Quote Originally Posted by huskyrider View Post
I disagree. It's more affordable to use multiple breakers with a smaller gauge wire. However even though it's cheaper I'll always energize the pool's sub panel with the wire size I need for my load just to save the breaker spaces in the existing power center. If I were constructing your pool I'd use a #8 and if you wanted more power you'd have to pay for the upgrade in ampacity based on actual cost. It would be less than 100 bucks.

The 300 he's asking isn't out of line, I'm certain it's exactly what his electrician is charging him. This is the difference between inhouse work and outsourced work by a subcontractor. He doesn't dictate his costs, the sub does.

See ya,
Kelly
Kelly,
I absolutely agree it is cheaper to do it with more runs of smaller wires even though in my opinion it is the wrong way to do it. If there is a sub panel in the control panel it should be engerized. I also 100% agree that I should be responsible for the difference in cost. If they told me $100.00 more for the 100 AMP breaker, larger wire (2 AWG or 4 AWG vs multiple runs 10-14 AWG wire) and labor I would have no problem whatsoever even thouggh that is still a bit high (the reality is the 100 AMP breaker plus the larger wire is about $50-60 total without taking out the cost of the 14-12 AWG wire they won't need to use). I do have a serious issue with $300.00.

I would have no problem paying the incremental cost but they claimed they spoke with the electrician and it would be $300.00 to wire a sub panel. They told me they normally do a sub panel if there is not enough room in the main panel. If that was the case I could understand as they would need to run wires back from the sub panel to the main panel to make up for the breakers that they used. This in not the case for me.

I am not sure how to handle this with my PB. Should I tell them they are way out of line and talk to someone higher up like the owner? I really don't want to get into a fight with my PB as they have been great up to here but I don't think I should just suck it up and pay $300.00 for $50-100 worth of work. Thanks!

Steve