Meterbox Replace Insight Needed
The electric went out in one of my rental houses. The family called the power service who then turned off the service. Unfortunately my regular electrician has a family emergency and can not make it out. I called someone recommended to me. His estmiate was for $1,400 to do the following
Install one 125 amp 120/240 volt meter center with a two inch (2"
ridged riser through the roof. Install one 125 amp four/eight space outside panel witha mean breaker inside of it. Re-Ground the new service to meet the electric code. Permit and spections.
From talking to him, there will have to be a permit and inspection to have the power turned back on. The riser is required due to new code. He said that the problem was due to the inside panel and the breakers not being in tight enough to make good contact. They were arching the power and damaged the meter box. He tighted the breaker connection and he said the outside and inside panels are good. Guess I do not understand about the meter box and how expensive they should be. Also do not understand the need for the outside panel, unless it is for current code to have a main breaker. The house was built in 1960 and currently does not have a main breaker.
It just seems a bit high as I have had service to the house increased and a whole new panel for about 1100.
Thanks for any comments
Brenda
If your existing meter box is not on the wall directly behind your breaker panel then that is why you need a main breaker on the outside. The new code does not allow the power line to leave the meter box and extend into the house for any great distance w/o being protected by a main breaker. You can also put a main breaker/panel inside directly behind the meter to save costs but that can increase your labor costs. If this is a single family house then you should not be spending more than 1,000-1,500 for a standard 100amp upgrade which includes a new meter box, service pole and panel.
just had a heavy up done for $1200 with a 200 amp box and it sounds like there is a little more envolved in your job. Price does not seem too bad
I agree with Randall,
$1400 sounds reasonable with upgrade, permits and inspections. Similiar upgrade was $1200 for us about 4 years ago. (60amp upgraded to 200amp service in 1950 ranch).
Jim
Your local Real Estate Investment Club is a great place to find wholesalers and network in general.