Leviton’s First Load Center
A new take on the electrical panel.
Leviton, a longtime maker of electrical devices, recently introduced their first load center, which is a little different than we’re used to. The breakers, which snap into both hot and neutral bars (there are no terminals on the breakers themselves), have LED lights that indicate the trip condition or fault. The lights remains on even after the breaker has tripped, so you can tell at a glance which breaker is the problem. The load-center cabinet, which ranges in size from 100 amp to 225 amp, has notches that accept cable ties, which encourages neat wiring, and the cabinet is white instead of battleship gray, so it better matches most decor. For increased safety, the main lugs are protected by their own plastic cover. Finally, the panel is available with a clear plastic door that, according to the manufacturer, makes the breakers inside less intimidating to new or nonhandy homeowners. The only potential downside: Electricians who don’t want to carry an assortment of new breakers—ranging from 15 amp to 125 amp in standard, GFCI, AFCI, and combination options—may be hesitant to install it. Pricing is said to be consistent with other manufacturers’ load centers and breakers.
