---
id:
aliases:
  - feeders takeoff
title: Feeders Takeoff
tags:
  - occupational/takeoff
  - status/draft
  - type/guide
up: "[[takeoff-scripts]]"
---
# Feeders Takeoff

> [!important]
> Complete [[pre-takeoff-research]],
> including [[conest-wiring-method-selection]],
> before beginning takeoff.

## Scope

* Primaries
* Secondaries
* Feeders
* Grounding

### Formatting

All feeder takeoff descriptions should be prefixed with `<parent> TO <child>`

It is acceptable to use typicals for identical feeders
(i.e. meter centers fed from bus plugs)
so long as the typical is in `Area` = "01 - Feeders/Risers ...".[^1]

[^1]: [[2025-08-15_14-15-41]]

### Routing

Run parallel to building lines
and route through corridors where possible.

> [!important]
> All takeoffs in Systems with names including "site"
> should be in "Site" Area, Phase, and Bid Item breakdowns.

For adjacent panels, use a minimum 10ft length.

#### Adders

Use the difference in elevation between equipment[^2]
or 10ft, whichever is greater.

[^2]: Not actually difference in elevation.
    A site run from the bottom to the top of a hill may still only need 10ft.
    This needs more precise wording.

It is not necessary to change this logic for site runs.[^3][^4]

[^3]: [[2026-06-03_14-05-39#Site Run Adders]]

[^4]: I will remove this line when I break the habit.

## Primaries

> [!info] Breakdowns
> * `Area` = "2 - Site"
> * `Phase` = "Site"
> * `System` = "PRI - Primaries"

Usually only empty conduit if included.

## Secondaries

> [!info] Breakdowns
> * `Area` = "2 - Site"
> * `Phase` = "Site"
> * `System` = "SEC - Secondaries"

### Wiring on Vault Racks

Where secondary conductors run on racks in utility vaults
manually set the length of conduit,
measure the wire length,
add 20ft in addition to previously mentioned adders.[^5]

[^5]: [[art-baldwin]] at some point, I think.

## Feeders

> [!info] Breakdowns
> * `Area` = "01 - Feeders/Risers Building"
> * `Phase` = "Feeders"
> * `System` = "FRR - Feeders and Risers"

> [!info] Garage Feeders
> `Area` "01 - Feeders/Risers Garage" is seldom used.
> It may be appropriate for totally separate parking garage buildings.
> Seek clarification before using.

## Bus Duct

`COMMON ASSEMBLIES`/`DISTRIBUTION`/`BUS DUCT`/...

Delete unnecessary items and change `Fct 1`
to get the correct quantities for the use case.

## Conductor Support

In lieu of more stringent requirements
that may be imposed by project requirements,
minimum support for vertical conductors
is determined by [[nfpa-70_300_general-requirements#300.19(A) Spacing Intervals --- Maximum.|NEC 300.19(A)]]

Various [[heuristics]] exist among ConEst teams.
Assuming minimum 40ft spacing
(the absolute minimum for feeders we're likely to encounter)
for _all_ conductors is popular even among more detail-favoring seniors.
I generally prefer not to use a heuristic
because `takeoff-calcs.xlsm` trivializes accurate selection
and results in far fewer necessary supports.

Like [[#Sleeving]], it is acceptable to takeoff total counts

`ITEM DATABASE`/`CONDUIT & FITTINGS`/`CABLE SUPPORT / WEDGES`/`... COMPLETE FITTING`/...

## Grounding

See [[grounding-takeoff]].

## Sleeving

See [[sleeving-takeoff]].

Because feeders are not broken down by level
(they use `Area` = "01 - Feeders/Risers ...")
it is acceptable to use total counts.