Eaton Cutler-Hammer CH Load centers

[JHZR2]

Was in the local HD tonight looking at 100A load centers. Was looking at the Eaton stuff as it is US-assembled at least.

The CH line seems to be the better stuff. All the rest of the home is Square D QO, but for this, which is just three 240 breakers, Im not concerned with the orange spot when it opens or anything like that.

But Home Depot, who carries the CH line of breakers, only seems to carry the cheaper BR line of boxes.

On the carton, it says in the generic printing that CH and BR breakers can be used but to consult the sticker on the box. The sticker specifically states to use BR, not CH breakers.

Does anyone know about this? I think that BR is 1" and CH is 3/4" breakers. Would that be why they do not sell any kinds of load centers that are labeled CH?

Does Lowes carry CH subpanels? Do they actually exist at all?

Thanks!

 

[TC]

Well, I wish you luck on getting this answered -- hopefully someone else here who's knowledgable can chime in. I know there's electrician's message boards out there that can help as well. Couldn't resist dripping in to say hello -- I work at an Eaton aerospace plant where we manufacture hydraulic valves for airliners + military aircraft. I do know some folks in our electrical division, for what it's worth.

 

[JHZR2]

Ive dug a bit more and it seems that HD stocks things selectively from store to store. None around me carry CH, just the BR line.

Down in DE (home of tax free shopping), most carry the CH ones.

Maybe just local preference?

Ill just get one next time Im in DE.

 

[TC]

Perhaps you can find what you need on the Home Depot website and see if it's stocked at a particular store? (Select your H.D. neighborhood "store" on the website.) Or perhaps you can order what you want online and have it delivered to your local Home Depot for free or low-cost??

 

[jaj]

If you can find Square D, I'd buy that. I used to use them by the pallet load and they were superb quality.

 

[eljefino]

There are two levels of approval: "can be used" is the lower, "UL listed with" is the higher. (Not exact terminology.) Naturally following the sticker is the way to go, IMO.

To add to the fun, breakers often list several kinds of load centers they fit and are approved for.

IIRC BR= Bryant, CH= Cutler Hammer. Sometimes companies go under and/or are absorbed by others but their initials live on in a style of breaker.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

Home Depot (or Lowes for that matter) is the last place I'd buy electrical equipment any more complicated than a light switch cover plate. Do yourself a favor-go to a real electrical supply company, talk to people who actually know what they're selling, and have the answers you need.

 

[JHZR2]

True enough - most of those stores are quota hires without good knowledge... But the electrical folks at the local stores seem to be pretty good.

Doesnt help if they dont carry the good stuff... Wonder when they will drop SD QO line too in favor of the cheap stuff...

 

[rjundi]

I concur. I find supply houses (plumbing and electrical) significantly cheaper and the knowledge incredible. The key is to show up (if you can) off hours from the mass influx of tradesman.

Don't act you know all and you will find they will help you with whatever at hand.

Usually the help behind the desks here are tradespeople who had enough of the field work. I have owned a home since I was 21 and naive then, the supply houses helped me through so much in fixing plumbing as Home Depot and Lowes did not exist. The local hardware store sold junk since that what was installed by prior "renovators" and kept breaking in my house.