Community Forums

Unicorn Driver · 07-09-2019, 06:37 PM

Hi,

I have asked my general contractor in Michigan to install a 30 amp outlet outside my house.

I asked would he use an electrican and get a permit and was told neither was required and he could do the work himself. I recall him telling me that general contractors in Michigan can legally do some elecrical work.

Does this sound right? I have used this contractor a lot in the past for remodeling/roofing.

Thanks,

Mr_D · 07-09-2019, 06:53 PM

That's up to your local and state laws.
Just be sure it's wired as a 120 volt 30 amp RV outlet and not a 240 volt 30 amp dryer outlet!

Unicorn Driver · 07-09-2019, 06:58 PM

Thanks Mr_D,

I am not from Michigan so not sure of the laws, local planning office is hard to get hold of.

He confirmed already its 120 volt.

Was checking here as see lots of Michigan folk on the forums.

MinntoMich · 07-09-2019, 07:49 PM

Like most states, Michigan derives some of its electrical code from the NEC (National Electric Code). Sooooo..... From your states .gov website.

"Are electrical permits required?
A person shall not equip a building with electrical conductors or equipment or make an alteration of, change in, or addition to, electrical conductors or equipment without receiving a permit to do the work described.

Do you need a license to do electrical work?
To obtain electrical permits, an applicant shall be an electrical contractor or specialty contractor licensed by a municipality or by the State Electrical Administrative Board

or

a homeowner performing electrical work in a single family home and accompanying outbuildings owned and occupied, or to be occupied, by the person performing the installation. Questions regarding electrical permits should be directed to the Permit Division at 517-241-9313."

Michigan's exceptions or amendments to the NEC can be found under www.dtmb.state.mi.us.

If you made it this far remember ignorance sometimes IS bliss.

Unicorn Driver · 07-09-2019, 07:54 PM

Thanks,

I want to make sure its done right. I will call the permit folks again.

My electrical engineer buddy did tell me ro be careful asking about permits as an inspector may want older work remediated.

Isaac-1 · 07-09-2019, 08:50 PM

Doing work to code, and having a permit are two very different things

saddlesore · 07-09-2019, 08:59 PM

Just an observation... As Clint Eastwood used to say "For a Few Dollars More" ...I would spend the small amount more now and go with a 50 amp.. Your next RV could very well be a 50 amper next time..

followingsea · 07-10-2019, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saddlesore

Just an observation... As Clint Eastwood used to say "For a Few Dollars More" ...I would spend the small amount more now and go with a 50 amp.. Your next RV could very well be a 50 amper next time..

When we got a house near Las Vegas I got a quote for a 50 a RV pedestal. $500!

I installed a 20 a outlet for about $10. That was all that was needed.

I installed a 50 a RV pedestal on a lot where the family has a 30 a TT and I park our 50 a MH. Did it for $200. It is what we needed.

Wiring is not rocket science but you have to know when it is beyond your kills.

As far as getting a permit it depends. Where I put 50 a pedestal you could say that the wiring was 'classic'. A building inspector would have condemned the whole place.

At the house I would have expected the contractor to get a permit.

Unicorn Driver · 07-10-2019, 04:28 AM

Thanks all,

Even though my coach is 50 amp, most Michigan State Parks are 30amp, our coaches EMS handles it like a champ. Also 50 amp is 130$ more on an already expensive job.

This General contractor has remodelled 3 bathrooms, half a basement, new porch, Roof, floored 1/4 house for us I do trust him. His work is excelent and well priced for big jobs, his small job pricing not so much so.

I will call the permit office this morning.

I was just checking here in case somone in the know about Michigan saw this thread.

Unicorn Driver · 07-10-2019, 06:26 AM

Hi all,

Got my info, permit is not required. Work will be performed to code. Job is going ahead tomorrow.

Thanks all for the advice,

twinboat · 07-10-2019, 06:49 AM

We he is done and about to switch on the circuit, make sure its a single breaker. That's what a 120 volt circuit uses.

Unicorn Driver · 07-10-2019, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

We he is done and about to switch on the circuit, make sure its a single breaker. That's what a 120 volt circuit uses.

Hi Twinboat,

Our panel had only 2 singles left free. I pointed out to him there was a double he could use from a shed that was no longer in use. He said he wanted to leave some free in case of any additions.

I looked back at our texts and I had asked to confirm it was for 120 volt not 220 volt.

I will confirm with him tomorrow.

hillbilly3 · 07-10-2019, 07:26 PM

I'm licensed in Michigan, but I don't even remember doing a job there! LOL! Some states have areas where there is no inspections or permits. In the county where I live in Georgia, we had permits and inspections for less than ten years. Some areas base permits on the job cost, if its under a certain amount, a permit is not required.