Electrical Estimating Methods, 4th Edition

CHAPTER 18 Lighting

By far the most elemental portion of electrical construction is lighting. The first commercial use of electricity was for lighting. Today, virtually every building, industrial plant, house, bridge, and roadway sign makes extensive use of lighting fixtures. In building construction, lighting is still the largest single electrical cost center. Lighting accounts for 30% to 40% of the electrical operating costs in commercial buildings. Therefore, taking into consideration the initial cost of the lighting system, the life cycle costs, and the responsibility of meeting energy conservation requirements, lighting systems play an important role.

This chapter contains descriptions of seven different types of electrical lighting, fixtures, and fixture whips. In addition to the description, each component section includes guidelines on units of measure, material and labor requirements, and a general takeoff procedure. Labor-hour guidelines are suggested for the installation of various types of lighting. Where applicable, cost modification factors—for economy of scale or difficult working conditions—are suggested.

INTERIOR LIGHTING FIXTURES

Fixture styles for interior building lighting can be either surface mounted or recessed in a wall or ceiling. Other options are pendant or hanging fixtures. There are, of course, numerous variations of all of these styles.

Not only is lighting a major cost center for material and installation, but it is also a significant factor ...