I have a 150A Federal Pacific Stab-Lok breaker panel. I am looking to replace it because most of the breakers have gone bad and it is cheaper to replace it than replace every breaker. What is the best type for a residential home with some appliance use? I want 150-200Amps and at least 30 breaker slots. Cuttler-Hammer, Square D, GE?
When I bought my house in 90's, first thing I did was replace my 100 amp service and panel with 200 amps. I spent the extra money and installed Square D QO breakers. The panel has copper bus-bars and the breakers snap in better than regular snap-ins. Working in industrial electrical construction since 1977, I've seen just what these babies can handle, and I'm confident that they will handle anything that comes their way. One feature that I like is there is no quess work if one is tripped or not. The QO breakers have a window that turns red when tripped. Keep in mind the old rule of: Just because it's new, doesn't mean it's good. FPE breakers:UGH! I hate them! Hope this helps. Good luck in all you do and may God bless.
They are all about the same I agree. I have installed thousands through the years as a contractor and cannot say one is so much better then the other. Copper bus bars do hold up better under heavier loads that would be one suggestion as what to look for. The second thing is to use a brand that has compatibility breakers (meaning one brand will fit many breaker brands) This may be a good thing for future use as far as needing breakers that will fit. My preferences are SQ D type QO and Cutler - Hammer.
Before purchasing any of these new breaker panels, check what wiring you have from the pole to your home. Many electric companies will charge you to upgrade the wiring that comes from their pole, and it can be a substantial amount. After consulting with my electrician, he recommended that I install a 150 amp panel due to the cost of moving up to the 200 amp. He did an appraisal and found that 150 was plenty for what I needed.
