COST ESTIMATION

ESTIMATION GUIDE
Prepare paper, pencils, scale and rulers. Mark papers indicating the panel no., circuit
number and the location of the circuit run.
Study plans, drawing and specifications.
2.1 Coordinate with Civil, Mechanical and Architectural Estimators about the following
2.1.1 Height between floors
2.1.2 Drop ceilings and ceiling supports
2.1.3 Height between finish floor and ceilings
2.1.4 Major beams and columns thru which conduits may not pass
2.1.5 Other architectural/civil/mechanical drawings indicating positions of the lights,
special outlets or aircon unit equipment.
2.2 Check and make a physical count of the following
2.2.1 Lighting fixtures number of each type of fixtures
2.2.2 Convenience outlets duplex
2.2.3 Special outlet
2.2.4 Panel boards make a complete description of each panel board.
The description should include:
a. main breaker rating or lugs only
b. no. of branches per ampere trip
c. kAIC
2.2.5 Other electrical equipment to be supplied by contractor
2.3 Study carefully the circuit runs and the riser diagram together with the schedule of
load.
Determine the approximate length of wire and conduit per circuit.
3.1 For the conduit (each circuit) - measure the length from the last outlet to the panel
using the scale. The trace of the route must be followed as per drawing.
3.2 For the wire measure the length between outlets and the length shall be multiplied
by the no. of wires. The sum of the products (lengths x the no of wires) shall be the
approximate length of wire.
3.3 Sum up the total length of conduit per size and divide by 3. Round off and add 10%.
3.4 Sum up the total length of wire for each size and divide by 150 to get the no of rolls.
Round off and add 10%.
3.5 Set aside the papers and data temporarily.

Determine the approximate length of wire and conduct for the panel homerun to the main
panel or main distribution panel.
4.1 Conduits measure the length of the run. Check the shortest possible route and
avoid obstructions. Total length divide 3 and add 5%
4.2 Wire multiply the length of conduct by the following constants
a. 2- for two-wire single phase
b. 3- for two-wire single phase with neutral
c. 3- for three-wire, 3-phase
d. 4- for 3-phase, 4 wire
Boxes
5.1 Octagonal boxes provide one box for each lighting fixtures
5.2 Utility box 4x 2 provide one box for each switch, duplex outlet or special outlet
(small)
5.3 Square box 4 provide one box if the conduits terminating exceed 4 conduits or
special big outlets.
5.4 Square box 4 11/16 provide one box for one-inch diameter conduits or for special
purpose outlets. Also provide one box for multiple (6 or more) terminations.
5.5 Pull boxes provide one box for every 18 meters of conduits length depending upon
the length of run. Other pull boxes may be designated by plans. Check with the
designer/consultant about the sizes.
6. Fittings
6.1 For PVC pipes
6.1.1 Couplings provide 1 coupling for every length plus 1 coupling for every
termination.
6.1.2 Elbows provide 1-900 elbow for every quarter turn for sizes of 32 mm (1 1/4) and
above.
6.1.3 Cement provide 1 can for every 10 length of conduit.
6.1.4 End bells provide 1 for every termination.
6.2 For RSC conduits
6.2.1 Coupling provide 1 additional coupling for every 5 lengths
6.2.2 Elbows- provide one 90-degree elbow every 90-degree turn for sizes of 25 mm (1)
diameter above.
6.2.3 Locknut and bushing provide one pair for every termination.
6.3 For electrical metallic tubing
6.3.1 Couplings- one set for every length
6.3.2 Elbows- use on site bended EMT
6.3.3 Adapters w/ locknut and bushing- for every termination are 1 adapter and 1 pair of
locknut and bushings.
6.4 Straps two (2) straps for every length of conduit. In sizes of 25 mm diameter and
above use clamps especially for RSC or EMT conduits.
6.5 Other fittings
6.5.1 Wire trays/cable trays check with drawings and consultant/designer
6.5.2 Cable trough / duets check w/ drawings especially that the drawings may have

specific sizes.
7. Other Considerations
7.1 for lighting fixtures add 1 m of wire for every termination or lighting fixtures
7.2 for convenience outlets
a. Add 0.8 m. for every C.0. to the length of pipe and 1m of wire for every termination
b. Add 0.4 m above the height of counters if the C.O. is above the counter in addition to
the height of the counter. Add also 1 m of wire for every termination.
7.3 for homeruns terminating a panel boards add 2 meters of wires for every circuit.
7.4 provide an empty conduit for every spare circuit per panel
7.5 normally the electronic and communication circuits will be in separate sheets and
have an ECE estimate
7.6 provide 1 connector for every termination # 6 up.
8. Summarize the lists of materials as follows
8.1 conduits total of each size
8.2 fittings - total of each type/size
8.3 boxes - total of each type/size
8.4 panels per panel and lowest canvassed price
8.5 Wires - total length of each wire size
8.6 Connectors (solderless less) total termination of each size for wire #6 wire and
above.
8.7 Tape 1 roll PVC tape for every 100 m of wire plus 1 roll of rubber tape for every
200m of wire.
8.8 other materials must be itemized.
9. Costing
9.1 get the unit cost for each item and deduct all discounts.
9.2 from the total cost add 5% to 10% mark up
9.3 For all others materials like duets, panels, transfer switches, safety switches, and
etc.- get the price from the fabricator net (less discounts) and add 5% markup.
10. Preparation of Bid or Asking Price
10.1 Material cost
Conduits Fitting Boxes__________________________
Wires and wiring Devices________________________
Lighting fixtures _______________________________
Safety Devices_________________________________
Service Entrance and Mains_______________________
Others________________________________________
_______________________
Subtotal A
10.2 Labor Cost
10.1 If materials are imported
a. Labor Cost is 20 % of subtotal A
b. Supervision is 3% of subtotal A
c. Mark-up is 1.25 % of subtotal A
10.2 If the conduits and most materials are locally available

a. Labor cost is 25 % to 30% of subtotal A

b. Supervision cost is 4% to 5% of subtotal A
c. Mark up cost is 2 % of subtotal A
10.3 Contingencies an allowance of 5% to 7% of the total cost of materials and labor
10.4 Overhead this include the cost of transportation, office staff tools and equipment
depreciation, papers and office supplies to representation, and cost of money.
- Normally 7% to 10% of the cost of materials is the cost of overhead.
10.5 Permits show the plans to the municipal electrical engineer or his assistant and
request for an estimate. Add 5% to cover the exingencies.
10.6 a. the sum cost as computed in 10.1 and 10.5 is to be multiplied by 0.03 to get the
contractors tax.
b. Add the contractors tax to the sum of sections 10.1 to 10.5 and round off. This will be
your bid price.