Service equipment companies

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jaylectricity

jaylectricity

Senior Member
Location
Massachusetts
Occupation
licensed journeyman electrician
I have experience with Square D, Murray, Siemens, GE, Cutler-Hammer and some others. Recently I've noticed that Home Depot seems to be phasing (no pun intended) out Murray. They were replacing it with another company, either ITC or UTC, I'm not sure which at the moment.

Personally I prefer Square D, whether it be their Homeline series or their QO series. My old boss taught me that the Homeline series fits all the other major panels, but now I've learned that installing a mismatch breaker could present legal problems later.

I run into some of those other brands a lot. I've had a hard time distinguishing between Murray, Siemens and GE. Obviously I can read the brand name, I'm just referring to the shape and configuration of those breakers.

I am interested in hearing anything and everything anybody and everybody knows about this situation. Let's not get into the Home Depot thing, there's another thread for that. How do you find supply houses that carry each of the various brands? None of them carry all brands and it makes it really hard on service calls when you have to drive out to hell and creation to find a replacement breaker, or a new breaker for an existing panel.
 
A properly stocked service van will already have on it most every breaker you'll need. Classified replacements are a big help, too. When a guy admits that he needed to make a drive to get a plug on breaker, he's sorta telling on himself.
 
Keep in mind there is no such thing as an interchangeable breaker. Just because a breaker may fit, it doesn't mean it is suitable for that use. I agree with Marc. Your only option is to have proper stock of the brands you come across most often.
 
That document doesn't dispute anything. Breakers are either listed or classified for use in a particular panelboard, otherwise it cannot be used. Even if it fits and looks just like the proper one.

Listed Breakers - YES
Classified Breakers - YES
Interchangeable Breakers - NO
 
My dad didn't know that Square D made two different types of breakers. He bought a Homeline panel and QO breakers to put in it. It worked - until the vibration from people walking up and down the stairs jiggled them a little loose, and the carbon from the arcing turned the lights off. :D

There is a supply house in my area that stocks all brands, but they only are a Siemens dealer. Therefore, if you buy an off-brand from them, then you pay more - but they do have them in stock.

They are the exception, most supply houses have a hard enough time keeping their official line in stock. :D
 
georgestolz said:
They are the exception, most supply houses have a hard enough time keeping their official line in stock. :D
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This is very true. But there are other supply companies that can furnish any type of breaker. I do business with the local branch of this supplier.
You can order online and have them shipped to you. The prices are not bad. If you are looking for hard to get items this place is great.

http://www.breakersunlimited.com/
 
There are some restrictions on the use of classified breakers. The following is from the UL Guide information for classified breakers.
This category covers Classified molded-case circuit breakers rated 15 to 50 A, 120/240 V maximum that have been investigated and found suitable for use in place of other Listed circuit breakers in specific Listed panelboards , with ratings not exceeding 225 A, 120/240 V ac and a short-circuit current of 10 kA . The circuit breakers are Classified for use in specified panelboards in accordance with the details described on the circuit breaker or in the publication provided therewith.
Click to expand...
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
There are some restrictions on the use of classified breakers.
Click to expand...
Indeed. Luckily, with regard to service, classified replacements will cover the lion's share of service and MAC calls.
 
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