Re: Electric box updating - Posted by Joe C. (AR)
Posted by Joe C. (AR) on April 25, 2006 at 23:35:54:
Tony’s right about variables, and preferences also contribute. For many homes 100 amp service is sufficient, if they are other than electric heat. Electric heat homes typically require 200 amps. The higher the service requirement, the higher the component and labor cost. You may decide that even though a home only requires 100 amps, you want to provide the 200 amp service to have adequate service for future needs (like a different home). If your services are pole mounted, this may be the right time to put a new pole in, another added cost.
I have 2 parks with differing situations. The first are pole mounted, most were originally 100 amp. Most were installed in the 50’s when the park was built.
Years of experience here has taught me that when a home is replaced, an original service and an original pole should also be replaced. The original stuff has usually deteriorated to a point where continued servicability is limited. It’s much easier and cheaper to install new equipment when the home is replaced than to try and do it when a tenant is depending on it and continued use is no longer possible. In some cases I’ve had to deal with this situation with a tenat in place, and it’s always a hassle.
I usually size the service for the replacement home requirement. If it only requires 100 amp, I only install 100 amp (if 200, then I install 200). For me, homes generally stay 7 years or more, so if 200 amp is required later, I’ll install it then. That’s just me. I would rather know that the service is new again. I take the 100 amp service, replace critical components, and use it the next time I need one. Having said that, going all 200 amp off the bat is a little more expensive, but kind of standardizes evrything. Poles cost me $40-$60 today. Components for 100 amp service about $150, for 200 amp about $250. Cost of runs from the service entrance to the home vary by distance and capacity. Labor is extra and ballparks at about 2x component cost. For instance, a 100 amp service, installed, costs me about $450 ($150 components, $300 labor). a 200 amp about $750. I install the poles myself (dig a hole, inset pole, 2 bags “quick-crete”). No license required.
The other park has a newer, underground wiring system, all 200 amp. When entrance equipment fails, again about $700 installed.
I hope this helps.
Joe C. (AR)