Quotes - Is this a little expensive?

[Geebung]

Just received a quote to connect power to a water pump. We already have an external powerpoint about 4 m from the location of the intended pump. There is easy access under the house and plenty of room to move underneath. The price to connect has been given as $280. Please, the electricians among you, tell me if this is normal. It appears to be a bit over the top.

[DavidG]

Extension lead????????

[SilentButDeadly]

Guessing a bit here...

Labor @ $95/hr, 4m cable$15, 4m conduit $15, external powerpoint $50......depending on what has to be done ie how much time it'd take......you'd be fairly close to what's quoted.

It'd help if you asked for an itemised quote.

But as David says....a 4m 15 Amp lead (tucked out of the sunlight) would be a heck of a lot cheaper...

[weisyboy]

why not run an extention lead threw a lenght of condute to the pump. thats what id do.

i get this problem a lot just think would you drive to the eletricians house and do 4+ hours hard yakka and supply materials $80 of materials for $280.

on top of this you must pay for the maintenance and replacement of all your tools and things as well as consumables like glue, screws, solder and tape.

[DavidG]

why not run an extention lead threw a lenght of condute to the pump

But it then becomes a fixed installation requiring a sparki to install it.

[Geebung]

I already have an external powerpoint. What I thought would happen is they would run a line off the external powerpoint similar to my gate opener. And since there is no obstruction and easy access I can't see it being a long job? Less than one hour surely. I am happy to pay if that is sensible...I might add a few jobs onto the install to make it worthwhile.

[thatirwinfella]

if you get a quote for one job, it applies to one job only. if you ask him to do extra things while he is there, and you don't have a quote, he can pretty much charge whatever he likes. if you authorise it, you pay it.

he may not be intending to connect to the exterior outlet located nearby, but perhaps run a new circuit straight to the switchboard.

but still, i'd say the quote is reasonable. Remember, once materials have been deducted, so must overheads like tools, apprentice wages, insurance, etc before he makes any profit.

get a few other quotes if you can, and compare. If they are itemised, don't neccessarily go for the cheapest, but the best value.

[peter_sm]

If it is 15A it has to go back to the main switchboard with it's own breaker.

I would think it may consist of minimum charge of $160 (inc first 1/2 hour) plus $45 for 1/2 hour more, plus materials, plus GST. Doesn't sound out of this world.

Minimum charge is to allow for the travel times between jobs, plus certificate of electrical safety, etc.

[patty]

If the electrician is "running" a designated power circuit to the Pump it it sounds fair and reasonable to me!!

[Geebung]

if you get a quote for one job, it applies to one job only. if you ask him to do extra things while he is there, and you don't have a quote, he can pretty much charge whatever he likes. if you authorise it, you pay it.

he may not be intending to connect to the exterior outlet located nearby, but perhaps run a new circuit straight to the switchboard.

but still, i'd say the quote is reasonable. Remember, once materials have been deducted, so must overheads like tools, apprentice wages, insurance, etc before he makes any profit.

get a few other quotes if you can, and compare. If they are itemised, don't neccessarily go for the cheapest, but the best value.

the guy said it would be run off the existing external point...but he could be wrong as he was not an electrician. As others have said if it is a 15 A it will need to run from the fuse box on a separate circuit. So no issue if that is the case. I considered adding a few more jobs as there is always a "call-out" fee attached. So rather than get a guy to come on separate occasions best to get all those little jobs done at once.

Thanks for the advice guys...as always lots of good feedback here...and it is much appreciated.

[nev25]

Sounds about right
But that depends on whos digging the trench

[Spider Webb]

[quote=Geebung;737849]the guy said it would be run off the existing external point...but he could be wrong as he was not an electrician.

If he wasn't a sparky, the money quoted could end up costing you more than a few dollars.