electrician estimate sound ok?
Hi, I posted this last week: “I’m buying a place with a laundry closet that I’m pretty sure does not have a vent for a dryer and currently houses one of those electric combination condensation dryers that I’ve heard do not work very well. What’s the easiest and best way to upgrade to a stackable…
Hi,
I posted this last week:
“I’m buying a place with a laundry closet that I’m pretty sure does not have a vent for a dryer and currently houses one of those electric combination condensation dryers that I’ve heard do not work very well. What’s the easiest and best way to upgrade to a stackable electric laundry unit? Have the sponsor upgrade the electricity to 220V (I’ve heard those electric ventless laundry systems work way better than the 110V) or have the sponsor just put a vent in the closet? I’m not sure which would be easier–thanks!”
and got some great answers that helped me to decide to upgrade the electric (venting was not a real option) and buy the 220V Bosch washer/dryers.
Here’s my new question-the building’s people (it’s new construction so the developer’s guy) quoted me $350 to upgrade the electric. Now I had called different electricians for quotes beforehand and the quotes ranged from around $200 if it takes under an hour to over $400 if it involves going into walls. After I said ok to the $350 price it was explained to me that the upgrade would not involve going into walls, just changing breaker box or something of the sort. Now knowing that this upgrade won’t be all that involved, is $350 still a fair price? Has anyone similarly upgraded and if so, is that around what you paid?
Thanks for any insight!
New 220v appliances must have a 4-prong plug (2 hot,1 neutral and ground;) until a few years ago the g/n were the same, hence 3-prong. Because of the thousands of electrocutions nation-wide (see National Enquirer archives,) the code was changed to protect us all.
Actually, in NY all cables are grounded metal-clad, so setting up a 4 prong outlet may be easy. Or rewire the plug, though I will disavow this statement if caught.
Thanks guys. I actually just came from Sears ready to buy the Bosch units (electric washer and electric condensation dryer) and this new salesperson (of course they all have different stories) now says that I will need to also change to a four prong outlet in order to use these units … first I’m hearing this. If ANYONE has experience with the Bosch units can you please just let me know what the story is and if the prong setting also needs to be changed/presents a problem?
Thanks!
The price is reasonable to pull a new line considering what electricians charge. I’m a cheapskate, but in this case I’d use the building’s man. No hassle with insurance etc and hopefully if it’s not done right he’ll still be there.
If it’s really a matter of just changing the breaker, they must have presciently pulled a 10/3 line to the closet and not used one leg (wire), unlikely but possible. In which case $150 seems more reasonable.
If you’re going from 110 to 220 you will need a new line and open up a wall. Perhaps using the developer is the way to go.