---
id:
aliases: []
tags:
  - destiny/permanent
  - occupational
  - status/incomplete
  - type/guide
  - authorship/original
title: Pre-Takeoff Research
---
# Pre-Takeoff Research

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This note should be arranged chronologically:
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> [!important] Requirement Precedence
> In case of conflict:
> Requirements of the plans and specs
> are superseded by the terms of our proposal,
> which are superseded by specific direction from the bid team.

<!--
Where NEC, IBC, and other applicable codes fall in this hierarchy
is subject to some debate.
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> [!aside] "Plans & Specs"
> The oft repeated "per plans and specs" is a gross oversimplification:
> The RFP documents are more likely than not
> to have one or more irreconcilable contradictions,
> or some instance of [[gold-plating]] too egregious to accept.
> When ConEst takes of a project "per plans and specs",
> we are taking off _Bid's interpretation_ of the RFP documents,
> which they must be able to articulate.

Seek to use the cheapest method,
as determined by Senior Construction Estimator
and Database Administrator,
as allowed for the situation.

* [[wiring-method-selection]]
* [[wiring-device-research]]
* [[emergency-systems-research]]
* [[low-voltage-raceway-selection]]

## General

1. Read about the project specifications and construction type
2. Locate Equipment Schedules

Read about the project specifications and construction type:
* Deck thickness
* Wiring methods
* Conductor material
* Wire terminations (set-screw acceptable or compression required?)

Locate:
* Riser Diagram
* Feeder Schedule (if present)
* Main Electrical rooms and panel locations

1. Locate Unit panels and relevant keynotes
    * bus amps

2. Read about the project specifications and construction type
  * partition framing (wood or metal studs)
  * stud depth
  * wiring methods (NM or MC)
  * wiring device plates (decora or standard)
  * wiring device specs (are 15A devices allowed or minimum N5-20R)
  * equipment (20A Kitchen and bath)

Low Voltage
1. Locate Proposal/Scope of Work. Determine ownership and takeoff responsibility:
    * Cabling
    * Conduit & Pathways
    * Sleeving
2. In the drawings, locate:
    * Floor plans where LV scope is shown
    * LV Details

Telecom

1. Locate MDF (aka MTR, MPOE) and IDF Rooms
2. Service entrance conduit "Site Low Voltage Ductbank (SLVDB)"
3. Riser throughout building
4. Sleeving for riser

5. Locate Proposal/Scope of Work. Determine ownership and takeoff responsibility:
    * Cabling
    * Conduit & Pathways
    * Sleeving
6. Locate which plans the LV is taken off on
7. Locate LV Details
8. Read about the project specifications and construction type

## Voltage Drop

Unless explicitly stated in the plans or specs,
conductors are to be sized according to the relevant schedule,
_without respect for voltage drop_.

### Subfeeds

1. Read about the project specifications and construction type
  * Delivery Method: (Plans & Specs, Design Build, Design Assist, Preliminary Budget)
  * Corridor Ceiling type

2. In the drawings, locate:
  * Unit Panel Schedules
  * Unit Load Calculations
  * Riser Diagram
  * Subfeed schedule (if present)

<!--
TODO: Create flow chart for wiring methods.
Some cases to mention:
* Deck thickness (minimum 3x conduit outer diameter)
* Renovations (may not be able to run in slab)
-->
