverable

Work Item / SpecificationQuantityUnit
Main 2000A 480Y/277V Switchboard (NEMA 1)
1.0EA
480V-208Y/120V 75kVA Step-Down Transformer
3.0EA
42-Circuit 208Y/120V NLAB Panelboards (225A)
6.0EA
60A 3-Pole 480V NEMA 3R Safety Disconnects
8.0EA
200kW Diesel Standby Generator & 400A ATS
1.0EA
Delivered in Excel (.XLSX) & Bluebeam Marked PDFsCSI Division 26 00 00
11+ Years
Industry Experience

Specialized construction takeoffs

500+
Completed Projects

Across all major trades & scopes

24–48 Hrs
Typical Turnaround

Standard scopes; fast bid response

CSI Division 26 Electrical
CSI MasterFormat

Plan-based quantity takeoffs

Industry Definition & Core Concept

What Is Electrical Estimating?

Electrical estimating is the precise measurement and cost calculation of all electrical infrastructure on a construction project—including primary service entrance switchgear, distribution panelboards, transformers, conduit and feeder runs, branch circuitry, lighting fixtures, and low-voltage systems based on E-sheets, panel schedules, and one-line diagrams.

Electrical systems involve thousands of individual items—from tiny wire nuts and fittings to high-capacity copper feeders and complex 480V switchgear. Underestimating conduit runs or miscalculating copper weight can destroy a subcontractor's profitability.

At F&K Estimatings, our electrical estimators use Accubid, ConEst, and Bluebeam to trace every circuit home run, tally devices, measure feeders, and accurately calculate labor hours based on National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) standards.

01

Single-Line & Panel Audit

Service size, voltages, AIC ratings & breaker counts

02

Feeder & Branch Takeoff

Conduit LF, wire size/length, junction boxes

03

Lighting & Device Counts

Luminaires, controls, receptacles & switches

04

Gear & Equipment Pricing

Switchboards, panelboards, transformers, ATS

05

NECA Labor Hour Allocation

Journeyman wireman & apprentice productivity

06

Senior Estimator QA

Circuit schedule audit & bid summary package

Complete Scope Transparency

What Does a Electrical Estimating Service Include?

Every estimate prepared by F&K Estimatings delivers an exhaustive line-item breakdown formatted for material suppliers, specialty subcontractors, and general contractor bid reviews.

Estimate ComponentIncluded Scope & Line ItemsUnit of Measure
Service Entrance & Switchgear
Main switchboards (400A to 4000A), CT cabinets, distribution sections, ground fault relays, metering.Each (EA)
Panelboards & Transformers
208Y/120V & 480Y/277V lighting/power panels, dry-type step-down transformers (15kVA to 500kVA), disconnects.Count (EA)
Feeder Conduit & Conductors
Rigid metal conduit (RMC), EMT, PVC, copper THHN/XHHW feeder cables (#4 AWG to 600 kcmil), aluminum feeders.Linear Feet (LF)
Branch Circuitry & Wiring
1/2" to 1" EMT, MC cable runs, stranded copper branch wiring (#12, #10 AWG), homeruns, junction boxes.Linear Feet (LF)
Wiring Devices & Receptacles
Duplex 20A receptacles, GFCI, isolated ground, USB outlets, toggle switches, occupancy wall sensors, cover plates.Count (EA)
Lighting Fixtures & Luminaires
2x4 LED troffers, downlights, high-bay linear LEDs, architectural pendants, exterior wall packs, exit/emergency lights.Count (EA)
Lighting Control Systems
0-10V dimming loops, room controllers, occupancy/daylight sensors, digital central lighting panels.System / EA
Motor Connections & VFDs
Motor disconnect switches, magnetic starters, variable frequency drives (VFD), control wiring to mechanical RTUs.Count (EA)
Emergency Power & Generation
Diesel generator sets, automatic transfer switches (ATS), emergency load panels, transient voltage surge suppression (TVSS).Each (EA)
Bid-Ready Electrical BOQ
Itemized Excel workbook with NECA labor units, supply house material quotes, and marked PDF plan sets.Complete Bid Package
Comprehensive Trade Capabilities

Electrical Estimating Service Scope & Material Quantities

Select a category below to explore our specific measurement parameters and deliverable formats.

