What kind of panel should I get?

koz · 05-19-2010, 07:56 PM

Hi Folks,

I'm having a new electrical panel put in and I'd like to know what kind of panel people prefer.

My electrician installs both CH and Square D panels, I've always owned a GE panel and I've liked how they're laid out inside (I also like that you can get the thin breakers for GE panels).

The one experience I had with CH made me spend a lot of time cursing as I had to weave neutrals behind the hot wires to get to the neutral panel.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Koz

darren · 05-19-2010, 08:08 PM

In my opinion CH and Square D are both decent panels. Square D does have the idiot proof orange window to let you know what breaker is tripped which is a nice feature for homeowners.

sparks1up · 05-19-2010, 10:14 PM

I prefer Square-D, it's good equipment, the best IMHO

Cutler Hammer is built better, sturdier, but I don't trust the breakers! Had too many experiences where they don't trip when they are supposed to!

GE would be my second choice

I wouldn't install Seimens standard panels if you gave then to me for free but their industrial panelboards aren't too bad. I might make an exception for their basic panels with copper busses.

In 34 years I been doing electrical work I have never replaced a Square-D, GE or CH panel because it was burnt! I can't even count the number of ITE Siemens (especially the old ITE split bus panels), Crouse Hinds and Bryant panels I have replaced that were burnt to a crisp!

rburke65 · 05-20-2010, 01:00 PM

I agree....Sq. D and you won't go wrong.

koz · 05-20-2010, 01:58 PM

There are two different square-d models, does it matter which one? DO I want the QO or the homeline?

The big thing I like about the QO is that the breakers are smaller which means I should be able to fit more in the same space right?

Is it worth the cost difference?

sparks1up · 05-20-2010, 02:42 PM

I don't have much experience with Homeline I only use QO loadcenters and breakers for residential applications. I know the breakers are a little thinner than Homeline but I would bet the panels are the same size for an equal amount of breakers!

rburke65 · 05-20-2010, 02:46 PM

Google is your friend here....lots of info. Homeline is just the inexpensive panel and breaker compared to QO....quick open....line, which is their commercial line. All comes down to your wallet. What is the cost difference going in? And I guess once you commit to either you can't change later....buy homeline now you need homeline breakers later....one won't fit the other. Hope this helps.

LyonsElecSupply · 06-16-2010, 11:51 PM

Id say BR series from Cutler Hammer. Blade type busses are mostly interchangeable and easy to find replacements.

05-19-2010, 07:56 PM	#1
koz Newbie Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 8	What kind of panel should I get? Hi Folks, I'm having a new electrical panel put in and I'd like to know what kind of panel people prefer. My electrician installs both CH and Square D panels, I've always owned a GE panel and I've liked how they're laid out inside (I also like that you can get the thin breakers for GE panels). The one experience I had with CH made me spend a lot of time cursing as I had to weave neutrals behind the hot wires to get to the neutral panel. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Koz

05-19-2010, 08:08 PM	#2
darren Electrician Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 1,085	What kind of panel should I get? In my opinion CH and Square D are both decent panels. Square D does have the idiot proof orange window to let you know what breaker is tripped which is a nice feature for homeowners.

05-19-2010, 10:14 PM	#3
sparks1up Sparkaholic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 184	What kind of panel should I get? I prefer Square-D, it's good equipment, the best IMHO Cutler Hammer is built better, sturdier, but I don't trust the breakers! Had too many experiences where they don't trip when they are supposed to! GE would be my second choice I wouldn't install Seimens standard panels if you gave then to me for free but their industrial panelboards aren't too bad. I might make an exception for their basic panels with copper busses. In 34 years I been doing electrical work I have never replaced a Square-D, GE or CH panel because it was burnt! I can't even count the number of ITE Siemens (especially the old ITE split bus panels), Crouse Hinds and Bryant panels I have replaced that were burnt to a crisp! __________________ Answers based on the mood I am in when you ask!

05-20-2010, 01:00 PM	#4
rburke65 Newbie Join Date: May 2010 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 8	What kind of panel should I get? I agree....Sq. D and you won't go wrong.

05-20-2010, 01:58 PM	#5
koz Newbie Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 8	What kind of panel should I get? There are two different square-d models, does it matter which one? DO I want the QO or the homeline? The big thing I like about the QO is that the breakers are smaller which means I should be able to fit more in the same space right? Is it worth the cost difference?

What kind of panel should I get?