Well, if that's what it takes to get the job done (2k), I don't mind paying it, but I get different responses from each electrician. Another guy stopped by yesterday afternoon, he didn't mention GFI, permit or surge protector. I do know the code requires GFI and permit. He said it will add to the cost but can be done if I want to. So sounds like not everyone follows the code. So far I received 6 quotes and all have different suggestions and rates. Only two recommended permits. Even the reputable ones said permit is just money grab by the govt. But again, once they finish the project and get paid, its not their problem anymore. lol
And I did see a column that asks 'if any repair/custom electrical work have been done and if yes, all required permit was pulled?' when we purchased our home and in the paperwork submitted by the seller. So moving forward, it's gona come back and bite me if I don't get the permit I guess during a future transaction. That would be the main reason to get a permit and for insurance claims purposes just in case.
GFI is supposed to be a good thing, but read so many people complaining about it tripping the circuit unnecessarily and being a total hassle.
How about Surge protector? Is it required or recommended? We are following NEC 2017, and I don't think its required yet?
I just bought a RVMate splitter from Amazon as a temp solution until I install the nema 14-50 outlet. It doesnt have a swtich and hence kinda risky, all it takes is one accidental overloading especially with multiple people( some totally lazy and irresponsible) in the house.lol
I am totally happy with the 24A, 24 miles/hr charging speed using the dryer outlet as I have M3 standard. Fully charges overnight and hence the 14-50 doesnt really makes much difference other than the convenience factor.
I dont want to buy another active/passive splitter like DryerBuddy or similar unit as I read mixed reviews about it. Failing after 9 months of successfull use and now you are back to square one after spending $300+ already. Luckily I bought my splitter unit from HD and they have 90 days return poilicy unlike Amazon or any online seller. So I got my money back on returning it last week, not gona make the same mistake again.
Still wating on 2 more estimates from electrciians who suggested using permits. Most likely will pick one of them. I have another one scheduled for tomorrow. Will update soon.
Updated estimate :
- Installation of 50A 2 pole GFCI Breaker Switch for electric charger in the Main Panel.
- Run 6/3 Romex wire up to 100 feet from the Breaker Switch in the Main Panel to the garage where the new EV charger will be installed.
- Miscellaneous, all necessary wiring connectors, screws, anchors, straps, fasteners, tie-downs, nuts, bolts, etc.
- Cut and Patch drywall in all necessary areas for access to run the wire. *We patch it smooth, but we do not paint.*
- Installation of new surge arrestor.
- Installation of the new EV charger at the newly installed Receptacle.
- (*EV charger price is not included in total price*)
- Permit price is included in total price.
- Installation of a Junction box, and cover.
Total: $2,000 Installed with permit. All other miscellaneous parts, materials, and labor included.
I received $1625 quote from another reputable guy but with no permit GFCI or surge protector. I guess $400 extra to make it code complaint reasonable?
Regarding permits and licensed electricians:
In the last 12 years, since I have lived in Florida, I have used several licensed electricians, all that I consider reputable. Once to replace the three 200 amp transfer switches for my generator, and once to replace the actual generator just this year. Once I used a reputable licensed electrician to replace a 200 amp panel in a rental house I used to own. Then Tesla installed my solar system. And I have a very good friend with two Tessies who had two Tesla Wall Connectors installed using an electrician from Tesla's list of recommended electricians. Last, my son recently installed a new whole house generator, with underground propane tank and a 200 amp transfer switch. In only two cases for the above work was a permit pulled (I bet you can guess which ones had the permit)! I do not consider the electricians that did the other jobs to be disreputable.
I have also installed branch circuits in my own house myself, and in some of my rental houses I have installed new branch circuits both myself and using an unlicensed handyman with my oversight. I have often gone into a rental house that I am refurbishing and replaced all the receptacles and switches, and sometimes pulled a new circuit here and there. I have renovated kitchens that only had one working small appliance circuit, and installed new dedicated circuits for the built in microwave, refrigerator and a second small appliance circuit and pulled a new circuit for a wall oven when the kitchen used to have just a range which was replaced with a cooktop.
I know how all this work is supposed to be done as I am an electrical engineer by education, and I have ensured that any work that is done is done properly and to the current code.
I have not worried about any of the work that was not done with a permit, and am not worried about any insurance claims. All of these houses have had 4-point insurance inspections and came out fine.
However, and notwithstanding what I have written above, I cannot recommend you have this done without a permit. Spend the extra money and get a permit.
And while you are at it, please hard wire install a Tesla Wall Connector. Unless your AGI is over $300,000 you can get a 30% tax credit right off the amount of income tax you pay to the Federal Government. In fact, you get the 30% tax credit for the cost of the Wall Connector and it's installation up to $1,000, so you are getting a $300 tax credit. It is no hassle to get that like the state rebates are. And your electrician should knock off about $200, maybe more, since he does not need to purchase a GFCI circuit breaker or the 14-50 receptacle (I am assuming he is installing a Hubble or other high quality 14-50, not a $15 Leviton). And maybe more than $200 less since with the Tesla Wall Connector he only needs to install 6/2 cable which should be less expensive than 6/3 cable. It should still be a 50 amp circuit if he is running NM-B cable, which he probably needs to run since installing conduit for your installation would be difficult, but if you did want a 60 amp circuit you could ask him about using 6/2 MC cable. Last, with the Tesla NACS EV connector, a Tesla Wall Connector will likely work with any EV you ever purchase in the future. The tax savings, and above savings I have outlined will likely pay for it. Keep the Tesla Mobile Connector in the Frunk. This is, for me, a no-brainer.
Regarding a surge protector:
Your electrical service should be governed by the code that was in effect when your house was built. When adding a new branch circuit, it should be installed pursuant to the current code, but it is not required that you improve your entire electrical system to the latest code revision. For example, when replacing an electrical panel, at least where I live, it is not necessary to upgrade all the circuit breakers to arc fault breakers for a panel that was installed before arc fault breakers were required. That said, I would install the surge protector. I installed surge protectors at my house, which was built in 2006, and also installed them at all of my rental houses, most of which were built in the 80's. I have never had any electrical surge damage at any of my houses, and I am in SE FL where we have some pretty severe electrical storms. You could probably do this yourself, but I would let the electrician do it. If you go with the Wall Connector, negotiate your price based on not installing a GFCI breaker, not installing the 14-50, and using 6/2 wire, which are real savings for the electrical when he purchases the items needed for your job. You do not want to be perceived as trying to be cheap by skimping on the surge protector. At least that is how I would work with an electrician.
Regarding your latest quote:
I like it. It is straight forward and to the point. No BS. Pulling a permit takes some work, drawing up and submitting the wiring diagram, other paperwork, in my town standing in line at the permit office, etc. $400 might be reasonable for that.
You are lucky you can get so many electricians to give you quotes. Around here it is hard to get an electrician to quote installing a new branch circuit unless using one of the electricians on the Tesla list of electricians on their web site.
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The jobs I discussed above that had permits pulled were the Tesla solar installation and the completely new generator that my son had installed.
I hope the above is helpful. I am retired and I enjoy helping folks with stuff like this.
