Indoor Electricians what the hell?

[jackmc]

I'd put 2 20A legs into one duplex box or two singles. I have this in my shop and I plug a 12" chop saw and a table saw into the same gang of 4 outlets and can run both at the same time. It will be a lot cheaper than a sub panel. If your handy you could even build yourself two large extension cords that you feed into your panel. If you have basement or attic access adjoining the room you want power in it might be easy. Just make sure to always turn the power off, working on live circuits is stupid.

 

[lykaboss]

I just had another guy call me about the job on craigslist, and he is a certified electrician, he told me he could definitly install the 100 amp sub panel and run the 40 amp line for the 800 bucks. He said maybe 850 if its real hard to run. Which i am ok with.

I am seriously thinking about calling the first guy back and just explaining to him that i would rather go with a certified electrician.

What are your guys thoughts?

Kinda seems like the right thing to do

 

[jackmc]

I'd go with the licensed electrician. Wiring is simple but can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing.

 

[Muddy]

I'm sorry, but $800 for that job sounds like a rip. Even with a small sub panel box, wire, outlets, etc. there is less than about $125 worth of materials involved and maybe 4 hours of labor, depending on how long the run is, whether the wire has to be fished through walls, etc. Running a 220 line isn't going to save you any amps. Yes, 220 only draws half the amps of 110 but it requires two spots in the breaker box for a double pole breaker. You can install two single pole 20 amp breakers and run two 20 amps circuits in the same space that double pole breaker will take up. So it's a wash. If this were my project I'd run a 40 amp line to a small sub panel box, then two 20 amp circuits off of it and do away with the power box. This is simple to do and I'd gladly help you with it. Have you added up all the amperage from your equipment? As previously mentioned, by code you can't exceed 80% of the rated circuit amps. So on a 40 amp circuit, or two 20 amp circuits, the max you can draw is 32 amps.

Also, if you go with a licensed electrician he will likely require that you get a permit, which will subject you to an electrical inspection by your local code officer. Do you really want them in your house, looking at a potential grow space? Something to think about.

 

[lykaboss]

The run from the sub panel to where i need the plug is about 50 foot, 2 people said i be looking at roughly 250 to 300 in material. Course i am no electrician so i have no idea. My reasoning i told them as to why i needed that ran was because i was adding on a master bath in that area, and needed that plug to run a hot spring shower/tub

 

[Joedirt]

Im a diy guy and would never dream of calling a guy.The $300.00 for parts Wire,sub panl. and breakers sounds about rite.

really there is nothing to it. youtube it and save yourself $500.00

 

[Muddy]

I just took a quick look at Lowes to get some prices. I was a bit low. Wire has gone way up in price since I last bought any.

40 amp Square D Homeline breaker - $8.54
50' #10-3 Romex wire - $70.97
100 am (10:00 AM 12h)p Square D Homeline sub panel - $17.64
Two 20 amp Square D Homeline breakers - $6.96
50' #12-2 Romex wire - $30.77
Two metal surface mount outlet boxes - $1.00
Two 20 amp duplex outlets - $11.96

Total of $147.84 plus tax. If this were my project I'd probably up it to a 60 amp breaker and increase the wire gauge from the main to the sub to #8-3 Romex. That would increase the price to around $200 but would give you room to add a 3rd circuit later on. You might also want more than just two outlets, so each additional one would up the price by the cost of another surface mount box and duplex outlet. About $4 per each additional outlet. You might also need some staples and a pair of wire strippers if you don't have them already.

 

[lykaboss]

I wish you lived near me Muddy we could bust out this new build with a quickness!

 

[pop22]

Im a diy guy and would never dream of calling a guy.The $300.00 for parts Wire,sub panl. and breakers sounds about rite.

really there is nothing to it. youtube it and save yourself $500.00

You might want to look up installing to code, that way of you ever have a fire, they can't say faulty wiring not up to code.

 

[Renaissance Redneck]

All great advice, Lykaboss, and I'd take Muddy up on the offer!
I went overkill on the wire from my main panel, 'cause I had a roll of #6 4 wire laying around.
I ran 1 20 amp circuit through a timer, for my lights, and a 2nd 20 amp for always on wall outlets.
I wanted the conduit to be a bit cleaner, but "cheated" a bit to keep from buying another roll.