How much do electricians cost?

[AYENDE79]

Getting an above ground pool and was wondering what the average cost of running the electrical wiring for the pool cost?

==================================

Note from the Admin!
Many of the answers here do NOT reflect safe practices or anything I want to condone, much less encourage, at PoolForum.
I let it run, for the sake of discussion, but am now adding a warning and closing the thread, for the sake of safety!

==================================

[mike in arkansas]

Hi-- not sure where you live, but in Arkansas (remote ozark area) I was able to do it myself with the help of a friend. So the cost for me anyway was the cost of a rentable back hoe ($180), the cost of a circuit breaker, and about 300 feet of wire and outlet box at the pool! I think it was 12 gauge wire since it was a significant run. Total costs about $400 i guess. But that was free labor with unlicensed folks!

Good luck!

Mike

[stevens23]

I'm hearing around $200, in IL. And most of that is the cost of the cable. - oh and doing it unlicensed as well.

[BigDave]

You guys are scaring me. You are including the installation of appropriately sized GFCI breaker and equipotential bond and equipment as well as the power run and oulet box. Right?

[Charlie_R]

If you are wanting to do it yourself, you might want to check your local library and see if they have a current copy of the National Electric Code (NEC).

Wiring for a pool is a bit different that wiring for your lights and outlets.

I have worked for electrical contractors, and have done residential, commercial, and industrial installations. Each has a specific set of rules, as does pool wiring installation. Better to be safe, than have to explain how and why someone got shocked or electrocuted while using your pool.

GFCI and AFI (ground fault circuit interupter and arc fault interupter) both have been known to fail on rather than fail off. Meaning your circuit is no longer protected, and is live all the time.

Charlie

[PoolDoc]

GFCI and AFI (ground fault circuit interupter and arc fault interupter) both have been known to fail on rather than fail off. Meaning your circuit is no longer protected, and is live all the time.

Yes! I've been making that warning for years! Are you an electrician?

[Charlie_R]

Not a licensed electrician, but have worked under other's licenses for many years.

Another point I should make, is that if the electrical work is to be done in a city/county that requires permits, PLEASE get one!

That requirement isn't just a form of revenue to the city/county. In fact it is a loss of revenue to them. The permit process is for YOUR safety! It means that your work will need to be inspected, to catch any errors that would make the finished job unsafe.

Charlie

[stevens23]

I'm hearing around $200, in IL. And most of that is the cost of the cable. - oh and doing it unlicensed as well.

When I say not licensed, I mean a friend of a friend that is a licensed electrician doing some side work. So, it will be up to code, but just a bit cheaper.

[Speedo]

I believe my cost was around $380. It involved a considerable distance (60-75'). We dug the trenches for it and part of it was enclosed in some type PVC down the side of the house. Barely noticeable and saved us from having to trench close to the main connection.

[BigDave]

Please get a permit if you are in an area that requires them.