Any electricians here.....

[BigCiX]

If so how much did u charge to add an electrical outlet where wires are already there? Previous owners have a multi socket plug where I just want the basic 2 socket outlet in the closet.

 

[Doit2it]

I'm not an electrician, but curious as to why you'd want to downgrade to a dual socket from a multi? Also, are you wanting drywall work to reduce the size of the 'hole' or just a large plate to cover the existing hole and allow access to the dual sockets? Drywall work would mean more work and a higher estimate.

 

[olbriar]

Most of the expense of a tradesman coming to your home is the service call. It can't be avoided. The time in route and the vehicle expense has to be covered. Your two minute project very likely takes a man hour and expenses to accomplish. It's just the way it is for small projects. I'm not an electrician but I do work in the trades. I could not come to your home to do a service without recouping my expenses of getting there. Not only do I need to charge for my gas and vehicle use, I also need to make my hourly wage as I and my equipment are driving down the freeway idle. It's the only way I can justify coming to your home. It's a sad deal I know. And the smaller the project the more ridiculous it seems.

 

[Davdi]

What are the rules in CA for DIY work? in the UK it's legal for you to replace any existing fitting (Sockets, light fittings) but you can't add new ones or new circuits. The official standards (BS7671) says that the work must be carried out by a 'Competent person' no mention of certifications. Check what the situation is over there, you *might* be OK to do it yourself.

 

[Unforgiven]

Honestly, I would do it myself. In Mass you are allowed to do your own electrical work on you own home provided there are no attached rental units. I assume its similar in CA. I'm not an electrician, but have done a fair bit of work in my house.

My best guess without more info is that you have a double gangbox with two two-outlet receptacles. Should be as easy as removing the second receptacle and making sure there is no exposed wire (loose ends). Then by a new cover where one side is blank. Oh, turn of the breaker first.

 

[mikedt]

What are the rules in CA for DIY work? in the UK it's legal for you to replace any existing fitting (Sockets, light fittings) but you can't add new ones or new circuits. The official standards (BS7671) says that the work must be carried out by a 'Competent person' no mention of certifications.

I'm sure there was an amendment to BS7671 in 2006. A "competent person" can do the work, you can even DIY if you think you're competent enough. However the work must be inspected and certified, and a Building Regulations Completion Certificate issued once the work is completed.

Check what the situation is over there, you *might* be OK to do it yourself.

Now electrics in China.... hahahahaha....except for Hong Kong and Macao. They still pretty much follow the British "BS" way of doing electrics.

400V 3 phase.

http://welcometomychina.tumblr.com/post/22896935246/more-electrics-400-volts-armoured-3-phase-400v

 

[BigCiX]

I'm not an electrician, but curious as to why you'd want to downgrade to a dual socket from a multi? Also, are you wanting drywall work to reduce the size of the 'hole' or just a large plate to cover the existing hole and allow access to the dual sockets? Drywall work would mean more work and a higher estimate.

It like the previous owners removed the basic outlet and wired a power strip. The drywall was already cut out for it so I pretty much want what was right there from the start. Its in the closet and I'm upgrading my alarm system to wireless. So instead of the wireless box being in the open, it'll be in the closet.

 

[Alsaces Daddy]

If so how much did u charge to add an electrical outlet where wires are already there? Previous owners have a multi socket plug where I just want the basic 2 socket outlet in the closet.

Depends on if they buy the supplies. I wouldn't charge more than $65 an hour. Yes. I am an electrician.

 

[Alsaces Daddy]

Depends on if they buy the supplies. I wouldn't charge more than $65 an hour. Yes. I am an electrician.

Also if it is a two gang box you will need someone to sheet rock afterward. Two gang is wider than a single gang. Probably by 2.5 inches. If you downgrade all you are doing is removing the splitting wire from plug to plug. Its relatively easy and you could do it yourself. Yes I know of the "laws" about people doing their own work but that leaves people at THIS impass, not knowing much about something so simple.

If you have any further questions let me know and I can probably guide you through it with ease and at a cost of no more than $10. :thumbup:

 

[unnamedny]

-read guides online.
-go to Home Depot, buy a tester, socket, ect.
-do it yourself.
-return tools afterwards.