question about prices for connection

[plasma800]

Hi all,

my new little garage has already been roughed in with outlets and lights.

I had a panel installed on the outside.

Now it's time to set up the meter.

The power company is telling me that I'll be responsible for a 3 foot deep trench with 3 inch conduit.

The run from where power hits my property to my garage is almost a direct straight line at 145 feet.

There is a gas line near the start of the trench, so that part will have to be done by hand.

My first quote from a local electrical shop to run this trench, install the conduit, install the wire, and install the meter can is $2500.

I'm an hour north of Houston. This is soft topsoil, and sandy soil underneath. Nothing strange there.

I know I can rent a 36" Ditch Witch 1820 for the day for about $289, but I'm no pro when it comes to operating them. I don't know that I would saving a ton of money running the trench on my own.

Curious to some of your thoughts. I have the money, but as with any build, everything starts adding up to the point of

 

[Richard Cranium]

have the location service come out and make all the underground lines, no matter what you do. If it is easy digging, then I would rent the ditch witch and save the money. Normally the power company puts the wire into your conduit.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Normally the power company puts the wire into your conduit.

Not necessarily, it depends on the utility - each one has their own rules and regulations. The original poster will have to confirm that with his local utility.

Many (but not all) electric utilities have that information on their website, look in the contractor section for an installation guide. It's often hard to find so you may have to poke around the website for a while.

 

[Chris705]

Not sure a 36" chain drive trencher will go a full 3' down? Wouldn't that make the chain and bar straight down? Don't they typically dig at an angle? Possibly a 48" bar would make the 36" depth? I am all for DIY to save some money but be sure to inquire before you rent it as to how deep it will dig.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Do it yourself!

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Rent a mini ex for a day,Much easier to work with than a trencher.

 

[Pwrgeek]

If you have another use for a mini ex (don't we all always have another use for a mini ex) then I'd go that way. Otherwise a 36" ditch witch will do fine. Call for located (Texas one call in your area) and then go to town. If you're in the Entergy service territory then they will pull the wire and own it. They will probably want to inspect the pipe and the ditch after you put it in before you backfill. Best course is to contact your power company and see how they want it to work and then decide if it is something you can do or if you need to hire someone.


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[theoldwizard1]

You will need a helper with a shovel to help keep the soil from falling back in.

If the soil is pure, dry sand, wall collapse is an issue !

 

[plasma800]

hadnt thought about a mini ex! I actually do have another use for it.

Previous owner made a drainage swale by laying big rocks right on top of a natural swale.

Guess what my mower blades nail EVERY time?
If anything, A proper french drain would be wonderful.

 

[plasma800]

If you have another use for a mini ex (don't we all always have another use for a mini ex) then I'd go that way. Otherwise a 36" ditch witch will do fine. Call for located (Texas one call in your area) and then go to town. If you're in the Entergy service territory then they will pull the wire and own it. They will probably want to inspect the pipe and the ditch after you put it in before you backfill. Best course is to contact your power company and see how they want it to work and then decide if it is something you can do or if you need to hire someone.


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Yes, Mid south.

They said to leave the end open near their box, and to leaved the middle section of about 2 feet open also so they could inspect the depth..

a quick note.

Everything has been marked.