Electrical Wiring Estimation

Step into the role of a construction company estimator and take on the challenge of pricing the entire electrical system for a brand-new home. In this interactive, auto-graded lab, students work from a residential floor plan to identify loads, size the panel and breakers, estimate wire lengths, count devices, and prepare a professional cost estimate for the project.

The storyline places students in a real-world scenario:

Your construction company has won the contract for a new residential build. It’s your job to prepare the electrical portion of the bid — accurate, complete, and ready to hand to the client.

Along the way, students apply math in real-world construction, interpret electrical plans, follow simplified code rules, and make cost-based decisions just like professionals in the field.

Students Will Learn To:

• Read and interpret basic residential floor plans with electrical components.
• Identify 120V and 240V circuits for different loads.
• Calculate total electrical load in watts and amps.
• Select panel size, breaker ratings, and wire gauge based on load.
• Plan dedicated appliance circuits and general-purpose lighting/outlet circuits.
• Include GFCI-protected and special-use circuits in their plan.
• Measure and estimate wire lengths for each circuit.
• Count all necessary devices — switches, outlets, boxes, cover plates, junction boxes, and fixtures.
• Apply unit prices for materials and labor to create a complete project estimate.
• Present a professional bid-ready estimate.

Key Features:

• Realistic Construction Scenario – Students simulate the work of a professional construction estimator.
• Auto-Graded & Interactive – Immediate feedback with a real-time teacher console to track progress.
• Simplified NEC Guidelines – Students follow essential safety and capacity rules without being overwhelmed.
• Cross-Curricular Skills – Reinforces math, technical reading, and problem-solving.
• Comprehensive Workflow – From load calculation to final estimate, mirroring real-world trade practices.

Perfect For:

• High School Construction & Architecture CTE classes.
• Building trades programs introducing students to the basics of electrical planning.
• Teachers looking for engaging, hands-on math applications in construction.
• Group or individual project work with easy progress monitoring.

Bring real-world construction math to life and give students a clear understanding of how electrical systems are planned, costed, and presented in the industry. With this lab, they don’t just learn the concepts — they practice thinking like professionals.