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Takeoffs

This section describes how to generate quantity takeoffs directly from the device counts and wire measurements stored in the project database. Takeoffs may be performed at any time during the design process and can be quickly redone as the design changes.

Each takeoff is generated as an HTML file and will automatically be opened in your web browser. It can also be opened in Microsoft Excel. See the Exporting Load Calculations (and Other HTML Outputs) to Excel article in the knowledge base for more information.

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This feature is not intended to be used as a complete estimating tool. It is intended as a starting point for creating an estimate that can then be finished using a complete electrical estimating program.

There are three categories for which a takeoff may be performed:

  • on selected areas on a drawing,
  • on distribution equipment and feeders for the project,
  • or on equipment that is stored only in the database and not on a drawing file.

Takeoff on Selected Areas​

To perform a takeoff on an area on a drawing, you must first Insert a Takeoff Area. These takeoff areas will remain on the drawing until erased and can be used again for future takeoffs. The definition of the takeoff area can be modified using the Query Takeoff Area command.

Once you have created a takeoff area, use the Print Takeoff Area command to perform the takeoff.

Distribution equipment and feeders are not included in the quantities in the takeoff area on your drawing.

Takeoff on Distribution Equipment and Feeders​

To perform a takeoff of the distribution equipment and feeders in your project, use the Print Distribution Equipment Takeoff command.

Takeoff on Equipment in the Database​

To perform a takeoff of the equipment that is in the database but not on a drawing, use the Print Equipment in Database Only Takeoff command.

Common Takeoff Information​

  •  Takeoff Area Name: The name of the takeoff area. The name is displayed when the takeoff for the area is printed.

  •  ☐ Include Circuit Length by Circuit Whether the Circuit Length By Circuit section is included when the takeoff for the area is printed. See the Print Takeoff Area section for more information.

  •  ☐ Include Feeder Length by Feeder Whether the Feeder Length By Feeder section is included when the takeoff is printed. See the Print Distribution Equipment Takeoff section for more information.

  •  Layer Systems to Count: ☰ Which layer systems are included when the takeoff for the area is printed. See the Layer System section for more information.