CSI Division 26 Electrical Scope Area

Division 26 Switchgear, Panels & Transformers

Complete takeoff of primary electrical distribution gear from utility transformer to branch subpanels.

Main Switchboards (1200A - 4000A)
Distribution Panelboards (480V & 208V)
Dry-Type Step-Down Transformers
Enclosed Circuit Breakers & Disconnects
Motor Control Centers (MCC)
Surge Protective Devices (SPD / TVSS)
Grounding Electrode System & Ground Rods
Busway & Feeder Duct Systems

Deliverable Format

Equipment schedule tagged to electrical one-line diagrams with full breaker sizing.

Planswift / Bluebeam Marked100% Itemized
CSI MasterFormat Standards

CSI MasterFormat Division 26 Classifications

Every electrical takeoff is structured under standard CSI MasterFormat Division 26 codes, ensuring seamless trade bidding and supplier procurement.

Our format matches general contractor scope sheets, preventing missed items on bid day.

26 05 00

Common Work Results for Electrical

Raceways, conduits, conductors, and electrical grounding.

26 09 00

Instrumentation & Control for Electrical

Lighting controls, relays, dimming systems, and time switches.

26 24 00

Switchboards & Panelboards

Service entrance switchboards, distribution panels, and load centers.

26 27 00

Low-Voltage Distribution Equipment

Wiring devices, disconnect switches, and enclosures.

26 32 00

Packaged Generator Assemblies

Standby diesel generators, transfer switches, and fuel systems.

26 50 00

Lighting Systems

Interior architectural lighting, emergency egress, and exterior lighting.

Electrical Detailing

Feeder Schedule & Conductor Sizing Takeoffs

Accurate feeder takeoffs require tracing circuit lengths from the main electrical room through horizontal runs and vertical shafts, calculating conductor poundage, voltage drop allowances, and pull box sizing.

Detailed conduit raceway runs (EMT, RMC, PVC) with fitting allowances
Copper THHN/THWN-2 and XHHW-2 conductor sizing (#14 AWG to 600 kcmil)
Feeder makeup lengths in switchgear and subpanel gutters
NECA standard labor installation units for wire pulling and termination
Trenching and backfill linear footage for underground utility feeds
Color-coded feeder routing markups on structural/architectural backgrounds

Need a Specialized Electrical Estimating Service?

Send your drawing sheets for a dedicated takeoff schedule.

Upload Electrical Drawings

Standard Conductor Amperage Ratings

Reference 75°C copper ampacity table utilized by our estimators:

#12 AWG Copper20 AmpsStandard 120V branch
#10 AWG Copper30 AmpsHigh-draw circuits
#4 AWG Copper85 AmpsSubpanel feeders
1/0 AWG Copper150 AmpsCommercial distribution
4/0 AWG Copper230 AmpsMain subfeeders
500 kcmil Copper380 AmpsHeavy service entrance
Key Estimating Distinction

Electrical Takeoff vs. Complete Electrical Estimating

Understanding whether your team needs raw quantity measurements or a fully priced bid estimate helps you order the exact service you require.

Direct Summary: An electrical quantity takeoff measures conduit linear feet, wire lengths, fixture counts, and panelboard quantities. A complete electrical estimate applies NECA labor man-hours, regional supply house material quotes, scissor lift/equipment rentals, and contractor profit margins.
Material Quantity Takeoff (QTO)
Quantities Only
Scope: Conduit LF, Wire LF, Panel counts, Luminaire counts, and Device counts.
Best For: Electrical contractors who prefer applying their own labor productivity rates and supplier discounts.
Deliverables: Itemized Excel Bill of Materials (BOM) & high-resolution Bluebeam marked drawings.
Turnaround: 24–36 Hours.
Complete Priced Bid Estimate
Full Cost & Bid Ready
Scope: Material Takeoffs + NECA Journeyman/Apprentice Labor Hours + Gear Submittals + Overhead/Profit.
Best For: Subcontractors bidding GC tenders, General Contractors checking electrical packages, and Developers.
Deliverables: Complete priced Excel proposal, crew breakdown, fixture schedules & drawing markups.
Turnaround: 24–48 Hours.
Standard Engineering Workflow

F&K Electrical Estimating Service Quantification & Review Workflow

Our systematic 7-step engineering process eliminates missing elements, prevents duplicate counts, and delivers defensible estimates.

