All About Panels…..

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

I live in a pretty remote area in Northern California. I have a Platt where I get basically all my electrical supplies from.

This Platt is an Eaton distributor. So no Siemens, no Square D.

I have an HD about 2 1/2 hours the opposite direction from my service area. They have all the Square D stuff, but not a ton in stock. And I’m not super familiar with all their different lines.

A thread I started on another forum about having to special order P&S 3 ways to replace a house full of failed Leviton, got me thinking about searching out better brands, even if I have to special order stuff.

Im transitioning from being a full service remodeling and building contractor, to focusing more on the electrical side of my business. So I need to up my game.

Im specifically interested in a quick rundown of the different SD panels, pros and cons and what is comparable with what, as I can’t ask the supply house, , any info or opinions on the Siemens, and what are you guys having the most success with as far as AFCI breakers.


I know this is asking a lot from someone who hasn’t contributed much to the forum, but I do appreciate all the help and information I’ve received from the members here. This forum has been an invaluable addition to my quest to keep up with all things electrical.

 

[ActionDave]

I don't think there is any significant difference between any of the major manufactures for domestic and light commercial gear. I would buy based on availability.

 

[865resi]

I prefer Eaton BR series. The AFCI breakers are just fine. I've been using these for 12 years, since City Electric Supply moved into town. I recently used 3 Square D homeline, because of supply issues. I found those AFCI breakers cover the neutral bar, the ground bars difficult to simply screw in and the stupid panel cover difficult to put on because the breakers were too far apart.

 

[tortuga]

I agree with 865resi that homeline can be a PTIA.
I would avoid Eatons CH (tan handle) line, just spent way too long getting a AFCI breaker to fit into one of those.
I would also avoid all panels with an aluminum buss (they are sneaky about selling them to me), I use aluminum wire for circuits over 100Amp but dont really like aluminum bus bars, tin plated or not.
Siemens and Eaton BR are fine, both have a line with copper bussing.

 

[mtnelect]

I don't think there is any significant difference between any of the major manufactures for domestic and light commercial gear. I would buy based on availability.

I agree, in California all HVAC units have to meet Title 24 requirements, brand doesn't matter anymore. Recently I tried to replace a Whole House Fan that was manufactured in Florida but found out it could not be sold in California, for efficiency reasons.

 

[electrofelon]

My opinions:

SD QO is over priced and I dont like the stab design
SD HL is ok, have used lots. Most annoying thing is the long AFCI's. Also annoying is the rejection feature for other 1" wide breakers. Thanks, really appreciate that in a pinch.
Kinda boycotting SQ D now though because of them pushing for years to get the surge supressor into the code.

Not a fan of eaton. BR just seems like its going to fall apart if you look at it wrong. CH is dumb and over priced. Nerver really cared for their commercial panelboards.

I like like siemens and mostly use them for loadcenters and larger commercial panelboards.

GE should go immediately in the trash (although please recycle when possible.)

 

[electrofelon]

One other consideration: If there is upstream equipment (common in commercial and now for residential due to meter mains), you likely will want to stick with the same brand as the upstream equipment for convenience and series ratings.