Pulling Permits for 240 install

[Max*]

Agree with most, get the permit. You have a $100k car and your house, why cheap out for a $150? Makes no sense.

1. I don't get this mindset. People who can afford $100k cars and houses, don't go around throwing money into every corner where it doesn't belong.
b. Not all jurisdictions require a permit to be pulled, is there any proof that the juristictions that don't require a permit to be pulled have higher accident/property damage rates? Or is the permit pulling process just a way for the county to make a little extra money on silly things (you want to replace a light switch, pull a permit!)
III. I didn't pull a permit, but that's because I was considering doing the work myself, and knew exactly what to check when the electrician left (before I paid him). but I got a good quote, so I just paid him to do it.

 

[msnow]

1. I don't get this mindset. People who can afford $100k cars and houses, don't go around throwing money into every corner where it doesn't belong.
b. Not all jurisdictions require a permit to be pulled, is there any proof that the juristictions that don't require a permit to be pulled have higher accident/property damage rates? Or is the permit pulling process just a way for the county to make a little extra money on silly things (you want to replace a light switch, pull a permit!)
III. I didn't pull a permit, but that's because I was considering doing the work myself, and knew exactly what to check when the electrician left (before I paid him). but I got a good quote, so I just paid him to do it.

In my county permits are required so I followed the law. I could have just ignored it and saved a few bucks but if I had a problem with my new car or burned down my house I would be totally responsible.

 

[electracity]

I hear ya. He's licensed with 18 years experience. He's never done service for an EV but it should be no different than a customary 240 outlet install, correct?

It's an extremely simple install that your friend would not normally pull a permit. Even the inspector would find getting the permit silly.

 

[Max*]

I would be totally responsible.

Not if you used a licensed electrician. But we're splitting hairs here.

Also (he did a good write up in the linked post to a question I asked about skipping the permit): FAQ: Home Tesla charging infrastructure Q&A

 

[Mickie]

I guess I'd be concerned about having a loss denied not even associated with the outlet (say grease fire). The FAQ linked above is what started that notion.

But I take it none of you non-permitted fellows are overly concerned with that?

 

[Max*]

But I take it none of you non-permitted fellows are overly concerned with that?

No. Hypothetically speaking, I didn't tell him not pull a permit, I didn't say anything, he gave me a quote, I paid him, business is complete.

Also I don't believe an insurance company can just deny your claim by saying you had an illegal outlet, if the fire started from something completely unrelated.

And finally, there's a time and place to save money. When we had a different project done on our house this year, I had 2 builders offer to save $500 by not pulling permits. I said no to both. Why? I would have no idea if they build the thing correctly, I have zero building experience. As for an electrical outlet, considering I was going to do it myself, I have no qualms if a reputable electrician doesn't pull a permit. I'll be double checking the job anyways.

 

[msnow]

Not if you used a licensed electrician. But we're splitting hairs here.

Also (he did a good write up in the linked post to a question I asked about skipping the permit): FAQ: Home Tesla charging infrastructure Q&A

Thanks for the link and @FlasherZ is definately the authority on this . It makes sense except where I live it's required so I didn't want to risk it.

 

[Model S M.D.]

Not sure I understand this either. Just pull the permit and have it inspected. If god forbid anything happens, your homeowners insurance is more likely to cover you if you have that inspected.

 

[ABCCBA]

I just visited several of the websites for surrounding Chicagoland towns and villages. The permit fee is no less than $50 and required for DIY or contracted electrical work. They state that there are severe fines for those that get caught without permits. They especially warned about a surge of unpermitted EV outlets and chargers being installed, particularly those for Teslas. It has been so bad that they are now confiscating the Tesla vehicles and putting them in impound until the fines are paid and the new work is inspected. jk

 

[kort677]

I have a friend who does great electrical work and will be performing the install. I'm curious if anyone's had their installs performed without pulling permits and what people's thoughts are on it. Thanks

it all depends on how bureaucratic and anal your code officials are. where I live currently I didn't need any permits and hired a licensed electrician to do the install, 3 years later no issues.

 

[outie]

When I installed solar and upgraded the electrical service / panel, I had all permits and inspections done. The inspector only spent 5 min reading the panel labels and checked it off. Same case for the solar install, maybe 10min. He didn't even go up the roof. If you rely on the inspector to check the work... It's useless. But then as others said it's more for reliability issue. Of course this is only for my specific city.

 

[msnow]

When I installed solar and upgraded the electrical service / panel, I had all permits and inspections done. The inspector only spent 5 min reading the panel labels and checked it off. Same case for the solar install, maybe 10min. He didn't even go up the roof. If you rely on the inspector to check the work... It's useless. But then as others said it's more for reliability issue. Of course this is only for my specific city.

My inspector measured the current at the panel and my charger. He also asked to have the panel removed so he could see the wiring (presumably to verify the guage). Finally he looked at the conduit run from panel to charger before he signed off. I'm happy I did it and live in a safety oriented community. I didn't feel it was bureaucracy run amok at all.

 

[Bet TSLA]

I have a friend who does great electrical work and will be performing the install. I'm curious if anyone's had their installs performed without pulling permits and what people's thoughts are on it. Thanks

I got quotes both ways, in one case from the same guy. Basically it came down to installing an outlet for $800 or $1500. Same work, just adding the permit. I went without.

 

[msnow]

I got quotes both ways, in one case from the same guy. Basically it came down to installing an outlet for $800 or $1500. Same work, just adding the permit. I went without.

That was a ripoff. I got 3 quotes 2 of those were under $650 including permit for a 14-50. The price you paid was more than what I was quoted for an 80 amp HPWC installation with a 40' run but my quote was $1200 incl permit.

 

[mikeash]

I don't recall exact numbers, but adding a permit to my 14-50 job added about $100. $700 extra just for a permit is either a ripoff by the electrician or by the local government, hard to know which.

 

[kort677]

$700 extra just for a permit is either a ripoff by the electrician or by the local government, hard to know which.

or both!

 

[Mickie]

I got ahold of my village, and the permit is going to be around $25 bucks, lol. The way it sounded, the inspector may not even come out to inspect, and will just sign off on the work from the office based on my electricians estimate and scope of work.

I reckon, small price for piece of mind.

 

[jcaspar]

I installed a 100 amp subpanel in my garage with two 14-50 outlets without a permit. When I had the dedicated EV meter installed by an electrician he was skeptical that I installed the subpanel myself but when he checked it out my installation, he offered me a job!

 

[K-MTG]

I did mine without a permit but I made sure everything is up to code, used 2 gauge wiring.

 

[Max*]

A permit in my neck of the woods costs $107 (IIRC) + someone needs to be home to show the inspector the work. Either the electrician needs to be there, or send his apprentice to be there, or me the homeowner needs to be there.

So it's $100 + either their time (which they charge for) or my time (which costs me time off). So I can see why some electricians charge an extra $200 for doing the work with permits.