| Author |
Message |
    
Charlie
Citizen
Username: Cking27
Post Number: 14
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 - 5:18 pm: | 
|
Today, we discovered that our 2nd floor bath, office, and our 3rd floor finished attic are all on the same circuit. Plugging in a vacuum cleaner caused the fuse (Yes, I said fuse) to blow. At the time, 5 light fixtures, 2 laptops, router/cable modems, a small A/C and a large A/C (the attic one) were all running. Realizing these are ALL on the same fuse, I'm thinking there is a little too much on one fuse. Isn't the limit 15amp?
So, I called Stacey electric and was quoted the price of $650 to run a new electric line for the attic A/C to the basement. Is this a decent price?
Is this really the best approach? Even if I put the large attic AC (9.6 amp) on another ciruit, isn't there too much other crap left on the existing one? Would I really want to run the line to the breaker box in the basement? Couldn't I also just replace the existing fuse box on the second floor with another breaker box and add a circuit there? Or, is it standard practice to just run it all to the basement if you add new or replace fuse boxes?
Lots of questions but I want to hear from other people who have had similar work done and what their approach has been. And, if you have opinions on other electricians. We just called Stacey because the name was on our breaker box. |
Michael K. McKell
Citizen
Username: Mckellconst
Post Number: 16
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 - 7:05 pm: |
|
The A/C is the biggest thief of power in your situation. The "standard" outlet is on a 15amp circuit and can have a number of outlets on them. You home has probably been jumped for power may times not to mention what was "code" when it was built or renovated.
I agree with Stacey's suggestion and price. Copper has increased 400% in cost.
Good luck and hope I was of some assistance.... Mike |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 12040
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 6, 2006 - 4:23 am: |
|
You appear to have a fairly modern panel in the basement that feeds a sub panel on the second or third floor. This sub panel still has fuses and the wiring probably can't handle an increase in amperage from the main panel and would have to be replaced along with the box. This would be more expensive than running a line from the basement panel to the third floor, what electricians call a "home run".
Still, since you have another airconditioner on the circle it might pay in the long run to have a new sub panel installed.
|
Bklyngirl
Citizen
Username: Bklyngirl
Post Number: 146
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, July 6, 2006 - 7:47 am: |
|
I can't help you with your technical question, but I can recommend the electrician that I used for a minor electrical job. Call Adam Schipani from Mario Schipani Electrical for a second opinion. I don't have their number with me, but they're listed.
Also, search the archives for other recommendations. This topic was recently talked about.
Good luck.
bklyngirl |
Richard Kessler
Citizen
Username: Richiekess
Post Number: 154
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, July 6, 2006 - 7:59 am: |
|
I also highly recommend Adam Schipani. They did some work for us recently and we're very reasonable, price-wise. Really great guys. In fact, they are coming by today to add a couple of separate outlets for window air conditioners... |
Charlie
Citizen
Username: Cking27
Post Number: 15
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, July 7, 2006 - 7:33 am: |
|
Yes, we do have fuse sub-panels on the 1st and 2nd floor and then a breaker box in the basement that was used for some of the newer renovations in our house (except the attic).
I think I'm going to call a few people and check on cost of "home run" for the attic AC vs. changing sub-panel on 2nd floor to breaker box and splitting things out even more. Each bedroom on the 2nd floor has its own circuit, but the attic was tacked on to the 4th bedroom (my wife's home office) when they finished it. The 2nd floor sub-panel probably should have been upgraded then OR they should have run it to the basement for the new outlets/electrical in attic.
Thanks for the advice and the recommendations for 2nd opinions/quotes. |
Dhearon
Citizen
Username: Dhearon
Post Number: 55
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Friday, July 7, 2006 - 7:57 am: |
|
Ken Altmann, Altmann Electric- 908-931-9596 |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page