Cost of installing an isolator in WA?

LGino on 20/05/2013 - 16:49

Building at the moment and had the aircond guys came around to install it two days ago.
Then the electrician rang today to say there was no isolator, hence could not connect the aircond.
The aircond company said this was builder's job. Builder was claiming it wasn't their job! Looks like I have to bear the cost again =_=

I asked the electrician how much would it cost to have it install?

He said not sure, will have to have a look before quoting me the price.

Does anyone have any idea? I won't have time to shop around given the urgency and short notice?
The electrician is coming his way out to me tomorrow.

Your advice is very much appreciated. Thanks heaps!

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • cheapgeek on 20/05/2013 - 17:35

    I believe the isolator is somewhat like a fuse and sits on the street side of your fuse-box. i.e. by pulling the isolator it means that the fusebox itself no longer has any live wires in it… hence your AC guy can connect stuff to the fusebox without risk of getting zapped.

    Installing it would require shutting down power to the house, but when they did it @ my place (part of other works, so can't give you an exact cost) they didn't have to do anything other than at the fuse box (i.e. nothing on street power poles, no wires run anywhere through walls or house)… so assuming they don't need many parts it should be at most 30-60 mins labour I'd think

    hope it helps

  • onetrickpony on 20/05/2013 - 18:46

    As this was for the aircon i would assume it is the isolating switch for the aircon. It sometimes falls into a grey area where the sparky for the normal installation runs the circuit from the switchboard. The aircon guy allows to connect the aircon to supply where the circuit finishes. It needs to be clarified in the pricing who is responsible for the isolating switch which connects the circuit to the aircon. These are required by law and must be located next to the compressor unit for safety reasons when servicing.

    As not all aircon installers are electricians- some are only refrigeration mechanics and can't work on regular installation wiring- i think this is the problem. As a sparky ,i was once told by an aircon guy once it was my rensponsibility to connect and test his unit for him. Didn't happen of course, you don't sign off on someone elses work.

    If this is the case , an isolator , depending on type and number of phases could cost between $40 and $120 . Installation, assuming both sets of cable ends in position , maybe a half hour. Maybe 200 - 250 supplied and fitted . But you should be able to get one of them to help you out, maybe throw in the labour. Good luck with it.

  • rogue5 on 21/05/2013 - 09:32

    maybe this guy could be helpful?

    http://www.safetyswitch.net.au/

  • ThisOne on 21/05/2013 - 10:12

    Hi - I've just gone through the process of getting 5 quotes for electrical work - try these guys - on time, neat work, cheapest price - http://www.fullyampedelectrical.com.au/ - Luke knows the ins and outs of the laws applying to electrical work, gives a certificate and is really really helpful

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