I got an estimate to put a 220 electric line in my garage. My garage is on the opposite end of my main breaker panel and about 7' away from the house so a trench is going to be dug.

THe electrician is using #6 wire. He is also installing a breaker in the garage with an emergency shut off rated for 60A. He quoted me $1000.

Does this sound right?

He's licensed and everything is going to be inspected.

 

You can do it your damn self for that much. it's really not that hard to run. you could even get directions on a how to online.

 

Sounds about right, I saved $500 and ran a giant extension cord. Never had problems at all, and the welder is getting the required amps.

 

I totally agree...

get him to put an outlet right next to the box and build yourself a 40-50ft extension cord. If you dont want to do that and you want to save money, dig the ditch yourself. You can install it (I have done a couple myself) but you just need to be careful and watch what you are doing. IT also helps if you have a main breaker to shut all the power off

 

Just research, buy the right materials, don't cut corners, do it yourself and pay for 30 minutes of his time when you are done so he can inspect.

I would check material costs just to see how much it would cost if you do it yourself. If it's only a couple hundred more for them to do it I would let them.

 

About right considering there's a trench as well as a subpanel in the garage with a main shutoff.

I agree that having him install a 50A plug right under the main breaker and use a proper extension cord will be a TON cheaper. Has to be 'temporary use only' by code though. Pull it back into the house when you're not using it. Kind of a pain, but you have to pay otherwise.

 

I've made 3 220v extension cords and it's not tough. Just Just research that stuff before you head to home depot. And even there they will have someone who can help you.

 

you should run 4 guage and 100 amp panel, 60 is worthless. a welder takes 50 amp breaker. if you need instructions pm me. i just did it in my shop last year. l just so you know a welder a takes a 50 and a compressor takes 30 and a lift takes 30. run a trecha nd bury it in 3" conduit. anything smaller it may melt, it needs room to breathe. also think aqbout phone ande cable. do it now if there is a chance of it later. run it ina sepereate pipe , it will get interfearance. i ran 270 foot of cable, plus a box that included brfeakers, and conduit for the trench, and rented the trencher for about 1300. but my cable was as bout $700

 

just do it yourself
100amp Breaker is $50 for the sub feed
Wire is going for about 2-3 a foot ,expect 50 ft High estimate $300
Brand new Panel- $200
Rent a trench digger for a $100
Random Expenses, Drill bits,screws, grass seed, food, beer etc $100
Have your self a weekend project and learn about electric I swear it wont kill ya just leave the breaker off and when its all done plug it in and flip it over very easy. I do electric work all the time, I just did 3 phase at my new place

 

oh yeah if your putting the wire in conduit make sure you run individual wires, wires in sheathing like ROMEX or indoor wire, will help contain the heat and is more likely to catch fire

 

Thanks for everyones reply, but unfortunately, it's not my house. If it was, I would of done it myself a long time ago. From what you guys are telling me, the price is reasonable.

I'm not worried about the money so much because it for my welder and I plan to be using it for a long time to come.