Audiophile electrician?

[tony22]

Let me tell you - retirement is not exactly lounging around all day! At least not for me. I’m renovating the poop out of this place - clearly a stupid thing to do at my age.

Anyway, I’m finally ready to re-do the room I’ve selected for my listening space. Does anyone know of a licensed electrician in Central Florida who also happens to be a practicing audiophile? I spoke with one place and got to equal length dedicated runs (didn’t even get to the grounding discussion), and I could tell he wasn’t gonna get the job done right. This job is going to take a new subpanel, so I need a pro who can pull a permit and do a good job - code wise and audio wise.

 

[Uk Paul]

While not Florida based, Kingrex on here could offer some advice and maybe help, this is his area of expertise..

Sounds like you are using your retirement time wisely..

 

[Levitator]

Another vote for Kingrex - he’s da man!

 

[rando]

With a large contingent of high end audio headed to FL shortly you might catch a break on a lead.

@Kingrex would still need a master electrician willing to complete work on any work he consulted or to install any components he provided.

 

[tony22]

With a large contingent of high end audio headed to FL shortly you might catch a break on a lead.

Yes, I hope so!

@Kingrex, help!

 

[Kingrex]

Thank you all.
Good call Tony. If you feel the person is not right, follow your intuition.

When I have to find out of state support, I generally start with a local union hall. I worked for both union and non union in my younger years. I ran my own union shop for a number of years. My experience is the union workers are generally more serious about what they do. Most states with unions have a fairly robust training and educatuon program for the members.

I do make calls for people. I have a pretty good sense who wants to do good work and who is only out for a quick buck.

 

[Gregadd]

Central Florida
Ha e you consulted a high end home theater store. They do custom installations and probably know of one.
P.

 

[tony22]

Took a while, but I found what I hope to be a good electrician. But what’s more important is that Rex (@Kingrex) has kindly accepted my request to design my sound room distribution!

Rex is designing the whole thing, from the secondary subpanel to the outlets (I’m picking the outlets ), and Rex will be providing all the material from that subpanel out! I couldn’t be more excited to have Rex’s help and insight on this. What’s even better, my local electrician said he has no problem working with plans and materials provided by another licensed electrician. Hoping it will all come to a successful conclusion.Given the cost I just swallowed for my full kitchen remodel , this is is rather small expense.

@Kingrex, I know you’re busy, but if you have anything to add, feel free.

 

[Alrainbow]

I can add rex is tops very settled in with good experience earned over time. I’m so glad to see him Earn his due in audio.

 

[Kingrex]

Thanks Tony and Al.

I am digging in and trying to do all I can. I have 30 or so jobs under my belt. I am seeing not just what works. I have that figured out. But how to get the field electrician to understand what I am advocating. I was at 2 jobs on the east coast this last week. I'm glad I was there. There are many small details that when followed as a whole make a very predictable and repeatable outcome.

Let me show you an example. I have completely abandoned wire nuts. They are sold by the millions every year. They are a solid connection. Done right they rarely fail. But I don't like them. I spent weeks seeking a better way. Here is how I join a #12 stranded to an AFCI breaker tail when the tail from the breaker is to short to reach the bus.

I believe the best results are in the details.
This here is an awesome connection on many levels. Its not easy to do. It takes time, patience and skill.
Rex

 

[Kingrex]

And if you want a real panelboard, there is nothing better than this in the world. Pure copper phase, neutral and ground. Very heavy gauge metal can and cover. The phenalic holding the bus is thick and solid. There is no rattle or vibration in this panel. They are made custom for me. Fully NEC, UL listed and labeled.

I am also grain orienting 10 awg THWN and twisting it with a special bobbin I had made for me. Grain orienting is determining which way the wire was pulled through the dies during manufacturing. It makes a difference to know.

 

[Kingrex]

This is one of the best SqD panels ever installed. I spent close to 10 hours strategically applying anti vibration polymers to it. It started out like all off the shelf panels with rattles and a nasty metalic clang when you rapped on it. It now responds with a solid thud. It is currently in a loving home. I was thrilled with how the system voiced when it was commissioned. Very natural and clean.

I am working up a panel like this for Tony. There is a lot more going on in that panel than you can see. I treat my work with SqD products as proprietary.

 

[Alrainbow]

Thanks Tony and Al.

I am digging in and trying to do all I can. I have 30 or so jobs under my belt. I am seeing not just what works. I have that figured out. But how to get the field electrician to understand what I am advocating. I was at 2 jobs on the east coast this last week. I'm glad I was there. There are many small details that when followed as a whole make a very predictable and repeatable outcome.

Let me show you an example. I have completely abandoned wire nuts. They are sold by the millions every year. They are a solid connection. Done right they rarely fail. But I don't like them. I spent weeks seeking a better way. Here is how I join a #12 stranded to an AFCI breaker tail when the tail from the breaker is to short to reach the bus.

I believe the best results are in the details.
This here is an awesome connection on many levels. Its not easy to do. It takes time, patience and skill.
Rex

I might be showing my old ass age but
first was soldering wires and a metal crimp
a ceramic cap on top taped in place
I agree wire nuts can have issues. the details Rex goes to make him the go to pro.

 

[Alrainbow]

This is one of the best SqD panels ever installed. I spent close to 10 hours strategically applying anti vibration polymers to it. It started out like all off the shelf panels with rattles and a nasty metalic clang when you rapped on it. It now responds with a solid thud. It is currently in a loving home. I was thrilled with how the system voiced when it was commissioned. Very natural and clean.

I am working up a panel like this for Tony. There is a lot more going on in that panel than you can see. I treat my work with SqD products as proprietary.

 

[Alrainbow]

Rex what is this part ?

i always felt sq d was the best made panels but in nyc they are hard to find dealers and more $$. for audio usage a very good panel and cheap compared to audio made ones. I’m sure your improvements make for a really notable improvement.

 

[Kingrex]

SqD now makes SPD that snap on the bus. No more remote boxes.

 

[Alrainbow]

SqD now makes SPD that snap on the bus. No more remote boxes.

I thought it was wow. any ratings on it ?
living down south surging is a big issue
I have a 18kw gen to keep things on but have to use
a bunch of surge protectors

2 microwaves and one tv lost inputs was down to one when I replaced it.
my panel is square d here.
can you post a link to the part please.
mill buy one.
also how does it work
meaning function
how fast and does it need to get replaced

 

[Kingrex]

Rex what is this part ?

i always felt sq d was the best made panels but in nyc they are hard to find dealers and more $$. for audio usage a very good panel and cheap compared to audio made ones. I’m sure your improvements make for a really notable improvement.

I don't know that a SqD "panel" is a lot better than others per say. But their breakers have very good internal construction. I put about $100 in materials in and around the panel to tame the floppy rattling bus bar and tinnie metallic vibrations when you rap on it.

 

[Alrainbow]

I took a pic of my transformer on its pad crazy stuff
is fed single to neutral post high voltage
50kw

 

[Alrainbow]

I don't know that a SqD "panel" is a lot better than others per say. But their breakers have very good internal construction. I put about $100 in materials in and around the panel to tame the floppy rattling bus bar and tinnie metallic vibrations when you rap on it.

A copper bolt down sure seems the better choice