[WGTN] Electrician Query - Adding an Outlet & Telephone Cabling

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1080p

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#77937 24-Feb-2011 17:06

I am soon to move to a new address. I have taken a look at the new place and got a map in my mind of where I'd like everything to go.

The problem is, I need an additional power outlet in one of the walls. I called an electrician and he quoted $200 depending on conditions & placement which I though was a little steep. I do not know much with regard to electrical work so I thought I'd ask for some input.

[Side Note]: Apparently there was some new legislation passed requiring all new outlets to comply with a new standard of some sort and this adds ~$100 to the price.

What are your experiences with electricians and does this price sound fair? Happy to pay, just didn't want to find out later I was being gouged ;-)

My second question is to do with the telephone line connected to the house. Would an electrician be able to assess whether or not the cabling is up to standard and make sure I would be able to receive a good connection or should I call a Chorus tech? I would assume the Chorus guys would take care of everything that is _NOT_ part of my house but I thought I'd check anyway.

Finally, I'd be happy to support a fellow Geekzoner so if there are electricians based in Wellington who are interested please feel free to PM. The new place is in Mt. Vic.

wellygary

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#443128 24-Feb-2011 17:26

Assuming that you want the plasterboard linings to remain on, $200 could be a steal for a power point, or it could be highway robbery, it all depends

How far is it from any other power point (alternate side of the wall is the cheapest)?

Also what's the rest of the wiring like? I've seen some shocking wiring in Mr Vic Flats, that dated from before Adam, If it requires going back to the board, it could be expensive.

Also generally a regular Sparky will have little ( read no F'ing) idea how good your T/com wiring and BBand is/ will be,

It is probably best that you get it provisioned and see, If it is OK you have saved a Chorus callout, if its not flash, well you are right back were you would be if you had called them out in the first place.

amford

92 posts

Master Geek

#443129 24-Feb-2011 17:33

1st Question: $200 is a pretty standard price by the time you account in $30 for the outlet $2.50 per metre of cabling and $60 RCD plus labour $200 sounds reasonable.

2nd Question:
Get Chorus to do it. Electricians don't normally deal with telecom stuff

1080p

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#443133 24-Feb-2011 17:45

Cheers guys!

I was intending on being provisioned for broadband then checking whether the sync rate was good considering the location. But if not I'll call a Chorus tech. I just figured if an electrician could do the same thing then two birds and all that...

I haven't got a clue about the current wiring condition. I'll be poking my nose in the ceiling in the next couple of days but the actual place seems to have been recently done up.

The outlet will be a fair distance from the nearest one. We're the top floor of a house and the outlet will be at the bottom of our staircase; still part of the apartment though.

/*EDIT*/ Grammar.

1080p

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+1 received by user: 152
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#443169 24-Feb-2011 20:32

It looks like one of my friends has come through for me so I may be able to get mates rates on electrical work :DD

Thanks again for your input.