To perform a takeoff on an area of a drawing file you must first create a takeoff area. These takeoff areas will remain on the drawing until erased and can be used over and over again for future takeoffs. This method of creating a takeoff area applies to small areas, like a single room, as well as large areas, such as an entire floor or drawing.
To create a takeoff area, select:
DM Electrical
Takeoff CalculationsInsert Takeoff Area
The Insert Takeoff Area dialog box will appear.
Enter a name for the takeoff area as shown above.
Note that the program allows you to create both rooms and takeoff areas with the same name. These two items are completely separate from each other.
Press OK.
You will be prompted to specify the First point of takeoff area:
Click on the first corner of the takeoff area.
You will then be prompted to Specify next point:
Continue to click on the drawing and add points to the takeoff area outline. Press ENTER when finished.
A polyline will appear representing your takeoff area. The polyline is on a non-plotting layer and will not display on printed drawing files.
Your takeoff area will appear something like the one shown below.
When a takeoff is performed in the area, all of the devices in the area will be included. Circuits will be included in the takeoff if the device the homerun is drawn from is inside the area.