01

Single-Line Diagram & Spec Audit

We review the electrical single-line schematic, utility service entrance specs, AIC fault ratings, and panelboard schedules.

02

Feeder & Distribution Takeoff

Using digital takeoff software, we trace all primary and secondary feeder raceways, calculating exact length with vertical drops.

03

Branch Circuit & Device Count

We tally all receptacles, switches, motor disconnects, and home runs on power floor plans.

04

Lighting & Controls Quantification

We cross-reference the lighting fixture schedule with reflected ceiling plans, measuring lighting track, troffers, and control loops.

05

NECA Labor Unit Allocation

We apply industry-standard NECA labor units adjusted for installation height, conduit bends, and building type.

06

Supply House Regional Material Pricing

We price copper wire, conduit, and gear using real-time wholesale electrical supplier cost databases.

07

Senior Electrical Estimator QA

A Senior Electrical Estimator conducts a peer review to verify phase balancing, circuit counts, and addenda changes.

Sector Expertise

Electrical Estimating Service for Every Construction Sector

From commercial tenant fit-outs to heavy industrial complexes, we adapt our takeoff methodology to project specifications.

Commercial Offices & Retail

Power distribution, decorative and ambient LED lighting, floor boxes, and tenant submetering.

Panel Schedules
Architectural LED
Branch Homeruns
Occupancy Controls
Industrial Plants & Warehouses

480V 3-Phase power, bus duct, motor control centers, high-bay lighting, and heavy machine drops.

480V Switchgear
Bus Duct Runs
Machine Disconnects
High-Bay Lighting
Residential & Multifamily

Apartment load centers, unit branch wiring, exterior site lighting, and EV charging stations.

Unit Load Centers
Romex / MC Cable
EV Chargers
Smoke Detectors
Healthcare & Cleanrooms

Isolated power panels, emergency generator ATS systems, redundant hospital-grade wiring.

Hospital Grade Receptacles
Emergency Systems
UPS Systems
Cleanroom Fixtures
Restaurants & Commercial Kitchens

High-amp commercial cooking equipment disconnects, GFCI wet-location circuits, and hood interlocks.

Kitchen Disconnects
Hood Interlocks
Dedicated Circuits
Emergency Shunt Trips
Educational & Public Works

Classroom lighting control panels, emergency distribution, and energy-efficient building automation.

Classroom Lighting
Emergency Generator
PA System Pathways
Security Integration

Electrical Estimating Service Elements We Quantify

Main Switchgear & Switchboards (480V/208V)
Branch Circuit Panelboards & Load Centers
Dry-Type Step-Down Transformers
Conduit (EMT, RMC, PVC, Liquidtight)
Conductors (Copper THHN, XHHW, Alum)
Metal Clad (MC) Cable Assemblies
Lighting Fixtures (Troffers, Downlights, Strips)
Lighting Control Panels & 0-10V Dimming
Wiring Devices (20A Duplex, GFCI, Switches)
Motor Disconnects & Variable Frequency Drives
Standby Diesel Generators & Transfer Switches
Surge Protective Devices (SPD / TVSS)
Underground Duct Banks & Handholes
Cable Trays & Ladder Racks
Fire Alarm Devices & Control Panels
Grounding Grid & Lightning Protection
Pricing Methodology

How Electrical Estimating Service Costs Are Calculated

Material and labor costs fluctuate drastically by project geography, supplier logistics, trade union jurisdictions, and site conditions. We do not use flat national averages.

