third Party Installations [RE-wrenches]

[William Miller]

Colleagues:

I see two issues here (neither new):  Trace power panels and installers
that are not vendors.

Power panels:  I've never installed one nor do I plan on it.  They are too
heavy and too compact.  The generator switching is poorly implemented.  I'm
not sure I like the idea of switching phases separately.  I have learned
how to shoe-horn a bonding block, isolated negative, two shunts and four
breakers into a DC250, but I don't like it.  I'm looking forwards to trying
the Outback product.

I used to like the Pulse DC power panels.  I once used one with an AC
section, but I don;t like the U-turn required.  I prefer mounting two or
three standard load centers on the left of SW inverters.  If they are less
than 16 inches in height, they fit nicely.  I connect with 5 inches of 1
inch flex.

I have a job pending in which I'd like to try one of the Murray transfer
switch/load centers (i.e. GT10612DR).  I'd feed the utility into one throw
and the inverter into the other.  Then, with one panel I can distribute AND
transfer.

Installers:  I've been fortunate to cultivate a relationship with a
top-notch vendor.  They don't want to maintain a field installation crew
and I don't want to sit in a store front.  I concentrate on superb
installations and they try to provide the most knowledgeable sales
environment.  They refer all installs to me and the customer can decide for
themselves.  I don't get all of the installs, but I know that's how it
goes.  The relationship works well.

Occasionally someone wants me to install equipment they have purchased
elsewhere.  If it is not the right equipment, I figure that out before I
turn the first screw.  If the equipment is not dangerous or too poorly
suited and they still want me to install it, I make it work as well as I
can.  My contract will include the disclaimers.  Sometimes they have me
come back and correct the problems once they see it for themselves.

In both the electrical and communications trades I have occasionally had
someone tell a customer that the installation should take fewer days or
fewer dollars than I think it should.  I tell the customer if so and so
says they can do it for cheaper, hire them.  After they go back to the
vendor or consultant and find out they actually don't do installs, they
usually accept my bid.  If they don't, so be it.

Summary:  I like being an installer and I deliver no less value to my
clients because I can concentrate on what I do best.  And I'm glad my
status did not keep me off of this list.

William  Miller

__________________________________________________________________
William Miller
SLO Communications: Communications and Power Systems Consulting
PO Box 50, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
Voice :805-438-5600		Fax: 805-438-4607	VMail: 805-546-4875
email: wrmiller at slonet.org
License No. C-10-773985
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