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upgrade to SQ D homeline ?

Hi Guys,

I am trying to upgrade my old 100 AMP zinsco electrical panel. Unfortunately, all the electrician I talked to , are not giving in my request of my having a panel with copper bus.

I have been given reasons like meter combo not available ( SQ D QO panels), siemens/murray not available etc.

My panel is outdoors and I am trying to upgrade to 200A service. I will also have four 10 AWG dedicated lines with Oyaide R1 receptables ( all within 10 feet from panel)

Is it OK to with SQ D homeline ? Please help.

My system is midfi
a) Speakers: Focal Electra 1027 BE
b) Amp: CJ classic sixty
c) Pre amp: CJ ET3SE
d) SVS SB-13 ultra
e) Cardas interconnects/speaker cable
f) Power chord: Shunyata
diwakarv
diwakarv's avatar
diwakarv OP
42 posts
 
Thanks Mrderrick, it is taking me some time to grasp all the information that you doled out on me.

Do you think homeline panel should be just fine OR should I stick to my original request ( copper bus panel) even if it means keep talking to more electricians?
Btw, I am in no rush and can wait if it makes significant difference.
jea48
2,944 posts
 
The Square D Homeline series has aluminum bus and uses cheap branch circuit breakers compared to their QO series.

Square D makes the Homeline series line so they can compete with their residential panel competition.

I personally would not want the aluminum bus.
.
jea48
2,944 posts
 
Example of Square D QO,

Square D QO140M200RB

Plus QO branch circuit breakers.

Your electrician can buy this panel wholesale. But not necessary cheaper than Amazon.com. For warranty purposes have your electrician order the panel and branch circuit breakers from the electrical wholesale warehouse.

Has your electrician said anything about having to install AFCI breakers for the 120V 15 amp and 20 amp lighting and receptacle branch circuits? Is the electrician going to pull an electrical permit?

Example AFCI breaker,

QO115CAFIC
.
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diwakarv's avatar
diwakarv OP
42 posts
 
Thanks guys for suggestions. I am convenience to go with copper bus panel only .

I am finding it really hard to find electrician to conform to my request. If anybody knows any electrician in bay Area ( San Jose , CA ) it will be great help.
jea48
2,944 posts
 
Diwakarv,

Beats me why any electrical contractor in your area would not sell to the customer what he wants providing it meets electrical codes for your area. After all the more you spend the more money he makes.

In your case you may have told the electrical contractor you only want to spend a certain amount of money. The Square D Homeline series panel and breakers are around 1/3 less than the price of the QO series.

What ever you decide to go with make sure you have chosen a qualified State licensed electrician. Ask to see his license, he is suppose to carry it with him anytime he is on the job.
Also remember the cheapest price is not always the best price in the long run.

Deadly power inside.
.
Jim
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