CSI Division 27 · Specialty Trades
Low Voltage Estimating
Drops and outlets with cable by actual pathway routing, backbone and pathway, and termination, labelling and certification priced per drop rather than per foot.
- EA
- drops, outlets, panels, racks
- LF
- cable, backbone, pathway
- LS
- certification and documentation
Scope
What we measure.
Measured from
Technology plans, riser diagrams, device schedules and the communications specification
- 01Data Outlets
- 02Backbone & Fiber
- 03Racks & Patch Panels
- 04Pathway & J-hooks
- 05Test & Certification
Where bids go wrong
What other low voltage estimates miss.
Cable lengths by actual pathway routing, with slack and service loops at both ends.
Termination, dressing, labelling and certification, priced per drop rather than per foot.
Pathway, sleeves and firestopping where the cable crosses a rated assembly.
Rack build, patching and the equipment boundary between the installer and the IT vendor.
Sample takeoff
How low voltage line items come back.
Every quantity is traceable to the sheet it came from, in the units the trade buys in.
- Quantities traced to the sheet they came from
- Waste and productivity carried as visible lines
- Formulas intact — edit any rate
| CSI | Line item | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 27 15 00 | Data outlets | 124 EA |
| 27 13 00 | Backbone & fiber | 1,200 LF |
| 27 11 00 | Racks & patch panels | 6 EA |
| 27 05 28 | Pathway & j-hooks | 2,400 LF |
| 27 08 00 | Test & certification | 124 EA |
FAQ
Low Voltage Estimating, answered.
Talk to an estimator
Not a salesperson. Same-day answers on working days.
+1 518 974 7222[email protected]Do you measure cable by type?
Yes. Data, voice, coax and AV cabling are measured by type and category, with pathway and terminations.
Are AV systems included?
AV devices and cabling are measured where the drawings show them. Programming is listed separately.
Can you use our cost book and labor rates?
Yes, and we prefer it. Your historical costs reflect your crews and your suppliers better than any published average. Send the template and we work inside it.
How does pricing work?
Pricing is per project and quoted before any work starts — no retainer, no minimum volume and no subscription.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes. Drawings, specifications and pricing are treated as confidential by default, and we sign your NDA on request before any documents change hands.
Start a quote
Need low voltage numbers for your next bid?
Pick your project type and send the drawings. We confirm the fee and delivery date within the hour on working days.