DC panel

[DSDman]

I guess I really wasn't looking for any specific advise, just some validation..and I got that so I feel somewhat better. The old panel was old..the DC gauges no longer functioned and the wiring was in poor shape so it did need to be replaced...just not now. Yes I did have a written estimate that outline the scope of work and it said nothing about removing the DC panel. I guess he thought he was doing me a favor in that the actual cost was 300 less than the quote. I agree of I knew he were going to do that right then I would have bought an entire panel that would do it all! Oh yeah they went ahead and charged my credit card for the balance no questions asked....thank you very much.

[Zil]

If he had not removed the old panel with bad parts, he would have been responsible for failures later, seeing he had worked on the electric system. He should not have accepted your job if he felt the job needed more than you wanted. I would not trust an electrician that didn't see the rest of the problems up front.

[Stu Jackson]

Stop the payment on your credit card. If you can at this stage (late date?). Good luck. One of the reasons I never let anyone else touch my boat. The one time I did I was there, and he still insisted on doing something that was wrong - I had to redo it myself. That was 14 years ago...

[DSDman]

Whenever doing this type work there is no good way to go about it. I've had estimates as high as 100 k to just rip all the old wiring and start over...well thats not going to happen. So right now I have steady 240/125 shore power to all the AC components, and if I want a DC item to work I guess I'll have to hot wire it in with a circuit breaker from the panel until I get a replacement panel. Oh yeah he identified that my 100 amp charger was not functioning so I'm down to the 40 amp charger for the batteries. Just means more overtime and saving and pinto beans and corn bread!

[Tar34]

Originally Posted by Zil

If he had not removed the old panel with bad parts, he would have been responsible for failures later, seeing he had worked on the electric system. He should not have accepted your job if he felt the job needed more than you wanted. I would not trust an electrician that didn't see the rest of the problems up front.

You guys are pretty harsh, if failures began to occur after the replacement of the AC panel, I suspect the contractor would have been a target still..
The nature of the business, sailors on a budget, hire a contractor, hope they can work around failing systems and cry foul when the "inevitable" unforeseen problem arises as in this case, a failing and probable unsafe DC panel gets in the way of new work. Yes it sucks, but think of how happy and safe you will be with the new panel...Sailors, our reputation is well deserved.......

[Cheechako]

What 'wears out" on a panel? just replace any bad breakers....

[Tar34]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

What 'wears out" on a panel? just replace any bad breakers....

OP said volt gauges are blown

[Cheechako]

I just bought two smaller voltage digitals for less than $5 off Ebay... time will tell if they are any good, but they both read identical and right on compared with my Fluke VOM.

[Zil]

Tar34; you stated it better than i, but that is what I meant.

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by Tar34

You guys are pretty harsh, if failures began to occur after the replacement of the AC panel, I suspect the contractor would have been a target still..
The nature of the business, sailors on a budget, hire a contractor, hope they can work around failing systems and cry foul when the "inevitable" unforeseen problem arises as in this case, a failing and probable unsafe DC panel gets in the way of new work. Yes it sucks, but think of how happy and safe you will be with the new panel...Sailors, our reputation is well deserved.......

+1

[DSDman]

I don't know, I guess I would have expected a call before he proceeded with something that was so completely outside the scope of work agreed upon. I understand one can't anticipate all the things that happen but I generally like to be consulted before I'm $c3wed.

[Tar34]

Originally Posted by DSDman

I guess I really wasn't looking for any specific advise, just some validation..and I got that so I feel somewhat better. The old panel was old..the DC gauges no longer functioned and the wiring was in poor shape so it did need to be replaced...just not now. Yes I did have a written estimate that outline the scope of work and it said nothing about removing the DC panel. I guess he thought he was doing me a favor in that the actual cost was 300 less than the quote. I agree of I knew he were going to do that right then I would have bought an entire panel that would do it all! Oh yeah they went ahead and charged my credit card for the balance no questions asked....thank you very much.

So the DC panel was old and dangerous.. and you admit it needed to be replaced. Just not now...so you agreed to replace just the AC panel. So obviously there was no discussion of a common AC DC panel as an option? The cost of what came in $300 under estimate? I'm unclear on that point.

[DSDman]

The cost of replacing the AC panel and the labor was 300 less than the price quoted. Probably because he didn't come back today. I told him after this episode I needed to reasses where we were.

[FlyingCloud1937]

Originally Posted by DSDman

I don't know, I guess I would have expected a call before he proceeded with something that was so completely outside the scope of work agreed upon. I understand one can't anticipate all the things that happen but I generally like to be consulted before I'm $c3wed.

+

Based on your one sided story, and the grainy pictures you posted.

I would say that the electrician stopped you from screwing yourself and your guest.

It might be wise to hire an Electrical Survey...just so going forward you know what you have, that is serviceable and what is dangerous.

I'm hired by Insurance Co's, Brokers, as well as Marine Surveyors and Owners...all the time to do just that.

I am paid to advise not to do the work and/or sell parts.

Then you can take that knowledge to the market and make an RFP to 1 or 100 vendors and make your choice from there.

Lloyd

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by DSDman

The cost of replacing the AC panel and the labor was 300 less than the price quoted. Probably because he didn't come back today. I told him after this episode I needed to reasses where we were.

Could it be that he was in the process of installing YOUR new DC panel?