Replies

1. 
   IMERC | May 01, 2006 08:04am | #1

   not that I'm aware of or ever remember seeing...

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

   WOW!!! What a Ride!

   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

2. 
   dutchblue | May 01, 2006 08:29am | #2

   Yeah cause thats the breaker you wanna be substituting other manufacturers for.  Like em or not they do serve a function.  Pay the price.  There is a reason they sell that crap at home depot.

1. 
   kivaspan1 | May 01, 2006 08:03pm | #5

   I've been looking at panels and breakers at HD too, and have seen this same thing, the Homeline breakers seem more expensive than the others. HD sells other breakers that are less expensive, but they don't fit the Homeline panels, and HD doesn't carry the other (GE, Siemans, Cutler-Hammer) panels. Is one of these manufacturers or panel types cheaper in the long run to use? Is this like buying a printer where the printer is dirt-cheap, but the ink cartridges cost an arm and a leg?
   I'm not sure if I should start a new thread or ask this here, so if I'm breaking etiquitte, let me know.Mark

1. 
   BillHartmann | May 01, 2006 08:52pm | #6

   I just check online and the local HD has Siemens, GE, and CH panels. But the widest selection of types and sizes is SQ D Homeline.But I am really confused by the comments about HO series breaker prices. Are you sure that you are looking at HO and not QO series.First page of the local HD website, breakers sorted by price.BR, HO, GE, Siements breakers, single pole 15 and 20 amps.Prices range from $3.20 to $3.89 with the HO at $3.47

1. 
   kivaspan1 | May 02, 2006 08:08pm | #8

   I need to do more research on panels/breakers. We are designing a cabin, really a small home, that we intend to start building in a few months, and I was at a local HD trying to prepare a list of what we would need for the electrical. I've noticed in the past when I've added circuits to an existing panel is that there is a significant difference in price for what seems to be the same size and rating breaker made by the different manufacturers. And my recollection is that the Homeline breakers are among the most expensive.In the past I've only added circuits to an existing panel, or added a load center, in which case I've stayed with the same manufacturer as the main panel. In this instance, new construction, I have a choice, so the question I'm trying to answer is "in the long run is there a more economical choice among the panel/breaker manufacturers?". Is the SquareD/Homeline route as good as any?I've done lots of wiring, adding circuits, load centers, replacing old wiring, etc. as a homeowner but I lack the breadth of experience of a practicing electrician so I don't know the pros and cons of the different panel/breaker manufacturers.Mark

2. 
   dutchblue | May 02, 2006 02:15am | #7

   I am partial to CH BR series.  As was mentioned earlier the legality of interchangability is something to watch out for.  Just because they fit doesn't mean they are listed to be used in that panel. 

    If you are a homeowner however, not so much a problem. 

3. 
   gb93433 | May 01, 2006 02:55pm | #3

   Remember you are helping to support Iowa in buying the best.

1. 
   highfigh | May 02, 2006 10:21pm | #9

   Square D- Iowa? They're based in Milwaukee.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

4. 
   BillHartmann | May 01, 2006 07:49pm | #4

   There are a number of companies that make "compatabile" breakers and panels.

   However, there is no offical standard of interchangablility. Thus there are number of minor variations and some combinations work OK and others don't.

   What you need to do is to check the approved of panels that a specific panels that a breaker is approved for. You will need to check the manufactures data for that (or UL data).

   However, YOU AIN'T GOING TO SAVE ANY MONEY.

   Looking at Lowes they the HO 15 amp AFCI is $30.92, CH (CH series) is $32.37, Siemens $34.53, GE $34.56