Our full home re-wire done, a question regarding the bill (apprentice rates)

[eri]

both blowing light bulbs and excessive arcing

are more likely to do with over-voltage than anything else

and the chances of that are extremely unlikely...


from google

HPM have always had terrible quality compared to Clipsal.

HPM kit is far too weak and flexible.. their lightswitches never seem to fit nice and flush against plasterboard..

I always buy Clipsal over HPM

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1543183

Clipsal is the first that springs to mind, but their prices are mostly a lot higher then other brands like HPM, Pulset and so on. From one on line electrical sales place prices for a standard double 10A power point: Clipsal 2000 $19, HPM $10, Pulset 6.40. That sort of difference seems typical across the range.

http://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=39207

[unhinged]

Eri is correct blowing light bulbs is more likely to do with a voltage problem, contact your local lines company. In regards to brand of products I have used clipsal, HPM, PDL and many other inferior brands. My personal perference has always been PDL first and HPM second. I have had more experience with clipsal switches failing due to current than PDL or HPM

[unhinged]

alrighty so what do you charge a first year apprentice out at???

I would charge out a first year apprentice at approximately $10/hr less than the tradesperson, and a third an fourth year apprentice at the same rate has the tradeperson. I was wiring homes unsupervised by the end of my second year of my apprenticeship. However it was always inspected and tested by the owner of the company before it was livened and he might call in once or twice during the day to check up in me as mobile phones where uneconomical back then, only the boss had one.

As an aside, being an electrician has never made me rich, thats why I am trying my hand at property investment so we can at least be cofromable in retirement

[klauster]

I totally agree with Unhinged. I only engage trades people on flexible terms. I’ve seen so many silly quotes, I would not even call them estimates and most people know cases of disputed quotes.
I define with the trade person the job, be involved in the decision making process (the solution) and pay the bill on time, material and labour focused on quality and results.
That is risk management for being under quoted, the trader wants the job and later he cuts corners. A transparent relationship between parties involved about the work, related costs and the expected results create lasting business relationships.
For instance when I call my very busy plumber, I can rely on him that he shows up even in his lunch break for a quick chat.

[JABlog]

Eri is correct blowing light bulbs is more likely to do with a voltage problem, contact your local lines company. In regards to brand of products I have used clipsal, HPM, PDL and many other inferior brands. My personal perference has always been PDL first and HPM second. I have had more experience with clipsal switches failing due to current than PDL or HPM

I investigated this, the switch mechanism was inferior hence the buzzing noise (when the contacts are not fully aligned and or the conductors are loose.

[cube]

For instance when I call my very busy plumber, I can rely on him that he shows up even in his lunch break for a quick chat.

So that's where he went ...