Leviton’s Load Center
This new electrical panel brings real innovation to a product that’s seen little change in decades.
Leviton, a longtime maker of electrical devices, recently introduced their first load center—what us non-electricians typically call an electrical panel. The new panel sports several unique features. For starters, the breakers, which also have neutral connections in addition to the hot terminals, have LED lights that indicate the trip condition or fault. The indicator remains on even after the breaker has tripped, so you can tell at a glance which breaker is the problem. The load-center cabinet, ranging 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 gray, so it better matches most decor. For increased safety, the main lugs are protected by plastic covers. Finally, the panel is available with a clear plastic cover that, according to the manufacturer, makes the breakers inside less intimidating to new or non-handy homeowners. In this episode of Tool Tech, host Patrick McCombe shows off the new panel and explains how it’s different.
More on the Leviton Load Center:
- A review in Fine Homebuilding magazine issue #277
- A video view of the load center live from IBS 2018
Senior editor Patrick McCombe has been testing power tools on behalf of national publications for more than 15 years, and he regularly meets with product manufacturers to try out new introductions. In the Tool Tech series, Patrick reviews the latest tools and materials, discusses building technology, and shows time-tested techniques for better, more-efficient home building.
View Comments
I was hoping to see some remote control of breakers like Square D's that have small plc's built into them....which are very nice and very reliable.
These look great, but they don't seem to be available anywhere yet.
Hi user-461512, I'm told that any electrical supplier who sells Leviton devices can get whatever breakers and panels you want within a few days. Have you inquired at any local electrical supply houses?
I see this is an old article. I just saw it advertised at Home depot and it really interested me. The only issue 3 or 4 years later can't seem to get any of the breakers. Looks really nice to be able to hook in all the wires as you go along rather than way later after the painting is done. Too bad can't get breakers.