Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

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charlie b

charlie b

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Lockport, IL
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Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
The house I am renting has three outdoor outlets, and a number of outlets in the garage. None is even grounded, let alone GFCI.

First, am I correct in believing that there exists an outdoor rated, GFCI receptacle, with covers, and that they can operate without the presence of an EGC? If so, what would be a reasonable price to pay for an electrician to replace them?

I don't yet know how many would need to be replaced. It is likely that some outlets will be downstream of others, and I would only need a GFCI at the first in the series. But that cannot be determined for certain, without disconnecting wires from outlets, one at a time. My guess is that three would require replacement.

I see this as a safety issue, and I'm sure I can talk the homeowner into paying for the upgrade.
 
Re: Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

Charley, I am going to say maybe $200 to provide gfi replacemtent for the Garage receptacles based on you having to replace 3 with gfi outlets. If you are putting on wp covers figure 3 x $6.50, 3x $11.50 for the outlets, about 2 hrs figuring for some type of fix (short conductor extensions or rusted mounting screws, etc). Labor roughly $150 . Since it is your garage I don't think you will be able to convince your landlord you need to add for trip milage.Now the real show stopper - does your area allow this without taking out a permit?. If not - add another $300 for wasted time in the permit line.
 
Re: Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

Originally posted by macmikeman: Now the real show stopper - does your area allow this without taking out a permit?. If not - add another $300 for wasted time in the permit line.
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I would not know if a permit is needed for a receptacle replacement. It's in North Seattle, if anyone is familiar with that area.
 
Re: Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

Charlie B: you just sent me a private note that said that you wanted to be called a DIY if you tried any of your own residential electrical installations. You closed a thread for an induced supposition that the poster was a DIY. I questioned your strictness, and here you are doing an obvious DIYer. It's ouside of your area, and as you said, any attempt by you to post questions for such projects was a DIYer and should be closed.

What's up with the double standard?

Do I need to post the whole letter?

paul :(
 
Re: Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

Paul I think your jumping the gun on our friend charlie b.

If so, what would be a reasonable price to pay for an electrician to replace them?
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But it is always fun to try and catch somebody! :D
 
Re: Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

he's a DIY on either side, whether he's doing it himself, or getting estimate parameters. the real estimates are real estimates by local electrical contractors. it would have to be VERY far north of Seattle to not require a permit, though I doubt that the local contractor would actually get one.

I don't have a problem with CB doing the work himself, but i have an "issue" with double standards.

paul
 
Re: Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

I think the DIY parameter is measured by asking how to do something. Many have asked the question of pricing to compare other area prices to their area. Maybe charlie will want to move if he finds out that it can be done cheaper say.......all the way down south in TEXAS! :D :D :D :p
 
Re: Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

CB closed a thread where the guy asked if something was code compliant, not how to do it. CB surmised that he was a DIY and closed the thread. I could surmise the same from CB's question.

To quote CB, "...I have already put the membership on notice that if they ever catch me trying to get help with an electrical installation project that i plan to perform myself...permission to call me a DIY, yada yada"

Asking for the reasonable price is the key here. and the permit comment. If he is merely trying to outguess the local contractors with the help of this board, that is a different double standard issue, but I chose the higher road and assumed that he was merely trying to figure out what to charge the landlord for doing it himself.

If he wanted a price from the local contractors, all he had to do was dial.

paul :D :cool:

I
 
Re: Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

To "apauling": I concede that you have a reasonable concern, and a reasonable basis for the concern.

For the record: I have no intention of attempting to do this work myself. I don't know if you will believe that assertion, but there it is.

I have an understanding with the owner. I can deduct a portion of the cost of any repairs from my rent. I wanted to get an idea of the costs, before I approached him with a proposal.

You may note that I did not ask what parts are needed, or how to do the wiring. I am not playing DIY here. I am contemplating the impact on my household budget.

If the costs are too high for either the owner or myself, I will continue to do what I have been doing, when I need to run an outdoor tool: running an extension cord into a bathroom window, and plugging it into the outlet near the sink.

Originally posted by apauling:If he wanted a price from the local contractors, all he had to do was dial.
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I'm not the kind of person who calls around looking for a price comparison, and then leaving everyone wondering whether they will be getting the job. I have enough of an idea of the cost to be able to talk with the owner. If he goes for it, then I will pick up the phone, and make one call.
 
Re: Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

Originally posted by 69boss302:Maybe charlie will want to move if he finds out that it can be done cheaper say.......all the way down south in TEXAS!
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Thanks. But I grew up in South Texas, and have already made my decision not to move back there. I'll admit I'm a wimp: can't take the heat. :D
 
Re: Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

I would tend to give CB the benefit of the doubt. But then I am also an ex Navy Nuc and come to think of it my initials are also CB, but you wouldn't know that. :D :D :D
 
Re: Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

A renter in most states can not do any electrical repairs.The landlord might have a maintenance man on his staff and that guy without a license could do it.Most landlords would not spend money to fix something that works.
Now considering what may be involved to change these out,such as box is old small and rusted ,a better choice might be to install gfci breakers.That is if they are available for his panel
 
Re: Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

Originally posted by travis3710: how about GFCI breakers, easier
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In general, a good idea. But not an option here. It's one of the very old, very unreliable, garbage panels that needs to be replaced anyway. I don't remember if it is "Federal Pacific" or something else. I'll check when I get home. I have already posted a "cost estimate" thread about a replacement project for the main panel and the wiring. It proved to be far more expensive than the owner and I could afford.

By the way, the owner is a friend. I have already done some "DIY" work, and he has reimbursed me for the parts. The work was limited to painting, replacing a gate latch, building a screen insert for the front door, and replacing the broken ends of a garden hose. I have a good idea of the electrical problems in this place, and so too (now that we have talked about it) does the owner. It's fairly significant, and I ain't touching it. But I really would like the outdoor stuff to be a safer, and it's worth the cost to pay someone to get it right.
 
Re: Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

You are welcome to hitch hike, sleep on a camping matress in the garage, and live off the canned goods that I keep on a shelf in the garage. Would that work for you? :D :D

By the way, the main panel is not Federal Pacific, it is Zinsco.
 
Re: Cost Estimate for Outlet Replacement

landlord (friend) paid to replace broken ends on a garden hose!!!!wow!!! The landlords I have delt with would baulk at that one!!! Zinsco panel and 2 prong receptacles...the only thing worst would be aluminum wiring! Your friend should not have a problem paying to upgrade outside receptacles...after all, it is for your safety! Good Luck!! wildman
 
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