---
id:
aliases: []
title: Pre-Takeoff Research
tags:
  - authorship/original
  - destiny/permanent
  - occupational
  - status/incomplete
  - type/guide
---
# 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 are superseded by the terms of our proposal,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 which are superseded by specific direction from the bid team.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.
%%

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

%%
The limitations of Bid's authority are currently being questioned,
%%

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

Read about the project specifications and construction type:
* Delivery Method: (Plans & Specs, Design Build, Design Assist, Preliminary Budget)
* Deck thickness
* Wiring methods
* Conductor material

Locate:
* Main Electrical rooms and panel locations

## By System

### Feeders

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

Locate:
* Riser Diagram
* Feeder Schedule (if present)

### Subfeeds

1. Read about the project specifications and construction type
    * Corridor Ceiling type

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

### Units

2. Read about the project specifications and construction type
    * partition framing
        * stud material (wood or metal)
        * 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)

### Electrical

1. Locate Equipment Schedules

### Fixtures

1. Read about the project specifications and construction type
2. In drawings, locate:
    * Fixture Schedule
    * Reflected Ceiling Plans

### 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. Locate Proposal/Scope of Work. Determine ownership and takeoff responsibility:
    * Cabling
    * Conduit & Pathways
    * Sleeving
3. Locate which plans the LV is taken off on
4. Locate LV Details
5. 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_.

%%
TODO: Create flow chart for wiring methods.
Some cases to mention:
* Deck thickness (minimum 3x conduit outer diameter)
* Renovations (can't route in existing slabs)
%%