A lengthy review, but read it so you don't have an electrical issue down the road. I contacted Conejo Electric because of the glowing reviews and their ability to move with more efficiency than other companies to complete the job at hand. I was impressed at first with the communication, cost, and timeline to completion. My project was to install a 14-50 outlet with a 50 amp breaker for my Electric Vehicle. I did my research and when installing a 125/250 volt 14-50 outlet then most standard outlets will do. However, the $10 outlets sold by most places are simply not up to the task of hours of 32amp plus electricity running through them to charge your electric vehicle; give them a year and they will short out, melt, or worse. When it does, it won't be the fault of the installer and they aren't in the business of warrantying the failings of the mfg. Google the pictures. I am sure there are individuals using some of the less expensive outlets and they might claim it worked for years without issue. There are many factors involved in the outlet life span and they vary between users. However, I want quality when plugging this into my vehicle. I spoke with Conejo, made it clear I wanted a Hubbell or Bryant 14-50 Outlet. The last text confirmed he had acquired it. Side note: The market has gone crazy and driven the price of the Hubbell up to $150 which is nuts and frankly gouging, it's a $50 max outlet and cost that much last year. It is what it is; since I only need one I was willing to pay what it cost, because Electricity/House/Fire.
The morning Conejo was on the way over they tell me they have a Pass & Seymour 14-50 outlet, top brand and they are ready to go. This is a $7 outlet; while I have no issue with it being used for an electric dryer, it is simply not advised for long term use with an Electric Vehicle. Conejo brought a competitive bid to the table; they probably were not prepared for the insane price of the Hubbell. I searched all the vendors around, and the least expensive price I came up with is $115; a 3 day waiting period more often than not. The proper thing to do was notify me; create a change order and charge me more. I get that most customers are total scoundrels and would be livid and pissed off but you leave it up to them. They pay more for quality, or you will maintain the current bid with the inexpensive part. The essential thing is to leave the ball in the customers court; put the consequences on them. You don't want to pay $100 plus more? You want the basic outlet? That is your prerogative but don't leave that car charging overnight or expect this outlet to last five years.
Conejo made some critical mistakes here. One, telling me they had the part I wanted. Two, when they realized the part I wanted was insanely more expensive then it had been a year ago, they needed to notify me and make me pay the difference. Three, ambushing me suddenly and claiming they had a top notch product they could replace the Hubbell with. In short, I do not trust them; trust is essential in any business arrangement, let alone electrical work. I received a dozen calls from the owner. He knows my position and where he went wrong. I hope in the future he changes his approach and operates more candidly with his customers.
I've included a picture to corroborate our conversation where he claimed he had the right outlet, but then tried to pass off the Pass and Seymour. Also some pictures of the different outlets.