What is an electrical takeoff?
Short answer
An electrical takeoff is the count and measurement of every electrical item in a set of construction drawings: fixtures, devices and equipment are counted by type, and conduit, cable and feeders are measured by length and size. It is the first half of an electrical estimate. Pricing those quantities for material and labour turns the takeoff into the estimate.
What is counted and what is measured
| System | Counted | Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Fixtures by type, exit signs, emergency units, sensors | Branch circuits, control wiring |
| Wiring devices | Receptacles, switches, boxes, floor boxes | Branch circuits and home runs |
| Distribution | Switchgear, transformers, panels, disconnects | Feeders by size and wiring method |
| Fire alarm | Detectors, pull stations, horns, strobes, modules, panels | Initiating and signal circuits |
| Voice and data | Outlets and cables per outlet, racks | Cable runs, cable tray |
| Equipment connections | Motors and mechanical equipment from the schedules | Feeds and control wiring |
How an electrical takeoff is done
- Read the whole package. Electrical drawings, but also reflected ceiling plans, mechanical schedules, the specification and addenda. Scope hides in all of them.
- Count by type. Each symbol is counted against the legend and schedules, sheet by sheet, and marked so nothing is counted twice or missed.
- Measure runs. Feeders are measured along their route with vertical drops added; branch circuits are measured from the circuiting to the panel.
- Mark up the drawings. Every counted item and measured run is highlighted in a colour for its system, so anyone can check the result.
- Record questions. Missing schedules, conflicts between drawings and specification, and unclear existing work become RFIs.
Takeoffs are done on screen today, from PDF drawings. The software changes the speed, not the judgment: knowing where scope hides is what makes a takeoff complete.
Takeoff and estimate: the difference
A takeoff answers "how much": quantities by system. An estimate answers "what will it cost": the takeoff priced for material and labour, plus equipment quotes and job costs. Contractors with their own pricing often buy only the takeoff; see what is included in an electrical estimate.
Common takeoff mistakes
- Counting from the electrical sheets only and missing equipment on the mechanical schedules.
- Ignoring ceiling types and heights from the architectural drawings.
- Taking typical floors or suites as identical when some are not.
- Missing items added or changed by addenda.
- No markups, so nobody can check what was counted.
Getting a takeoff done
Admiral Electrical delivers electrical takeoffs with colour-coded marked-up drawings, either on their own or as part of a fully priced estimate, usually in 24–48 hours. See electrical estimating services or request a quote.