GE Electrical Gear

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dj_a_2001

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Hello,
I know this is going to be open-ended question but I need to ask.
I might be out of line, so if I am, just shut me down.

We have gotten back quotes from different venders on about 50 K with of new electrical gear for a job. MDP, many panelboards, lighting contactors, etc, etc.

I have always done work for DOD, (Corp) and it seems like they always spec. C/H or Square D.

We just got back the quotes for the project and one of the venders quoted with AE and AQ panelboards from GE. Also a spectra MDP
Like I said, all my experience is with the two mentioned above so i have nothing to compare with. I know its all UL listed, but can anybody give any valuable insight? The Quote is about 30% lower. I have checked the AIC rating and all the ins and outs, its all the same. The bid is apples to apples.
CH and Square D were within 1 k of each other. Like I said, i have gone over the BOM with a fine tooth comb, so I am not sure what to think.
Any advice is apprciated.
 
GE

GE

One thing to look for if you have large transformers 75Kva and larger GE's first option is to supply you a low voltage distribution that is essintaly a lower kva xfmr with fans (called transformore), if this is acceptable thats fine but C/H and Sq.D do not manufacturer this product, I assume it is less costly because it is basically a 45Kva with a fan rating of 75Kva your choice, another thing is to make sure if you have copper bus / windings specified they did not substutite aluminum, and one other thing thru my experience with GE if you have a tight fit anywhere there gear is typically larger than C/H or Sq.D. but other than verifying thoes kinds of things if it meets plans and specs I have had no problem with their electrical gear.
 
There is an amazing amount of room for price maneuvering in this kind of stuff if the vendor wants your business. I used to work at a place that used a fair number of MCCs. AB decided they wanted our business and they dropped their prices about 50%, so they were considerably less than the stuff we had been buying.

We have an OEM we do work for now that uses a lot of GE distribution equipment that they buy and we wire into the control system before it ships. They look a little cheesy to me, but nothing that a 30% cost reduction does not effectively deal with.
 
A couple of things:

This is not a corp job. I might need to clarify.
This job is for open bid. I was saying that on all my corp jobs we have only installed CH or SQ D

Yes, I am very shocked at the price mark-up of the Gear. 30% price dif. is very scary. Sounds like there is money to be made.

Yes Peter, I have thought the same thing of the GE Brand I admit. It sure does seem to be not as well put together. I think I am just biased however.

Thanks for the posts.
 
The job I am desperately trying to Finnish right now had about a $6M switchgear package with GE. We have a huge file of back charges to them that still need to be settled. Until this project I have had no issue with GE gear but have had issue with lousy customer service. Square D takes much better care of us and I like their product better. But for a 30% reduction in price, I think I would still go with GE.
 
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