Panel Bus

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Alwayslearningelec

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NJ
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I'm trying to referene a post I create severl months ago but can't find it.
I asked if there was a labor differecne betwwen a 125A panel and 225A panel.
I believe others responded saying something about the bus size being the same up to a certain amperage, maybe 225A?
Is that correct? Thanks.
 
Alwayslearningelec said:
I'm trying to referene a post I create severl months ago but can't find it.
I asked if there was a labor differecne betwwen a 125A panel and 225A panel.
I believe others responded saying something about the bus size being the same up to a certain amperage, maybe 225A?
Is that correct? Thanks.
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I think load centers between 150A and 225A all have a 225 A bus, but the manufacturers keep it a secret. Except I believe @ggunn says he has it in writing from Eaton.
 
No there isn't a meaningful labor difference in installing the panel itself. (It no doubt matters more how far it is from the truck.) The labor difference is likely in the size of wires feeding the panel (if the difference in amperage is really needed) or in the number of circuits that need to be connected to the panel.
 
jaggedben said:
No there isn't a meaningful labor difference in installing the panel itself. (It no doubt matters more how far it is from the truck.) The labor difference is likely in the size of wires feeding the panel (if the difference in amperage is really needed) or in the number of circuits that need to be connected to the panel.
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Feeder and branch circuits I’m aware of. Thanks
 
So not accounting for branch circuit or the feeder powering the panelboard when would you actually account for difference in labor to only mount a 100A to 400a panel? In my opinion The larger panel board would require more strut, and I include that in my panelboard labor so they would be a few hour difference between 100A and a 400a IMO.
 
Okay, first you said 225A, now you are asking about 400A, that changes things.

Panelboards up to 225A are more likely to be plug on type where everything comes in one box and as long as you don't lose the deadfront screws in the dirt it really doesn't matter if the box is 15 or 33 inches tall, it takes 3-4 screws to hang it and you've installed your panelboard.

Panelboards above 225A are more likely to be plug on types with more customizable features and maybe the deadfront and other accessories come separately so if you're not as familiar with the brand you may spend more time figuring out how things go together and coming back another day with the parts you didn't have the first time.

That said, it's really not the amperage per se that matters, but whether you are installing a cheap 'load center' or a more specialty professional type panelboard. The latter may take more time, or a more experienced guy who wants higher pay. But really it's about knowing more about the panelboard than just its amp rating.
 
jaggedben said:
Panelboards up to 225A are more likely to be plug on type where everything comes in one box and as long as you don't lose the deadfront screws in the dirt it really doesn't matter if the box is 15 or 33 inches tall, it takes 3-4 screws to hang it and you've installed your panelboard.
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I'm guessing but I think that the 125 amp or 225 amp panelboards that he's referring to in the OP are all bolt-on breaker style. The cabinets are 6"x20" and anywhere from 30"-48" in length.
 
electrofelon said:
I think load centers between 150A and 225A all have a 225 A bus, but the manufacturers keep it a secret. Except I believe @ggunn says he has it in writing from Eaton.
Click to expand...
Correct. I would think that other manufacturers do the same, but Eaton CH is the only one we have documentation for.
 
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