Why is one pole not necessarily one purchased device?
Schneider Electric's I-Line FAQ describes two poles belonging to a breaker with a common trip. It is a product-specific illustration that a multi-pole device is not simply a count of unrelated single-pole purchases. The FAQ's application advice must not be generalised to other equipment or used to redesign a circuit.
Data Center Estimating is independent and is not affiliated with Schneider Electric. The approved device schedule and actual supplier scope determine the procurement unit. Technical device selection remains with the responsible engineer.
Sources: Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric I-Line two-pole common-trip application FAQ
How should the takeoff ledger separate the quantities?
Assign a device or assembly reference before counting. Keep a breaker already included in a quoted switchboard distinct from a separately supplied field-installed item. The purpose is to expose scope and counting assumptions, not to infer a design from a quantity.
| Ledger column | Quantity basis | Evidence to retain |
|---|---|---|
| Device count | Specified complete breakers | Approved schedule and tag range |
| Pole attribute | Poles per selected device | Exact approved configuration |
| Assembly inclusion | Included or separately procured | Supplier scope reference |
| Accessories | Separately specified items only | Accessory schedule and inclusion |
| Spares | Expressly required spare devices | Contract or engineer requirement |
| Panel interface | Approved space and connection data | Manufacturer layout reference |
What does a pole-total cross-check show?
Illustrative example. A fictional schedule contains six two-pole breakers and four three-pole breakers, all defined as complete individual devices. The procurement device count is 6 + 4 = 10. The configuration cross-check is (6 x 2) + (4 x 3) = 24 poles. Buying 24 breakers would confuse attributes with units.
The 24-pole total does not specify occupied modules, spare spaces, terminal counts, wiring, interrupting ratings or interchangeable devices. If two specified accessories are required, retain their separate line and check whether the supplier already includes them. Do not create an accessory allowance from the pole total.
How should a schedule change be reconciled?
Compare the before-and-after device references, quantities, pole attributes and assembly boundaries. A change from two poles to three can alter configuration without adding a device; a split into two independently specified devices is a different change. Obtain the authorised schedule rather than deciding from a symbol alone.
Retain the estimate revision and the unresolved inclusion questions. This count is not a protection study or installation approval. Engineering sign-off is performed only by the registered engineer on the job.
Common questions
What else should the bid team know?
Are ten poles ten breakers?
Not necessarily. Count the approved complete procurement units.
Does a pole total establish panel width?
No. Use the selected equipment's approved layout data.
Should every breaker accessory be added separately?
No. Check the specified configuration and quoted inclusion first.
Primary sources
- Schneider Electric I-Line two-pole common-trip application FAQSchneider Electric