Labor Units

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 Question by Bruce Harry posted 05 Feb 2004
 Labor Units
I have been familiarizing myself with ConEst estimating software as well as the NECA Manual of Labor Units and I have a question about installing multiple cables between two locations. Both of these sources assume that it takes twice as long to install two 4-pair cables as it does to install one 4-pair cable. However, it is my understanding that the additional labor required to install 2, 3 or even 4 4-pair cables between two locations is not substancially more than the labor required to install just one cable. Do you have an opinion as to what additional labor unit percentage should be added per additional cable, ie. 25% for each additional cable or is there an industry standard percentage for each additional cable?
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 Answer by Joseph Golan posted 05 Feb 2004
Dear Bruce,

Your understanding is basically correct. While the formula varies between contractors (and areas of the country) the concept is the same. Yes it will not take twice as long to pull two cables to the same location as 1.
The formula I like to use is if a single cable can be run at 1 hr per 100 feet then two should take about 15-20% more. 3 cables 25% and four cables 30% over 1 cable. Of course these times will vary depending upon job condition and if the cable is being run in conduit or free-air on J-hooks.

Sincerely,
Joseph Golan, RCDD

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