Plastic electric panel

[dbeason]

I recently encountered a "first" for me. In the course of a home inspection, I inspected a plastic main panel. This was totally new to me, as I did not know such a thing existed.

I saw no concerns in this panel, and my only concern is the type material of which the panel is made.

There were no readily visible identifying markings to tell me who the manufacturer is.

There were the customary inspection stickers present, indicating the system was inspected by the local building inspector when the home was new, approximately 15 years ago. The home is in New Jersey.

I am just wondering if this is something that I should be pointing out as a potential concern in my home inspection report.

 

[masterinbama]

I have seen plastic panels before, but they were NEMA 3 R main panels. I have never seen an indoor.

 

[electricmanscott]

Why would plastic be a concern?

I think Sq D made plastic panels for a while.

 

[roger3829]

I believe GE made plastic panels. I don't remember seeing a main panel, just smaller panels.

 

[SEO]

SQ D made plastic load centers the line was called trilliant, not sure about the spelling.

 

[aftershock]

GE made a 4/8 circuit platic panel used in outdoor applications. I have seen this panel used as a main for 60 amp services and as a C/A/C sub.

 

[roger]

I am just wondering if this is something that I should be pointing out as a potential concern in my home inspection report.

No it's not.

Roger

 

[infinity]

Sounds like a Square D Trilliant panel. These were thought to revolutionize the residential market because of their versatility but they never really caught on. Here's a CB from one of them from E-bay:

 

[charlie]

SQ D made plastic load centers the line was called Trilliant, not sure about the spelling.

Square D did have the Trilliant Home Power Systems available until a few siding guys put screws and nails into the bus from the outside. The link will get you replacement parts from Square D.

 

[augie47]

Trilliant

Trilliant

Locally, the SquareD folks thought a lot more of the Trillaint line than they did QO and priced it accordingly.
Most felt that all of it's "labor saving" qualities such as no knockouts, etc. didn't warrant the price.

 

[marissa2]

I think they only lasted for about a year or two, long screws and nails can do that.
Lou

 

[mdshunk]

The only thing a home inspector might note about a Trilliant panel is that the breakers are crazy expensive if circuits are to be added.

 

[Ken9876]

Just found out about these Trilliant breakers, had to add a 30 amp circuit in a home for a range the 2 pole 30 amp breaker cost $130.00

 

[brian john]

Just found out about these Trilliant breakers, had to add a 30 amp circuit in a home for a range the 2 pole 30 amp breaker cost $130.00

And thats what they call gotcha you.

 

[Ken9876]

"And thats what they call gotcha you"

I'll say, too bad it's the customer that really suffers.