Which breaker panel is most common?

[micromind]

If I was buying a panelboard for my shop would lean towards a SQ D NQOB, accepts plug in and bolt on breakers, Cutler-Hammer had their PB panelboard that did the same, but it went away with the Westinghouse acquisition.

Same here, if it's up to me, it'll be Square D but it's NQ these days. Same panel, different name.

 

[BreeStephany]

If I was buying a panelboard for my shop would lean towards a SQ D NQOB, accepts plug in and bolt on breakers.

It's been well over a decade since I used Square D (employer & engineers loved Eaton's price point), completely forgot about the NQOB panelboards!

It's nice to now work for a company now that is transitioning to solely using Square D!

 

[alfredeneuman]

Eaton BR panels have tin plated aluminum bus bars.
Eaton CH panels have silver plated copper bus bars,

 

[mike93lx]

Eaton BR panels have tin plated aluminum bus bars.
Eaton CH panels have silver plated copper bus bars,

I hope there is more to the hate for BR than that

 

[SouthernIllinois]

Translation: Panel boards are always better. Those are the big commercial panels, 20" wide, 6" deep, and height dependent on what the guts are. They come in pieces, separate tub, bus bar assembly, dead front, cover, and whatever else is needed and get put together on site. Of course, there's always a downside and in this case, they are expensive. The last time I did anything that I used a panelboard was in 2018, so pre Covid. I bought a SQD 200 amp main breaker 40 space single phase board with I think 10 QOB120, two QOB230, and QOB240 and two QOB250 breakers and it was about $1000.00. I can't speak for all contractors, but I can't even call up the supply house and get an immediate contractor price. The salesman takes the info and submits it to SQD for pricing. Anyone can go in off the street and buy one, but it's going to be an arm and a leg, or two. If I ever get around to building my big shop it will probably have a panelboard, but in all honesty, a load center is more than sufficient. But a panelboard looks way better...

Thanks....I can speak Navy and Submarines but not electrician...lol

 

[PCustoms]

I'm just confused how we went from residential panels to a bunch of electricians detailing their dream panel board if they were to build a shop

 

[Snapped-off]

Thanks....I can speak Navy and Submarines but not electrician...lol

Better get hot nub

 

[mike93lx]

I'm just confused how we went from residential panels to a bunch of electricians detailing their dream panel board if they were to build a shop

At least the thread drift is still on topic-ish.

I'm still wondering why BR is so terrible

 

[PCustoms]

At least the thread drift is still on topic-ish.

I'm still wondering why BR is so terrible

Personally I hate the clunky look of the breakers

 

[mike93lx]

Personally I hate the clunky look of the breakers

Well ****, now we are getting somewhere

 

[PCustoms]

Well ****, now we are getting somewhere

Don't get me started on the GE main breakers....

 

[alfredeneuman]

Sharp edges of sheet metal and sloppy fitting breakers come to mind.

 

[micromind]

Don't get me started on the GE main breakers....

Or Murray..........

 

[alfredeneuman]

Murray was purchased by Siemens.
Siemens breakers are identical to Murray internally and externally except for the markings.
Even both Siemens and Murray breakers are type "MP"

 

[reader2580]

Murray was purchased by Siemens.
Siemens breakers are identical to Murray internally and externally except for the markings.
Even both Siemens and Murray breakers are type "MP"

Yep. Siemens discontinued Murray a few years ago, and issued guidance that Siemens breakers will work in Murray load centers while still maintaining UL listing.

 

[Norcal]

Murray was purchased by Siemens.
Siemens breakers are identical to Murray internally and externally except for the markings.
Even both Siemens and Murray breakers are type "MP"

There was a issue with red Murray main breakers before Siemens ownership, failing & ruining the panel.

 

[Stick-man]

I know NOTHING about wiring and my electrician gave me a shopping list of everything I would need for my pole barn.
One of those items was a 200 amp, 40 hole breaker panel.
The only one Menards had was a an Eaton - pictured below.
What is the issue with it?
I haven't opened it yet and I can always return it IF there is a valid reason.
Any input would be welcome - like I said, I don't know much about wiring or the associated components.

I just installed this same panel in my shop. I get my inspection on Monday, and as long as I get a pass, the power company will hopefully hang wire to my pole and drop into my outdoor service box. I hope there is not an issue with this panel.

 

[mike93lx]

I just installed this same panel in my shop. I get my inspection on Monday, and as long as I get a pass, the power company will hopefully hang wire to my pole and drop into my outdoor service box. I hope there is not an issue with this panel.

It won't pose an issue for inspection

 

[Stick-man]

It won't pose an issue for inspection

I wasn't worried about the inspection, I was just referring to any future issues with the panel. I wouldn't think so, but I just added to my notes for my new house and shops, to go with Square D QO.