It is helpful for an estimator to be familiar with the NEC.  An estimator doesn’t have to master the NEC, but there are several areas of the code that an estimator should know.  Here are some of the most important items that will help you in producing accurate estimates and solid bids.

1. Equipment clearances – Article 110
2. GFCI requirements – Article 210.8
3. Arch fault requirements – Article 210.12
4. Branch Circuit Voltage drop – Article 210-19(a)
5. Feeder Voltage drop – 215-2 (b)
6. Overhead service clearances – Article 230.24
7. Circuit breaker sizes –  Article 240.6
8. Grounding and bonding – Article 250
9. Burial depths – Article 300.5
10. Vertical conductors support – Article 300.19
11. Conductor types and uses – Article 310
12. Conductor ampacities – Article 310
13. Conductor ampacity adjustment requirements – Article 310
14. Junction box sizing – Article 314.16
15. Box fill – Article 314.16
16. Cable types and uses – Article 320 – 340
17. Wireway sizing – Articles 376 & 378
18. Hazardous locations – Articles 500 – 504
19. Health care facilities – Article 517
20. Swimming pools – Article 680
21. Conduit fill – NEC Chapter 9

It would be wise for you to have in your daily schedule time to learn the code rules for these items.  There are several good self-study code courses available on the internet.

Remember, estimating is expensive, poor estimating is costly, and quality estimating is profitable.

Regards,

Don Kiper – 905-941-1611