Our cost database integrates regional material supplier pricing, union prevailing wage scales, open-shop labor rates, and local equipment rental benchmarks across all 50 U.S. states.

Copper Commodity Price Fluctuations

Copper wire and conduit prices shift with global metal markets. Our estimates use current market price indices.

Local Labor Union Scales (IBEW)

Journeyman wireman union wages versus open-shop electrical labor rates vary substantially across regions.

Ceiling Heights & Installation Difficulty

Working above 14 feet in open web steel joists requires specialized lifts and increases man-hours.

Gear Lead Times & Manufacturer Specs

Custom switchgear (Square D, Eaton, Siemens) with high AIC ratings carries significant lead times and cost variations.

Hazardous & Wet Location Classifications

Class I/II Division explosion-proof fixtures and NEMA 4X stainless enclosures increase material costs.

Benchmark Project Models

Representative Electrical Estimating Service Scenarios

Review illustrative project models demonstrating how CSI Division 26 Electrical quantities are extracted, itemized, and structured under standard contractor bidding conditions.

Dallas, TX Market Model
Illustrative Scenario
Commercial 3-Story Office Building
Scope: Full electrical: 1600A 480/277V service, 6 panelboards, 480 LED troffers, 0-10V dimming, 350 duplex outlets.
1600A Main Gear • 14,800 LF EMT Conduit • 52,000 LF Copper Wire • 480 LED Fixtures
Priced Division 26 estimate delivered in 48 hours for general contractor tender.
Columbus, OH Market Model
Illustrative Scenario
300,000 SF Modern Logistics Warehouse
Scope: Industrial electrical: 3000A service, 380 high-bay LEDs, 48 forklift charging stations, exterior pole lights.
3000A Switchgear • 380 High-Bay LEDs • 48 50A Charging Circuits • 24 Pole Lights
Granular material takeoff used by electrical contractor to win competitive buyout.
Orlando, FL Market Model
Illustrative Scenario
120-Unit Multifamily Residential Complex
Scope: Multifamily electrical: 120 residential load centers, site lighting, clubhouse power, fire alarm pathways.
120 Subpanels • 45,000 LF MC Cable • 1,200 Devices • Site Light Poles
Subcontractor bid spreadsheets with unit breakdown for fast project procurement.

Senior Electrical Estimating Service Oversight

Every estimate is produced and audited by experienced estimators with construction management and trade-specific takeoff backgrounds, adhering strictly to industry standards.

CSI Division 26 Electrical Specification-Informed Takeoffs
Industry-Standard Estimating Principles
Bluebeam & Planswift Digital Workflows
Trust & Technical Authority

Why General Contractors & Trade Subcontractors Trust F&K

When bidding tight commercial deadlines, subcontractors cannot afford incomplete takeoffs or guesswork. F&K provides the technical depth of an in-house senior estimating team at a fraction of the overhead.

Plan-Based Accuracy

Every item is mapped directly to marked drawing sheets with zero unverified fluff.

Addenda Protection

Instant delta revisions when engineers issue revised plan sets prior to bid closing.

Ready for Subcontractor Bids

Customizable Excel files with formulas intact so you can adjust your own margins instantly.

National Geo Pricing

Location-specific pricing calibrated for urban, suburban, and rural jobsites across all 50 states.

Answer Hub & Knowledge Base

Electrical Estimating Service FAQs

Detailed technical and commercial answers to help you navigate electrical estimating service, material scheduling, and bid preparation.

Start Your Estimate Today

Send Your Plans & Get a Electrical Estimating Service Quote

Upload your architectural, structural, or engineering drawings. Our estimators will review your plan set and deliver a free quote within 1–2 hours.

Direct Estimator Submission

Upload Plans for a Electrical Estimating Service

Get a line-item CSI Division 26 Electrical quantity takeoff & pricing report delivered in 24–48 hours.

24–48 Hr Standard Turnaround CSI Division 26 Electrical Compliant Excel & Marked PDF Deliverables
Prefer direct email? Send files to info@fandkestimatings.comImmediate phone consultation: (317) 751-5969
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