I own an RV and I'm planning to install a 50A outlet on a pedestal nearby. The property has two service connections: one is a 200A service to my house and the other is a 100A service for a horse barn located about 300 feet away. The RV is only about 60 feet from the 100A service, which isn't active right now. Since I have 4 acres of land and I live within city limits, I'm wondering if I can rent an excavator, dig a trench from the service pole to the RV pedestal, and lay down a conduit with a 50A wire. I'd also like to wire this into my breaker panel myself. The horse barn service has only two 10A breakers for lighting circuits, so I don't think my project would overload anything. An electrician provided a quote that's much higher than what I think I could do it for myself. Should I go ahead and do the work myself or hire the electrician?
3 Answers
Instead of renting an excavator, you might want to consider using a ditch witch. It can help you create a neat trench in no time, making the whole setup a lot easier and cleaner. Just remember to call the local utility locating service to map out any underground lines before you start digging.
You can absolutely do it yourself if you feel skilled enough! Just make sure you’re familiar with the codes and requirements, especially regarding the depth of the bury and using appropriate materials. It's a good savings tip to do the trenching and conduit yourself, then hire out just for wiring – a lot of that cost is in the labor.
Before you dive in, you should check the legality of DIY electrical work in your area. Many places allow homeowners to do the work as long as they pull the correct permits and pass inspections. If that's the case for you, then you might not need an electrician at all if you follow through properly. Just make sure you comply with all local codes to avoid any issues later!
Definitely a good idea to double-check with your local permit office about what’s allowed. Better safe than sorry!
Exactly! If you have some confidence in your skills, that’s the way to go. Plus, it’s a great learning experience!