Service for new house/cost
#1
10-12-03, 04:48 AM
Service for new house/cost
We are building a new house on the Chesapeake Bay. It will be a vacation home, mostly used three seasons. I'm thinking it makes sense to put in 200 amp service, but I wondered if anyone has any thoughts. I thought I read somewhere that the price diffference was minimal? I wouldn't even ask but several years ago we were upgrading the service on a different home (also a vacation home) and the electrician said it was a waste to go to 200 amps, said just go to 100 (it was 35 amp at the time).
Also, any guess of the cost to wire a three bedroom home, nothing extravagant. (I realize there are a ton of variables). Just want to get an idea of what range we're in?
Thanks for any help.
Also, any guess of the cost to wire a three bedroom home, nothing extravagant. (I realize there are a ton of variables). Just want to get an idea of what range we're in?
Thanks for any help.
#3
10-12-03, 07:46 PM
cost
4roy,
Definitely go with the 200 amp service, and a main panel with space for 40 circuits. Even if you don't need it now, the capacity will give you headroom for future needs.
As for the cost to wire a 3br house, a rough estimate is $3-4 per square foot to meet Code minima and if light fixtures of average cost are used. This is for urban N. Calif, but might be applicable to your area. A good electrician will not base a bid on SF cost, but I use it as a check for a bid based on the specifics of the plan.
Best of luck on the new place!
Cliff Popejoy
Apex Electrical Contracting
Sacramento, California.
p.s. If you'd like some advice on the electrical design, contact me via e-mail at CAP2053@aol.com. Usually the architect misses a number of opportunities to make the electical wiring/lighting more convenient and efficient; and if you have the job bid on by a few contractors, none will want to suggest enhancements for fear of losing the job on the basis of cost. Cliff
Definitely go with the 200 amp service, and a main panel with space for 40 circuits. Even if you don't need it now, the capacity will give you headroom for future needs.
As for the cost to wire a 3br house, a rough estimate is $3-4 per square foot to meet Code minima and if light fixtures of average cost are used. This is for urban N. Calif, but might be applicable to your area. A good electrician will not base a bid on SF cost, but I use it as a check for a bid based on the specifics of the plan.
Best of luck on the new place!
Cliff Popejoy
Apex Electrical Contracting
Sacramento, California.
p.s. If you'd like some advice on the electrical design, contact me via e-mail at CAP2053@aol.com. Usually the architect misses a number of opportunities to make the electical wiring/lighting more convenient and efficient; and if you have the job bid on by a few contractors, none will want to suggest enhancements for fear of losing the job on the basis of cost. Cliff
New Code?
#5
10-13-03, 08:57 AM
Experts
Wow, guys in Blowes and HomeDespot!
Real experts!
Actually the NEC set 100 amps as the minimum for a residential service. And actually, some (a few) people at the big boxes do know what they're talking about.
Local or state codes may differ, and power company requirementsfactor in as well.
I'd be real suprised if any code or utility requirement mandated 200 amps. That's a lot of energy at 240V, and a lot of houses just don't need that much. Remember that electrical codes are intended to ensure that the installations are safe, not necessarily adequate or efficient.
Real experts!
Actually the NEC set 100 amps as the minimum for a residential service. And actually, some (a few) people at the big boxes do know what they're talking about.
Local or state codes may differ, and power company requirementsfactor in as well.
I'd be real suprised if any code or utility requirement mandated 200 amps. That's a lot of energy at 240V, and a lot of houses just don't need that much. Remember that electrical codes are intended to ensure that the installations are safe, not necessarily adequate or efficient.
