Cable waste factor records
How to record waste allowance, spare length, cutting loss and uncertainty before using Australian cable quantity worksheets.
Waste-record purpose
Waste allowance can be useful, but an unexplained uplift makes an estimate harder to review. A strong cable quantity record separates measured route, spare length, repeated runs and waste factor.
This guide keeps the waste percentage traceable.
Workflow
- Measure route length before waste.
- Add deliberate spare length per run.
- Record repeated runs only where the same route basis applies.
- Choose the waste percentage and write the reason.
- Recheck quantity when route, cutting pattern or supplier packaging changes.
Waste table
| Field | Record | Review concern |
|---|---|---|
| Base route | Measured route length | Drawing status matters |
| Spare length | Tails, terminations or handling allowance | Should be explicit |
| Waste percentage | Entered allowance | Needs a reason |
| Cutting loss | Repeated cuts or offcut risk | May differ by cable type |
| Supplier packaging | Drum or reel length | Can change order quantity |
Boundaries
- Do not hide spare length inside waste.
- Do not apply the same waste factor to every project without review.
- Do not use waste allowance to cover uncertain cable selection.
- Do not treat material quantity as procurement instruction.