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PWH1 · Feb 8, 2009, 12:48 PM

My home is still serviced via the original 60 amp service. While I have had limited issue with this service, I am going to hire an electrician to upgrade to a 150 amp service this summer. In addition to upgrading the old service, I would like to as well setup a secondary breaker box. In the event of power failure, I can easily shutdown the primary box and switch to the secondary with my generator supplying the power from outside. I am trying to get an idea of what kind of cost will be involved with this effort.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

stanfortyman · Feb 8, 2009, 01:12 PM

First off, forget 150 amps. You'll notice very little difference in price between that and 200A. Almost no reason to go 150 any more.

Also, you can get a new panel with a main breaker interlock already installed. This will avoid the extra cost and space involved in installing the generator sub-panel.

Depending on location, figure anywhere from $1800-$3600 for a 200A service upgrade, with California being on the high side.

pcampion · Feb 22, 2009, 06:22 PM

You may have to upgrade your electrical service as well, which entails the meter and service entrance cable. That price seems high to me, I am in the Detroit area.

stanfortyman · Feb 22, 2009, 07:09 PM

He already stated he plans to have an upgrade done.

What price seems high?

pcampion · Feb 22, 2009, 08:06 PM

I have had prices usually around $1750, for both the service and the CBs, so your low number would be consistent. $3600 would be pretty high, is all I was trying to convey.

stanfortyman · Feb 22, 2009, 08:16 PM

Well, in today's world ~$1800 is definitely an accurate low for a real electrician. Of course there are others who will do it for less.

You would not believe what they get for services in California. $3600+ is well within reason for that part of the country. Inflated, just like everything else in California.

If I had to put a closer average for the majority of the country I think around $2200-$2400 would be accurate.

pcampion · Feb 22, 2009, 10:08 PM

I am a tech consultant for the insurance industry now, and see prices all over the board. It seems as if the contractor knows it is insurance, the price doubles, then they give me the "thats my price" and I usually can get people to reality with a second or third number. I see a lot of it. Especially in the HVAC industry.