What it does
Three studies, one set of assumptions
Feeder VE
Size a feeder against ampacity and voltage drop, then compare copper versus aluminium — and one size up — on total cost of ownership rather than first cost alone. The cheaper conductor at bid time is often the expensive one across decades of I²R losses.
BOQ optimizer
Work a bill of quantities line by line and see where a value-engineering substitution actually changes lifetime cost — so the savings booked at tender survive the building's operating life instead of reappearing as an operating penalty.
Lifecycle & TCO
Model first cost plus energy, maintenance and replacement for transformers, UPS, generators, switchboards, panelboards, lighting and low-voltage systems — each discounted to present value over the study period.
Calibrate before you rely on it
Like the rest of the free estimating toolkit, every rate here is a placeholder — replace the starter figures with your own quoted pricing, NECA labour units and nameplate loss data. The tool is the engine; your benchmark data makes it defensible. Order-of-magnitude decision support, not a substitute for a sealed design.
Questions
About electrical value engineering
What is electrical value engineering?
Comparing design options on lifetime cost rather than first cost alone — copper versus aluminium feeders, a larger conductor, a higher-efficiency transformer — so a saving booked at tender is not erased by decades of energy losses, maintenance and replacement.
Does it compare copper and aluminium feeders?
Yes — the feeder module sizes the run against ampacity and voltage drop, then compares copper, aluminium and larger sizes on total cost of ownership, including I²R energy losses over the study period.
What equipment does the lifecycle module cover?
Transformers, UPS, generators, switchboards, panelboards, lighting and low-voltage systems — each as first cost plus energy, maintenance and replacement, discounted to present value.
Is it free, and does it need sign-up?
Free, no sign-up, and it runs entirely in your browser. Export a full report to Excel at any time.
What codes does it reference?
Simplified CSA C22.1 (Canadian Electrical Code) and NECA context for illustration only. Verify against current code; it is decision support, not a sealed design.
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