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Posted By: electricj Just finished a 100 amp service change - 10/21/01 09:14 PM
This included new service drop, meter, Service entrance, Panel and breakers. I hadn't done one in about 8 years, it took me 10.5 hours (I estimated 8) including the hour to mark the panel.

Question is, how long should it take, am I getting to old and slow for this?
The last 100A change I did took me 19 hours... Not including wait time for the inspector and PoCo guys (about 3 hours there...)

I had estimated it for 8 as well...

Sheesh... In Wisconsin, we would do 100A Service Changes within 3 hours including the hot changeover and still get yelled at for being slow... and in -15ºF temps too...
Posted By: sparky Re: Just finished a 100 amp service change - 10/21/01 09:58 PM
electricj,
There are many variables that could dictate the time involved, pipe vs. seu, bedrock,10 circuits vs. 40, exposed vs. concealed panel, etc., so a generic time frame is sometimes hard to come by.
Posted By: bordew Re: Just finished a 100 amp service change - 10/21/01 11:37 PM
Wow 10 hours seems a bit long, I did one last thursday, arrrived at 8:35 and was on my way at 12:30pm.
However, when I do a service change I prepare the meter base ie hub set place, SEU tail out of the bottom of the meter, SEU clamp, on the service panel I mount the bonding jumper, put the SEU clamp on the panel, put the panel screws into the holes, on the rope that goes up the side of the house I peel off 40 inches of sheath strip the two conductors, twist the neutral, and set everything into the plastic head, so when all is said and done about 5 hours for a 100 amp sercice change. This way everything is ready to go, and time on the job is about 3 1/2- to - 4 hours. Ground rods go in with the 'Macho' drill.
I wouldnt be too hard on your self if this is the first one you have done in 8 years, thats not too bad, I do about 4-100 amp services a month, after a while you learn all the short-cuts
In my defense, the location of the drop was changed.

Had to run 3/4" PVC to two 6x6x4 PVC Boxes and terminate the HR's to the old HR's while suffering with my new found bulging disc...

I had cut the mast 6" too short and had to add a nipple to the bottom after the conductors were installed, then the conductors were too short (by 1/4").

They were charged at the original 8 hour figure...

[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 10-21-2001).]
Posted By: Fred Re: Just finished a 100 amp service change - 10/22/01 01:05 AM
It really varies as to the situation as well as how my luck is running that particular day. Did one last week that was a dream job. Already had a 2" risor and 100A meterbase and #2 copper service wires. Just had to swap out the old Bulldog Pushmatic 14 ct panel for an ITE 100A 30ct. on a concrete block wall. I did have to change one of the service conductors. They had used a bare #4 from the panel to the meterbase and from the meterbase up the risor for the neutral. I just pulled a #2THHN to match the ungrounded conductors already there. The whole deal took less than 4 hours. I'd figured 8 and passed the savings on to the customer. They really don't know what to think when the bill ends up less than the estimate.
Posted By: Tom Re: Just finished a 100 amp service change - 10/22/01 02:29 PM
Like everyone else says, too many variables. I always estimate 8 hours & don't usually run over. Even when you only use 6 to 7 hours, your day is usually shot if you have to travel very far to do anymore work that day.

Nice of you to do a panel schedule, next time include an hour or 2 in your estimate. Inspectors in this area do not expect to see a schedule filed out except for new construction.

Tom
Posted By: spkjpr Re: Just finished a 100 amp service change - 10/23/01 02:17 AM
Electricj,nice to see you do a panel schedule. One of my pet peeves is seeing a blank panel. You are probably in line on your time, seems to take me about 6-8 hor to change out depending on how big a mess the old panel is in. i tend to have to do them in steps because I work Midnight shift at the other job.
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