hi All,
I received a quote for installation of a new air con for $660, standard installation, back to back. and according to the guy, I need a safety switch ( $180 ) as it is required by law on any new electrical installation. so the total cost is $840
I also received another quote from a different installer and he didn't mention anything about safety switch and this guys is $160 cheaper, only $500.
my question is, can you suggest an honest and good AC installer in Melbourne ( eastern suburbs ) area ?
and is safety switch a must ? or this guys just want to sell more stuff to me.
Thanks
Air Conditioner Installation - Safety Switch
Lbartoq on 24/11/2015 - 21:12
Comments
OP has posted a pic of the distribution board.
Old style without a single RCD in sight.
$180 is on the cheaper side if anything.If OP opts out of getting things patched up I can only guess that it would be a rather less than fastidious job that would end up being done.
thats what I said below, after the picture was posted.
the power board is pretty old. its an old house. see the pic here http://tinypic.com/r/mj79xw/9
what do you think ?yep, old style with fuses.
A bit harder to put a breaker switch in seeing your board isnt designed for it. But $840 for an install is pushing it a bit.Ask the place you bought the air con from, they may have a recommended store contact (expensive) and someone that sales person knows on the side (cheaper).
you can try here - http://www.lookforthetick.com.au/
I think you should invest in an RCD (safety switch) that covers all power including AC. That flex cable also should be behind the board…where does that go?
not sure, old house and I have never touched the power board. so its better for me to get a sparky to redo the power board ?
Best to update the Switchboard to RCBO's or RCD (Residual Current Devices) for safety reasons. Looks like you have plenty of room in your switchboard housing. The only thing that should not have an RCD is any Wired-in Smoke alarm on its own circuit. Should take 2-4 hours labour plus parts at around $300. You will then be fully compliant and safe.
Even just a single RCB (using the 1-pole width single RCD sizing as opposed to the 2-pole width single RCD) will need a housing that if placed badly on the board will eventually need to be replaced by a 9/18-pole housing (or larger if extra circuits need to added later), that will fit all current circuits.
There are vast differences in Electrician charges, so get several quotes. Use that great photo to get online electrical quotes without the need for a physical visual inspection and quote.
I personally would make that the priority. If you want to run a new line and circuit for the new air-con, then you can do this at the same time. Note that not all Electricians are the same, some are not licensed to work on switchboards.Thanks for the feedback, appreciate it.
safety switch (power switch at the compressor) is included in the install, as part of the power. go somewhere else they are ripping you off. Or if he mean a switch in the power board (breaker) thats included as well. (unless you power board is really old and has fuses and not cct breakers)
Around $650 is the normal price for a completely new install.