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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
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
.
.
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
matrixdude's avatar
matrixdude
11 posts
 
Stick to your guns and don't let an electrician install a Square D Homeline panel. Go with Square D "QO" or my favorite, Cutler Hammer "CH" style panel. The electricians are also going to give you grief about the 10 gauge wire for you dedicated circuits, but demand it. You may have to pay a bit more to find an electrician to do these, but now is the time to get it done :-).
diwakarv's avatar
diwakarv OP
42 posts
 
Absolutely not, I have not put any budget to this thing.
I understand QO panel is more expensive ( and breakers etc) and I fine with it.
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