Temporary Electrical Wiring Cost

Construction ITEM DESCRIPTION

This unit cost assembly covers temporary electrical wiring to provide power during framing and early construction, before basic wiring is installed.

The setup is based on one 10-gauge line run down the center of each story, with 3 electrical outlets wired on each line. The heavier wiring reduces the amount of voltage drop.

Unit Size

Per building story (a run of about 50 ft). For residential projects, one line up the center is usually sufficient (use regular extension cords to reach the entire area).

Labor Costs

We figure 2 2/3 electrician hours for the wiring, plus 1/2 hour of laborer time to prepare the site. The electrician time is too high for the initial setup, but it allows some time for futzing around during general construction when wires are cut, circuit boxes are destroyed by falling piles of lumber, etc etc. Lines may also need to be moved once or twice as construction progresses.

Material Costs

Includes some romex cable and three electrical outlet boxes. Subtract 30% from the basic costs for possible reuse.

Suggested Quantity

One for each story. For large commercial construction projects, figure one line for every 1000 square feet of building area.

Source of Construction Pricing

We actually timed it once for a gut and rehab project in Ithaca NY. The timing seemed about right when compared to recollections of other projects in Boston MA and Ithaca NY.

Comments

Skip this item when estimating rehab projects, if the existing electrical boxes are sufficient.

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