Why is 200 amps standard for residential panels?

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goldstar said:
Are you talking about only the breaker panel and breakers ?
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No, I priced everything in my list in post #34 that is different from the original list.

Example: I listed three water-pipe clamps instead of four: the main and a jumper.
 
mikeames said:
As Biden would say " Come on man" nobody is bashing but take for example Acorn clamp. Here's HD price $2.45 CURBSIDE. You just drive up and they hand it to you. Better than the supply house. That's a national price. So no need to ship you stuff just go online. I just saved you 75% on your acorn clamps since you quoted $10. Similar deal with your water pipe clamps.

www.homedepot.com

Blackburn 1/2 in. Type-G Ground Rod Clamp for 10 SOL to #2 STR Wire G5-B1-30 - The Home Depot

The Blackburn 1/2 in. and 5/8 in. Ground Rod Clamp is made of high-strength corrosion-resistant copper alloy. UL listed for direct burial, this ground clamp offers a hex-shaped dead bolt for 4 Stranded/10
www.homedepot.com
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Not same price in every state. Brother in GA will call saying great deal at HD on X, I'll check here NY and price more. If it is a ship in item usually get a national pricing but if in store stock it's different. Even different prices between Albany and Syracuse stores.
 
$300-$350 for service and panel is average cost around my way but dang who cares about that when the cost of the breakers is about $600
 
ritelec said:
I’m SO happy for you.
I said 3 to 10.
I’m sure you pass those savings on to your customers. :- )


Come on man. What part of plus or minus don’t you understand
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Plus Minus is meaningless with a 70% range. If a contractor priced something for me and the plus minus ranged from the actual price to 3 times the cost, I wouldn't call that a good "plus minus" I would say the contractor has no clue on the price. So a plus minus of 3-10 is just a guess. Plus or minus a dollar on a 10 dollar item is fair.
 
Utilitiy companies (such as ours) only offer 200A and 400A services for residential. If you want a 100A or 150A, you'll pay the same price as a 200A. It helps reduce inventory and other costs when you standardize and manufacturers like it for the same reason. A 400A (really 320A) service is probably overkill for most homes. If you want a truly 400A service, it's CT's. Much more expensive. All non-residential services over 200A require CT's.
 
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I have done 150 amp a few times but @ 200 is the same price (basically) and around here not two many places stock 2/0 aluminum for a 150. Used to do some 125s but some POCOs around here doesn't allow them any more.

haven't priced one lately but a 200 seems like more than $100 over a 100
 
Eddie702 said:
haven't priced one lately but a 200 seems like more than $100 over a 100
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I linked to a 200a MB panel with a few breakers for $100. The rest of the breakers would be the same in either size panel.

The rest of the difference between the two for materials is minimal. What could possibly cost $100 less?
 
mikeames said:
Plus Minus is meaningless with a 70% range. If a contractor priced something for me and the plus minus ranged from the actual price to 3 times the cost, I wouldn't call that a good "plus minus" I would say the contractor has no clue on the price. So a plus minus of 3-10 is just a guess. Plus or minus a dollar on a 10 dollar item is fair.
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You feel better?
 
While you're still on your high horse and attempting to be bilittling, In my head I had 5 bucks for acorns and water ground clamps... in a home depot google search at 1 am that night I saw 10 so put it in.... would you like to continue or move on?
 
I think this post is going GREAT.
Mr. home owner gets a bill for a couple thousand dollars (probably more) for a service change, does a google search and sees " my 200 amp material costs are $350 "

Well mr. home owner.... my 200 amp service materials are not $350. Especially with 10 dollar acorns and gold plated panelboards. Did I mention I use super high grade conductors ?
 
ritelec said:
Mr. home owner gets a bill for a couple thousand dollars (probably more) for a service change, does a google search and sees " my 200 amp material costs are $350 "
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A customer who would do that would most likely do so first.

Added: So what? You're entitled to mark-up, labor, and profit.
 
ritelec said:
I think this post is going GREAT.
Mr. home owner gets a bill for a couple thousand dollars (probably more) for a service change, does a google search and sees " my 200 amp material costs are $350 "
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I don't see a problem. I've never apologized for my mabor charges. If everybody wants $2,800 for an upgrade, then why not charge $2,800 unapologetically?

Tell your homeowner he should see how much an HVAC company wants to change a furnace that only costs $600. Guaranteed it's double a service upgrade. And less time. I know of an HVAC shop with ONE tech doing $500k annually, above parts.

It's high time electricians stop trying to be the cheapest skilled trade around. Stop apologizing for pricing
 
LarryFine said:
A customer who would do that would most likely do so first.

Added: So what? You're entitled to mark-up, labor, and profit.
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I've had people ask me several times how much I would charge for a service AFTER they already had a service done.

So what? Yes I agree, you can charge 10k for a service. what ever floats your boat.

James L said:
I don't see a problem. I've never apologized for my mabor charges. If everybody wants $2,800 for an upgrade, then why not charge $2,800 unapologetically?

Tell your homeowner he should see how much an HVAC company wants to change a furnace that only costs $600. Guaranteed it's double a service upgrade. And less time. I know of an HVAC shop with ONE tech doing $500k annually, above parts.

It's high time electricians stop trying to be the cheapest skilled trade around. Stop apologizing for pricing
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I don't have to tell "my home owner" anything thank you.




OK ... done with this thread . Getting like trying to explain the color nine. Stay well.
 
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