Posted: 10/25/2012 3:22:46 AM EDT
I want to have a lock-out like switch installed on my main panel so I can hook up a generator. When I call the large companies to have the work done, none will quote a price, they want to come out and look at the job. I have no problem with that, but I went through that with two companies prior and each had a rate sheet they simply pulled out an quoted. My house has 200amp service and was built in 1992, so it's not like there would be some hidden surprise. Are prices that much different between companies or should I just try and find a local guy to do the work? TIA. P.S. Me and electricity don't get along so, the self-help option is on the table. 
|
|
Quoted:
You need a transfer switch.. And so it's not like there would be some hidden surprise is exactly why they need to make a site visit.Thanks for the reply. Let me add, two companies I called want upwards of $100 for the site visit. The last time I had a company out it was the same, $100 up front and the electrician applies that against the final fee. Electrician arrives, sees the locations for the three drops I want in the basement, then pulls out a rate sheet and quotes me $267 for each drop. I'm not against the cost of doing business, but under that system, you either agree or your out your hundred. All the big guys I'm calling are doing the same, which means I just answered my own question; I need to find someone who will look a the job and quote without an up front fee. P.S. I agree with your tag line. Too many "C" and "D" students are in charge... |
|
Quoted:
I want to have a lock-out like switch installed on my main panel so I can hook up a generator. When I call the large companies to have the work done, none will quote a price, they want to come out and look at the job. I have no problem with that, but I went through that with two companies prior and each had a rate sheet they simply pulled out an quoted. My house has 200amp service and was built in 1992, so it's not like there would be some hidden surprise. Are prices that much different between companies or should I just try and find a local guy to do the work? TIA. P.S. Me and electricity don't get along so, the self-help option is on the table. What part of VA, OP? I have a buddy who may be able to help.. and he's straight-arrow, very qualified, and could likely use the work ! message me? '03 |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
I want to have a lock-out like switch installed on my main panel so I can hook up a generator. When I call the large companies to have the work done, none will quote a price, they want to come out and look at the job. I have no problem with that, but I went through that with two companies prior and each had a rate sheet they simply pulled out an quoted. My house has 200amp service and was built in 1992, so it's not like there would be some hidden surprise. Are prices that much different between companies or should I just try and find a local guy to do the work? TIA. P.S. Me and electricity don't get along so, the self-help option is on the table. What part of VA, OP? I have a buddy who may be able to help.. and he's straight-arrow, very qualified, and could likely use the work ! message me? '03 Stafford County - IM Sent. |
|
Service from meter to the 200amp panel has to be moved to the transfer switch. then from the transfer switch to the 200amp panel or ( a sub panel for generator loads only) and some type of generator hookup.
I don't know any electrician that could give an estimate without seeing the job... Just be careful about what you ask for op. |
|
Quoted:
Service from meter to the 200amp panel has to be moved to the transfer switch. then from the transfer switch to the 200amp panel or ( a sub panel for generator loads only) and some type of generator hookup. I don't know any electrician that could give an estimate without seeing the job... Just be careful about what you ask for op. The outdoor forum is my new friend; lots of generator discussions in the survival section. 
|
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Service from meter to the 200amp panel has to be moved to the transfer switch. then from the transfer switch to the 200amp panel or ( a sub panel for generator loads only) and some type of generator hookup. I don't know any electrician that could give an estimate without seeing the job... Just be careful about what you ask for op. The outdoor forum is my new friend; lots of generator discussions in the survival section. I was just gonna suggest that forum. I had a transfer switch/4circuit generator panel installed in July for $450. Panel, generator plug to the panel, work and generator cord all included. IM me if you want name & #. I don't know if he'll travel that far but you can always ask. |
|
It really isn't that complicated at all to hook up a transfer panel for a generator. No, you don't have to change the 200amp connection from the utility to your main panel to do it, you connect each breaker in the transfer panel to each desired breaker on the main panel. You can look up the installation instructions for many panels online and see for yourself. Most transfer switches come pre-wired, and make it very easy to install. You have to turn off the main breaker and be willing to work inside the main panel, and if you are not comfortable with that, then you need to bring in an electrician, but it is not as complicated a job as many others around the house. The hardest part will likely be running the heavy gauge connection from your panel in the house outside to where your generator will connect. You'll be paying for the electrician's time and experience, will probably be a few hundred bucks.
Sample prewired switch |
|
Quoted:
It really isn't that complicated at all to hook up a transfer panel for a generator. No, you don't have to change the 200amp connection from the utility to your main panel to do it, you connect each breaker in the transfer panel to each desired breaker on the main panel. You can look up the installation instructions for many panels online and see for yourself. Most transfer switches come pre-wired, and make it very easy to install. You have to turn off the main breaker and be willing to work inside the main panel, and if you are not comfortable with that, then you need to bring in an electrician, but it is not as complicated a job as many others around the house. The hardest part will likely be running the heavy gauge connection from your panel in the house outside to where your generator will connect. You'll be paying for the electrician's time and experience, will probably be a few hundred bucks. Sample prewired switch 
I did say "or a sub panel for generator loads only." I should have made my assumptions clear since the op was looking for the cheapest way to go. I was thinking too big, sorry op. We have a 60kw standby that transfers our main panel but we installed a manual transfer switch that we got cheap thru a distributor. |
|
Quoted:
It really isn't that complicated at all to hook up a transfer panel for a generator. No, you don't have to change the 200amp connection from the utility to your main panel to do it, you connect each breaker in the transfer panel to each desired breaker on the main panel. You can look up the installation instructions for many panels online and see for yourself. Most transfer switches come pre-wired, and make it very easy to install. You have to turn off the main breaker and be willing to work inside the main panel, and if you are not comfortable with that, then you need to bring in an electrician, but it is not as complicated a job as many others around the house. The hardest part will likely be running the heavy gauge connection from your panel in the house outside to where your generator will connect. You'll be paying for the electrician's time and experience, will probably be a few hundred bucks. Sample prewired switch Thanks - I will gladly pay for an electrician's experience to hook up a transfer panel. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
It really isn't that complicated at all to hook up a transfer panel for a generator. No, you don't have to change the 200amp connection from the utility to your main panel to do it, you connect each breaker in the transfer panel to each desired breaker on the main panel. You can look up the installation instructions for many panels online and see for yourself. Most transfer switches come pre-wired, and make it very easy to install. You have to turn off the main breaker and be willing to work inside the main panel, and if you are not comfortable with that, then you need to bring in an electrician, but it is not as complicated a job as many others around the house. The hardest part will likely be running the heavy gauge connection from your panel in the house outside to where your generator will connect. You'll be paying for the electrician's time and experience, will probably be a few hundred bucks. Sample prewired switch
I did say "or a sub panel for generator loads only." I should have made my assumptions clear since the op was looking for the cheapest way to go. I was thinking too big, sorry op. We have a 60kw standby that transfers our main panel but we installed a manual transfer switch that we got cheap thru a distributor. 60kw - you're my hero! Send the excess to me in Stafford, I may need it next week if this storm is half of what they're hyping. |
|
Quoted:
Looks like alot, until you add up compressors, motors, hvac starting at the same time. I was going to buy a 20kw after the last round of outages, but the generator was $4K and they quoted by $4K+ to install and that didn't include the gas hookups. Since we may move in a year or so, I passed. |