Subpanel the same brand/line as existing main?

[k1rodeoboater]

Getting ready to order supplies/parts for my sub panel install for my garage. Would you get the exact same manufacture/line as your main service panel or would you switch it up?

Existing panel is an Eaton CH. The sub panel will be strictly for the circuits in the garage and will be flush mounted with the drywall. The panels are going to be next to one another more or less.

 

[Norcal]

The Cutler-Hammer /Eaton CH panels are the last decent quality panels left on the market, Eaton BR is the worst you can buy, I call the BR’s Zinsco II, everyone else has cheapened their panels, your better off keeping things the same unless the panel is obsolete like Zinsco, FPE, Challenger, and others.

 

[k1rodeoboater]

The Cutler-Hammer /Eaton CH panels are the last decent quality panels left on the market, Eaton BR is the worst you can buy, I call the BR’s Zinsco II, everyone else has cheapened their panels, your better off keeping things the same unless the panel is obsolete like Zinsco, FPE, Challenger, and others.

LOL Zinsco II, that's a good one. Didn't know the BR line was THAT bad. Wasn't impressed with it when I took a look at them.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Eaton CH is top of the line. just keep it the same.

 

[aandpdan]

Get the Eaton CH. It's a nice panel.

Also, if you keep spare breakers around you only need to stock one brand.

 

[Innovate1]

Not necessary but simplest to keep them the same. Then breakers are interchangeable and you don't have to remember which is which.

 

[larry4406]

My house main panel is a Cutler Hammer CH (now Eaton). I kept all of my new sub panels that I added same brand for breaker interchange ease.

The prior owner 6 years ago had a new Eaton BR outdoor sub panel added for the septic system so it is the lone oddball. I don't like it as much as the CH panels but it works and I have no interest in swapping it out.

 

[nadogail]

When I worked in the trade; There were no Zinsco panels. They were "Fing" Zinscos.

 

[Norcal]

When I worked in the trade; There were no Zinsco panels. They were "Fing" Zinscos.

Surprisingly Zinsco bolt-on is not as bad as the plug-in residential ****, you'll just empty your bowels & bladder uncontrollably when they tell you how much for old used breakers that been out of production for decades.


When equipment is obsolete there does come a time for it to go though....

 

[nafterclifen]

I was in the same situation a few years back. My main 200a 42-space CH panel (CH42B200K) was full and I needed more space. I added a matching 125a 25-space CH sub panel (CH24L125C) in the next stud bay and used a 90a breaker to feed it.

 

[k1rodeoboater]

I was in the same situation a few years back. My main 200a 42-space CH panel (CH42B200K) was full and I needed more space. I added a matching 125a 25-space CH sub panel (CH24L125C) in the next stud bay and used a 90a breaker to feed it.

That's essentially what I'm looking to do. Trying to figure out how many circuits I need and size the panel appropriately. I picked up a 100A breaker for it but now realize I could have gotten a 60A and probably would have been fine. Oh well. Running that cable through the studs isn't going to be fun at all.

I'm going to see if I can speak with one of the inspectors to find out what they would want to see in the installation. If they permit me to go through the side of the panel, through the stud, and into the sub panel I'd prefer to do that.

ETA: Spoke with an inspector just now. They want a sealed raceway between panels, but going horizontally through the stud is fine. Gonna have to go to the electrical aisle and figure out how to make that work. Maybe 1.25" IMC ****** to a coupling?

 

[alfredeneuman]

Surprisingly Zinsco bolt-on is not as bad as the plug-in residential ****,

They do have a much better connection with the bus....but I've replaced plenty with the plastic case burnt through due the internal mechanism overheating.
(even with the 20A)