Electrical Load Calculation
10/1/2023 at 12:25:12 AM
I am in the final stage of a lengthy self-build project and recently encountered two unpleasant/learning experiences and seeking advice from knowledgeable experts. My background is I am a building inspector and do know a little after 30 years, nevertheless still learning.
1st question involves an electrical load calculation which the City asked for before issuing an electrical permit on my garage suite. I looked for a contractor nearby as my original electrical contractor moved to Leduc and this was something simple, not worth dragging him out for. To get this contractor to site required a fee for the load calculation and a separate fee for a site inspection (totaling $400) for around 2 hours work. I expected I would experience first class service for this kind of fee which was the highest I could find. After the site visit I first received a bill and no load calculation and then a few days later when it arrived it contained numerous mistakes (a score of 20% correct). It said I have a secondary suite in the basement in addition to the garage suite which is not true. It also said there was a stove downstairs where there is only a wet bar and no hidden wire for future stove; also the basement panel is completely full. There were also various other mistakes such as the nameplate rating of the dryers and stoves which were incorrect. When I took the document to the City for submission the examiner noticed the mistakes and initially started whiting them out before deciding he shouldn't be doing so and also because there is a 200 amp service to the property and I was way under capacity (107 amps) he simply wrote on the form not required'. If this from had been submitted it may have resulted in a team of inspectors visiting my home to see if I have an illegal basement suite, which I have seen happen before (to me).
When the mistakes were pointed out to the contractor he said there was nothing wrong and there was no offer to resubmit. I took it upon myself to learn the electrical Code rules described on the form and how to do it myself then put his name on it and sent it to him for a signature and certification number. After refusing to sign I again took it to the City plans examiner who suggested removing his name and putting mine which I did and it was checked for accuracy and accepted and placed in my file. Contractor still thinks he's owed the full fee when his work was rejected by the City. I offered him half price ($200) which seems generous considering I had to take two days off work to learn his job and visit the City twice. Just wondering what opinion others others might have as to whether I owe him the full price for this work which ended up being worth less than zero? I have since reconnected with my original electrical contractor and he says he doesn't charge for load calculations. A lawyer friend of mine thinks I don't owe him anything.
On the bright side I now I have a new skill that I can maybe use again if I live long enough.
10/2/2023 at 7:22:25 AM
First as a home inspector with what you say 30 years experience, you should have seen this coming. I am not for ripping people off or taking advantage of others but next time try to do your due diligence better and learn from this mistake. However a load certification and the code does give a baseline or as others see it, the minimum. You would need to work the demand of the new line with your electrician and square footage with proper use of said part, then you can have a full report to present to the city or county. Hope this helps.
10/2/2023 at 6:58:05 PM
Thank you for your reply. I am a municipal type building inspector specializing in building code (Safety Codes Officer - building discipline), not electrical or plumbing and gas codes or home inspector and this is my first experience with load calculations; it was interesting to learn the electrical code rules.
I did start off attempting to do this for myself. I even have a journeyman (commercial) electrician as a tenant. We sent an email to the city asking for clarification on some points on the form and they did not respond. This made it seem necessary to hire a masters electrician as there is a certification number blank on the form. It was interesting to see in the end that I was able to sign the form myself as homeowner and have it accepted. Another lesson learned. There would have been another half day of electrical finish work for this contractor had we been able to get past this hurdle.
I work part-time in engineering and if I am either learning or if I make mistakes I do not charge my employer or client and it does happen all the time as our work carries an intense learning curve. Had the contractor stated 'if there were any mistakes made we are absolutely committed to doing everything to make it right', however this never occurred. To me this isn't about money so much as integrity and principle.
10/18/2023 at 2:06:42 AM
I believe owe him nothing, you hired him in good faith to perform what should have been a simple task for him, it sounds to me that he mixed you report up with a completely different home. I would send him a nice letter thanking him for his time however you report was reject by the city as it had several errors and was incomplete. Best of luck with your project.
11/4/2023 at 5:49:02 PM
Hi Ian
A little late to this post, but will put it up here for perspective.
I tend to agree that there is little to no money owing for the Demand Calculation requested. I would suggest that your original contractor maybe does not charge you, but certainly would charge to do this sort of calculation.
While the calculation is not overly complicated, it does require a site visit to measure up the spaces, record appliance wattages and other fixed equipment. This takes both time and knowledge, but the expectation is that you will receive a report that the Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) would put their name behind.
If the LEC does charge for estimates or there is some other fee, there still may be a discussion to have; the $200 offer for a non-product seems more that reasonable to me.
Cheers
John Kuehnl-Cadwell, CD, ME
Master Electrician
Datawise Solutions Inc
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