Home / Trades / Low Voltage (Data, Security & AV)
Low Voltage (Data, Security & AV): what bids leave out
Low-voltage bids are often cable-and-termination prices sitting on top of assumptions about everyone else's work. One bidder includes J-hooks, sleeves, racks, testing and access control programming. Another pulls cable to boxes the electrician set, assumes the owner buys the equipment, and leaves out firestopping and permits. Spell out the boundaries before you compare.
Level your low voltage bids with this checklist →
Standard scope checklist
Send this to every bidder and ask them to mark each line Included, Excluded or give an Add $. Silence is not inclusion.
| # | Scope item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Systems included: data/voice, Wi-Fi, access control, cameras, intrusion, AV, paging |
| 2 | Design responsibility (owner's IT, engineer or design-build) |
| 3 | Rough-in boxes, conduit and pull strings (vs. by electrician) |
| 4 | Cable pathways: J-hooks, cable tray, sleeves |
| 5 | Cable type and category per spec (plenum-rated where required) |
| 6 | Number of drops and terminations |
| 7 | Racks, patch panels, cable management and grounding in the MDF / IDF |
| 8 | Backbone / fiber between rooms or floors |
| 9 | Telecom service entrance coordination with the carrier |
| 10 | Testing and certification reports for every drop |
| 11 | Labeling per standard |
| 12 | Wireless access points: furnished, mounted, configured |
| 13 | Network switches and active equipment (owner or contractor) |
| 14 | Access control hardware: readers, door hardware coordination, power supplies |
| 15 | Cameras, recorder and licensing |
| 16 | AV equipment, mounting and programming |
| 17 | Programming, configuration and owner training |
| 18 | Firestopping of low-voltage penetrations |
| 19 | Removal of abandoned cable |
| 20 | Permits (where required for low voltage) |
| 21 | Lifts and after-hours work |
| 22 | Warranty (manufacturer cabling warranty, labor) |
| 23 | Sales tax and bond |
Common exclusions and how they are worded
| Exclusion | Typical wording | Why it matters | Typical cost to cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rough-in & pathways |
| Someone has to set boxes and pathways before walls and ceilings close. If the electrical and low-voltage bids both exclude it, cable ends up lying on ceiling tile. | TBD |
| Testing & certification |
| Certified test reports prove each drop works to spec, and some manufacturer warranties need them. Ask for test results at closeout. | TBD |
| Active equipment |
| Cable without switches, access points and recorders doesn't do anything. Know which pieces you or your IT vendor are buying. | TBD |
| Door hardware coordination |
| Access control depends on electrified locks, power transfers and frames from the door hardware supplier. Gaps here show up at the door on move-in day. | TBD |
| Programming & configuration |
| Access control, cameras and AV all need setup. A bid that installs hardware but excludes programming leaves you with devices that don't work. | TBD |
| Firestopping |
| Cable through rated walls must be sealed with listed firestop. Low-voltage penetrations are often missed. | TBD |
| Carrier coordination |
| The internet provider brings service to a demarc. Extending it to your equipment room is often excluded. | TBD |
| Abandoned cable |
| The National Electrical Code calls for removing the accessible portion of abandoned low-voltage cable. On TIs, ask who removes old cable from the ceiling. | TBD |
| Permits & after-hours |
| Some jurisdictions require low-voltage permits. Occupied buildings may also require after-hours work. | TBD |
“Typical cost to cover” is TBD. We will publish ranges only once we have real, sourced data. Until then, use your own estimate or a confirmed add price from a bidder.
Questions to ask bidders
- Which systems are in your price, and who is responsible for the design?
- Who provides rough-in boxes, conduit, sleeves and J-hooks?
- How many drops did you price, with what cable category, and is it plenum-rated where required?
- Is certified testing included, and will we get the reports?
- Which equipment are you furnishing (switches, APs, cameras, recorders), and which is by owner?
- Who coordinates electrified door hardware and power transfers for access control?
- Are programming, configuration and training included?
- Is firestopping of your penetrations included?
- Will you remove abandoned cable?
Bid-ready low voltage contractors
Contractors who agree to price against the standard checklist above, with exclusions spelled out line by line. Listings are not live yet.
Featured listing
Your company · City, ST
Bids on the BidGaps checklist
Featured listing
Your company · City, ST
Bids on the BidGaps checklist