Installing several GFCI outlets and a dedicated circuit - How much should it run me?

[masterswimmer]

Bill, changing out a GFCI outlet yourself is a piece of cake......if you elect to change it over. Frank, Chris and myself have already expressed our displeasure with GFCI's on a tank. The potential for unexplained failure is soooo very real.

The cost of a 15 amp GFCI outlet at HD or Lowe's is about $15. Not hard to do it by yourself.

The cost of dedicated circuits (my preference) are dependent upon a few factors like Frank mentioned. How far is the run that has to be pulled? Are the walls sheetrocked? Here's a major question nobody even asked yet.....Do you have any available circuits left on your main panel to even add another one or two? You could be asking about cost without even having room in your service panel to add a circuit.

Plan your move, execute your move, get comfortable in your new digs and evaluate the scene when you get there.

Russ

 

[FRY]

you can allways use a twin breaker if dont have spares but russ is right you need to know that first open the door on your panel and see what you have first take a pic and post it whould help if you need help with changing gfic i can do for you no problem

frank

 

[memito]

Thanks for the posts and all of the help.

You are right in that until I actually move into the apartment, the specifics of setting up dedicated circuits will remain unclear. Once I do get in there I will do some measurements and repost the reality.

The idea of having the main pump on a non-GFCI outlet sounds reasonable given that if the main pump is out the tank can suffer. But what would happen if the pump got wet or soaked for that matter if the tank leaked? If it were plugged into a non-GFCI outlet, couldn?t this be a fire hazard?

Another quick question:

Let?s just say, all aesthetics aside, if I decided to put multiple dedicated circuits close to the circuit board and then run extension cords (under 15 ft) to the tank. Could this create a fire hazard or other issues?

I ask this because I am thinking of options that are more ?temporary? than permanent covered wiring snaking around the apartment walls/ceilings.

Sorry for all of the questions. I am just trying to cover my bases before setting up a tank. I really appreciate all of your help.

As for the paint job? I was shocked when I heard the quote as well? I get the feeling, as stated by another in this post, that you can receive all sorts of wild quotes when asking for a service job here in NYC. I just hope that my landlord doesn?t tie my hands by making me use his electrician and no other. I guess I will find out in about a month or so.

Thanks again for the help.

Have a good Sunday.

 

[masterswimmer]

Hey Bill,
Running extension cords is not always as big a problem as some people make them out to be. There are a couple of considerations that are paramount to success. First of all, you must determine the max amperage of the circuit you're looking to tap in to. As long as you do not exceed the maximum rating you'll be ok to move on to the next consideration.

If part one is done right, then part two is to make sure you are using an extension cord capable of handling the load. I've made 100' long extension cords using 10/2 grounded wire. The proper insulation is critical too. My circular saw is a 15 amp Porter Cable that I've needed on job sites. A 100' cord is about the max for a 10 ga. 15 amp run.

So you can snake a wire if you are EXTREMELY careful about what you use and how you use it. I also am NOT recommending this, but it can be done if you're restricted as to what your landlord will allow.

Keep in mind, you might not have an easy job finding out all the outlets run on a single circuit with the walls all closed up. It can be done, but you need someone with experience with a voltage tester that knows what they're doing.

Russ

 

[memito]

Thanks Frank, Russ and everyone else!

Once I move in and get the details, I will post about this again.

Good night!