The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Plumbing Heating And Piping

SEC. H-6. EQUIPMENT SETTING

6.54. General Discussion

The setting of equipment for heating, air conditioning, and air handling is an element of cost very much like the setting of equipment discussed in Art. 4.47 of the plumbing section of this book. Here again there is really no easy shortcut for the estimator. The only logical approach seems to be a thorough analysis of the requirements involved in the setting of each piece and the placing of a value, in man-hours and construction equipment, on the work involved.

Certain fundamentals will require consideration in such an analysis, and may be expressed as follows:

1. Weight of the unit
2. Its size and shape
3. Horizontal distance the equipment must be moved and the probable conditions of the area through which it must be moved
4. Vertical distance of movement and possible obstructions
5. Required foundations, or supporting members or structures, including anchor bolts or hangers
6. Required connections
7. Necessary tests and operating instruction

In order to do the work found to be required by such an analysis the job superintendent has three fundamental approaches to the problem:

1. Manpower and rigging
2. Machinery
3. A combination of the two
It is only logical to assume that, in all instances, conditions will dictate approach 1 or 3, but never approach 2 alone.

The estimator will find that such an analysis of the requirements of each piece of equipment to be set coupled with a logical setting of values in man-hours and rental hours for equipment will produce a satisfactory estimate of the cost.

6.55. Limits of Equipment Setting

The setting of limits of work for this phase of installation does not present any problem providing the limits are set so that there will be no duplication in the take-off or any material left out of the estimate. It is suggested that equipment setting include the work mentioned in Art. 6.54 and the actual connection of the equipment to the supply and return runouts and risers. This would necessitate removal of the test cap discussed in Art. 6.49, and installation of the radiator traps and valves or other similar specialties. Painting, if required, should also be considered at this point or be placed with the subcontracts if this approach is preferred.