Replies

1. 
   edlee | Oct 06, 2007 10:23pm | #1

   Well, an outlet is defined as any place that electricity is utilized, though informally it often is used to refer to switches also. This is in contrast to what many people (wrongly) mean when they refer to an outet: a receptacle outlet. 

   So he's using electrician's terminology to tell you that all the basic switch, light and receptacle outlets in the house add up to 196, including the bathroom fan hook-ups.

   He's likely excluding hard-wired appliances, 240v outlets for appliances, maybe smoke/CO detectors, etc.

   Ed 

1. 
   runnerguy | Oct 07, 2007 01:53pm | #3

   Thanks Ed. That is what I was figuring. Yes, the other line items all reference the main panel, doorbell, disposal, dishwasher and similar appliances, furnace, paddle fan prewires and such.

   So against the 196 allowance, a switch to a light would count as 2, 2 X 3 way switch's to a one light would count as 3, 2 X 3 way switch's to  two lights would count as 4, etc.

   Thanks,

   Runnerguy

1. 
   edlee | Oct 07, 2007 02:29pm | #5

   So against the 196 allowance, a switch to a light would count as 2, 2 X 3 way switch's to a one light would count as 3, 2 X 3 way switch's to  two lights would count as 4, etc

    

   Yes, that 's how I do my bids and estimates, based on a cost per opening (or outlet).

   So if at the end of the rough-in, with the inevitable changes in design, he tells you you now have say 205 openings, the extra cost would would be 9 X (unit charge per opening).

   Ed

2. 
   BillHartmann | Oct 06, 2007 11:02pm | #2

   I would probably want to refer to a schedule that will give more detail with showing each wire and box. That still leave a lot of leeway such as how bathrooms will be wired.

   For example;

   Living room;
   5 wall mount receptacle, 2 split for switched lighting
   1 mantal receptacle.
   1 receptacle on dedicated circuit for audio/visual
   2 can lights (over fireplace) on one switch.
   4 can lights on one switch.
   5 switches.

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   A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
1. 
   runnerguy | Oct 07, 2007 02:01pm | #4

   Thanks Bill. Your method would be better but I got the bid when I was establishing the budget and it turned out I went with the guy. That's probably why this "allowance" method. And of course, between then and now we've made some changes (albiet minor) to the plan) I just wanted to be sure I was looking at it correctly, especially the 3 way and 4 way switches.

   Runnerguy