Breaker and boxes scarce ?

[NUTTSGT]

I've been planning on adding another by on the garage. In the planning phase, running things through my mind, I think of adding a sub-panel for this bay.

It's going to be on the other side of a double wall but figure it's be easier once I start running wire to have it coming in from one spot.

So I start looking at boxes. I'm thinking a 100A box as planning on moving all metal fab stuff on that side as well as the JD.


So my question is, are larger breakers and breaker boxes scarce in your locations ? I might have to make an hour plus drive to Columbus to get a box I want or the 100A breaker? Or is it just a Square D QO problem ?

 

[liliysdad]

Not at all...I just picked up a Eaton 125 Main Lug at the electrical supply, and I had my choice of a couple dozen different options. Breakers were in infinite supply.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Not at all...I just picked up a Eaton 125 Main Lug at the electrical supply, and I had my choice of a couple dozen different options. Breakers were in infinite supply.

In my searching, it seemed that Eaton was more available.

However, I just caught one of my mistakes and I need to do some more searching and probably change up my plan slightly.


That's why I keep running future build planning through my head. . . to catch any mistakes.

 

[dogdog]

It dependents on where you go I think...

HD favors one brand more than Others, and lowes is the same way... Not too sure about the others. But I do still see them on the shelves ...

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have another source to check out that I just thought about. I'll find out this week when I help the youngster putting in the electrical in my parents new 24x32.


Doggone, I can source my wire from him and not have to make a trip to one of the big box stores. Maybe this isn't going to be a problem after all.

 

[walrus]

100 amp boxes are scarce, SqD made in Mexico, definitely scarce

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I've been planning on adding another by on the garage. In the planning phase, running things through my mind, I think of adding a sub-panel for this bay.

It's going to be on the other side of a double wall but figure it's be easier once I start running wire to have it coming in from one spot.

So I start looking at boxes. I'm thinking a 100A box as planning on moving all metal fab stuff on that side as well as the JD.

So my question is, are larger breakers and breaker boxes scarce in your locations? I might have to make an hour plus drive to Columbus to get a box I want or the 100A breaker? Or is it just a Square D QO problem ?

they have been in my town....

 

[nadogail]

If they are not scarce now, just wait until they start rebuilding everything that is on fire right now in California.

 

[sberry]

I was at the house and HD, double pole were bare at the box store and the guy at the jobber mentioned having a problems with getting 100. I asked him for 90, then he said got that and they been sending them out in place.

 

[Jakemedic]

Yes! Problem getting square d QO breakers. Local Menards out of stock. Ended up buying cheaper from a gentleman on eBay. Crazy thing, bazaar shortages. No old work boxes on Friday. Outlets (the good ones) out of stock in white. No outlet covers in white either. Got to think two steps ahead to keep project flowing.

 

[stickshift]

It's not just breakers and panels. Since the covid19 supply chain disruptions began months ago, I can rarely get everything I want at my local HD or Lowes. Usually I have to go to both or a farther away HD/Lowes or an electrical or plumbing or landscaping supply shop.

It has become a huge time sink, even for a DIYer. I can't imagine how much time small contractors are wasting on supply runs these days.

 

[NUTTSGT]

So it isn't just local. I just need pieces for garage project.


It ***** for you guys that do it for a living. I feel sorry for you guys.

 

[csp]

Definitely not local. I've been looking for a SqD Homeline 100 amp breaker for several weeks now locally. I haven't looked online as this isn't something I need right now, but am going to buy when I do find one.

 

[Norcal]

When discussing Eaton panels, is it Eaton CH, or their **** Zinsco II line ((BR)? There is a huge difference.

 

[NUTTSGT]

When discussing Eaton panels, is it Eaton CH, or their **** Zinsco II line ((BR)? There is a huge difference.

That would be a question for liliysdad, that's what he is looking for. I just noticed a fair amount of them when I was at Menards.

Im sticking with Square D QO. It's what I put in the house and followed with for the garage when I put in the new service. The sub panel will be the same. . . . One brand, one type of breaker. Future proofing.

 

[Norcal]

That would be a question for liliysdad, that's what he is looking for. I just noticed a fair amount of them when I was at Menards.

Im sticking with Square D QO. It's what I put in the house and followed with for the garage when I put in the new service. The sub panel will be the same. . . . One brand, one type of breaker. Future proofing.

That is the way you it should be, keep them the same.

 

[bigdav160]

No doubt the pickings are slim.

 

[GearGuy2001]

I have a coworker who pulls a second job at Home Depot and he said the shelves are bare of many tools so it doesnt surprise me to hear that electrical supplies are also in short supply. Any day I drive past a Menards (local competitor to Home Depot) their parking lot is fuller then I have ever seen!

 

[Gokart]

Covid shut down a factory for a couple weeks in May. This is causing a delay on any two pole or three, as well as any CAFI, GFI or Dual function single pole.

 

[cybrdyke]

Eaton and Siemens are way behind on breakers and panels, too. Once one manufacturer gets so far behind, the others cant keep up either because they have to fill the void of the first manufacturer.
Conduit fittings are virtually non-existant right now. Steel connectors and couplings are the worst. Range and dryer receptacles are also scarce. Some common commercial lighting fixtures are 16-24 weeks for delivery.
CD

 

[liliysdad]

Eaton CH is what I bought, and had my choice of.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Ace hardware online, check them out.

 

[mc4life27]

Definitely not local. I've been looking for a SqD Homeline 100 amp breaker for several weeks now locally. I haven't looked online as this isn't something I need right now, but am going to buy when I do find one.

It sure what 100 amp your looking for but I know both of the homedepots by me San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria have them and I know Santa Maria had one in stock the other day. I have not seems to have any issues getting panels for the most part. Some Eaton stuff has been a little difficult


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[csp]

It sure what 100 amp your looking for but I know both of the homedepots by me San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria have them and I know Santa Maria had one in stock the other day. I have not seems to have any issues getting panels for the most part.

As I said, this isn't something I actively am looking for. I have not seen the breaker I will eventually need (Square D Homeline also stated) in any of the big box stores when I have been in them for other things and I'm not concerned at this point.

Inventory in stores in CA don't change what I've seen in stores I have gone into.

My point was to inform the OP that he isn't the only one observing a shortage.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Chased a ghost yesterday, got the 100A box and the breaker. . .. well did nothing but piss me the F*@k off.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Found what I needed at a fairly close at an Ace Hardware. Grabbed a 100 and found one 50 that I will need as well.

For reference, if anyone else is near the area, they had 4-5 100A Square D QO breakers in stock.


Ace Hardware
Willard, Ohio 44888

 

[engineer2]

Menards has plenty of QO panels but some of the larger QO breakers are scarce. Had to go out of my way to get a 60A.