Square D Homeline main lugs concern

[gregtwojeeps]

Last week I finished up changing out my 1959 model Murray 100 amp service and upgraded it to a 200 amp. Before I ever put large conductors in a large termination lug, I always like to test the integrity of the lugs connection to the bus it serves. I have found over the passed years, that sometimes the larger lug screws could stand some more torque while securing them to their bus bar. ...

I am really concerned with the main lugs on this new Homeline 200 amp main load center in the pic. When I removed the main lug hex screw to inspect how the lug is physically connected to the bus ....I found out there is no bolt that secures the lug to the bus....

From what I saw, the main breaker line connection lugs literally "floats" on the bus bar and it only tightens down...as the conductor is tightened down. Anyone else feel uneasy about the main breaker lug connections on these Homeline load centers ? ....

I wonder if the lug connection will expand /contract over the years from the heat/cooling effects of the loads and loosen up ? Or am I just building mole hills ?

 

[willf650]

A lot of lugs are like that on more than just that panel. I've never seen one fail specifically because of that design. If you don't like it get a different brand of panel.

 

[sberry]

Do they tighten with the lugs? If this was a problem you wouldn't be the only one.

 

[rlitman]

I wonder if the lug connection will expand /contract over the years from the heat/cooling effects of the loads and loosen up ?

Only if you replace the set screw with a steel one. The set screw in those lugs is made from the same alloy of aluminum as the lugs, so they expand and contract together.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

I have always used the Sq. D. Q O load centers as I felt them and CH were the best back then. Now that I am retired, I have to try to save where I can so I went with the cheaper HL and have got what I paid for. . Just a bit spooked by the way the lugs tightened down on the 2/0 copper. I'll never have much load on the panel, so it should be alright. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Slowgsr]

It's fine however im not a fan of homelite.

It's like the 'lite' version.

 

[Norcal]

It's fine however im not a fan of homelite.

It's like the 'lite' version.

Homelite chain saws??


Homeline was designed to be competitive, like the BR line being "Engineered Value" both are cheap panels.