Any electricians out there?

« **on:** January 03, 2011, 09:08:01 PM »

So the electrician just left and tells me I need a whole new panel at my house. 50 yr old GE 200 amp service. It has about 10 breakers that are not totally compatible with the GE panel, lots of evidence of burning wires and lugs etc. We have been losing lightbulbs frequently until yesterday when the lights kept going dim or out and then back on for no reason. Between the time I called and the time he got here the DVD player filled my living room up with smoke.

My question is . . . Is $4300 out of line for cutting out and replacing the old box out of line? That is a shitload of money honey!

« **Reply #1 on:** January 03, 2011, 09:18:16 PM »

have to see some pics but i charge anywhere from 1000 bucks to 4000 depending on how much work is involved and if were doing the stucco patch etc etc was this just a quote for the panel upgrade only or was he replacing and pulling new wire on the burnt stuff too

« **Reply #2 on:** January 03, 2011, 09:24:13 PM »

Hey GC, I can help you out with that if you want. I have a gen. cont. license and have guys who do great work. I am out of La Verne, not too far away. Let me know if I can help.

Frank

« **Reply #3 on:** January 03, 2011, 10:28:48 PM »

Honestly I'm not exactly sure what it includes. I have been losing lightbulbs for months now at a alarming rate and when the DVD player filled my house with smoke 15 mins. after inquiring about a service call, it just seemed the prudent thing to do. I asked what the difference in $$ for the service call between tonight and tomorrow and told them to come tomorrow. They called back and said after talking to a serviceman they would come out tonight for $40 because it flickering lights is usually a dangerous situation. When we opened the breaker box you could hear the main sizzling, and he pointed out how burnt wires and how most of the breakers were not designed for that box. I really didn't feel I had much choice, I got two kids sleeping in the house to worry about.
I am committed to having them do the work, I just wondered if this is a reasonable rate or if I'm being hosed because it is dangerous and I can't do it myself.
It does include stucco patch and "panel protection" which is supposed to be a big deal. The mast coming into the house is right there so I don't think they are pulling much new wire.

« **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2011, 11:15:40 PM »

Freakin sparky has you by the short and curly's.

-beerjet-

« **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2011, 11:21:18 PM »

Quote from: beerjet on January 03, 2011, 11:15:40 PM

Freakin sparky has you by the short and curly's.

-beerjet-

Yeah but I ain't going for no waxing! Just say NO Omar!

« **Reply #6 on:** January 03, 2011, 11:56:49 PM »

Sounds to me like it's a problem from day one with the house! Sucks, I know.

Just FYI, not code or anything, but if GE loadcenter, then GE breakers, Square D, Square D. Reason being if the house burns, homeowners insurance will NOT pay in most cases. Code or not! Word to the wise.

It's quite possible just replacing the breakers with GE breakers you could be fine, but why chance it?

Post a pic of your panel. I'm off this weekend and in DIRE need of some r and r. Wouldn't be the first time I've pulled a meter hot. Got jumper cables? We can get you hooked up with a good Square D panel, or better yet, a 400 amp service if you're up to the coin for a $700 panel vs a $150 panel.

Ray

« **Reply #7 on:** January 04, 2011, 12:02:40 AM »

Yeah even the main was completely wrong and showed evidence of arcing. ITC or some brand, def not GE. I appreciate the offers guys, but in this instance I just didn't have time to "shop" around. Gotta go with the girl that brought me so to speak. I am working on a couple of "extras" that I need done to help defray the pain a bit.

Ray are you coming to Elsie this weekend for TPMO?

« **Reply #8 on:** January 04, 2011, 12:04:18 AM »

Quote from: GlassCutter on January 03, 2011, 10:28:48 PM

Honestly I'm not exactly sure what it includes. I have been losing lightbulbs for months now at a alarming rate and when the DVD player filled my house with smoke 15 mins. after inquiring about a service call, it just seemed the prudent thing to do. I asked what the difference in $$ for the service call between tonight and tomorrow and told them to come tomorrow. They called back and said after talking to a serviceman they would come out tonight for $40 because it flickering lights is usually a dangerous situation. When we opened the breaker box you could hear the main sizzling, and he pointed out how burnt wires and how most of the breakers were not designed for that box. I really didn't feel I had much choice, I got two kids sleeping in the house to worry about.
I am committed to having them do the work, I just wondered if this is a reasonable rate or if I'm being hosed because it is dangerous and I can't do it myself.
It does include stucco patch and "panel protection" which is supposed to be a big deal. The mast coming into the house is right there so I don't think they are pulling much new wire.

from what it sounds thats gonna be about right but if it wasnt so bad i say shop around a smidge.its cut throat out there and where i live we have a guy installing can lites with your choice of trim for 60 buck when the norm would be 120 a can lite.

« **Reply #9 on:** January 04, 2011, 12:06:18 AM »

sorry your so far away or i could have helped you out and if ray is going to the tom papp deal dont idle behind the moo he will try and roost ya lol

« **Reply #10 on:** January 04, 2011, 12:17:42 AM »

Quote from: GlassCutter on January 04, 2011, 12:02:40 AM

Ray are you coming to Elsie this weekend for TPMO?

No, not gonna make that. Posted in the other thread why. Forgot the dates of this weekend. I am off however, hmmmmmm maybe an ill running Pickle boat?

Ray

GlassCutter

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