New main panel preferences


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Old 07-24-16, 08:15 PM
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New main panel preferences

What are the top brands? Best one to get?

What about location? Place over old one?

I heard placing it too close to living quarters can cause high exposure to radiation?

Any other considerations for someone looking to upgrade and replace a Pushmatic type?
 
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Old 07-24-16, 08:23 PM
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There are several top brands. Everyone has their pet company.

I prefer using Square D QO panels. You can mount it in place of the old one.
You'd probably need a 100A 24 circuit surface mount panel.

There is no radiation given off by an electrical panel.
 
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Old 07-25-16, 07:55 AM
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"You can mount it in place of the old one." is that a generic suggestion or are they designed for that? Sorry I'm not familiar with the shape and engineering configuration of the panels.
 
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Old 07-25-16, 08:24 AM
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Since the old cables are already cut for the existing location, you either need to put the new panel where the old on was or splice at that location. If the panel is moved you may need an extra disconnect.
 
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Old 07-25-16, 10:43 AM
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Homelineâ„¢ Solar-ready Combination Service Entrance Devices (CSEDs) - Schneider Electric USA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyFt_lbHgcQ
What do you folks think about the solar ready boxes?

Also, currently my cables come from the top. Does that mean I need one like that? In the pics, the meter appears to be on the bottom.
 
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Old 07-25-16, 10:48 AM
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Knock outs in panel will let wires come in from ant direction.
 
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Old 07-25-16, 01:12 PM
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Yes but if they are currently on top, does that mean the wires will have to run down on the side then go up into the box? Or do they enter the box from top despite the fact the meter is now on the bottom?
 
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Old 07-26-16, 06:16 PM
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Yes but if they are currently on top, does that mean the wires will have to run down on the side then go up into the box? Or do they enter the box from top despite the fact the meter is now on the bottom?
You just asked about panel preference and then you linked to a combination service entrance device which contains a meter socket. What do you have now? Where is your meter now located? Is this for a new solar installation? What you linked to is Ok if you want a 10 year warranted aluminum bus product, but I prefer lifetime warranted copper bussed panels. Some pictures of your existing meter socket and panel would be helpful.
 
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Old 07-26-16, 08:14 PM
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You mentioned calling in an electrician in your other thread. See what he recommends.
Is this the panel you're replacing ?

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Old 07-27-16, 10:27 AM
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The location of the meter has no real bearing on how or where the cable enter the panel. Perhaps you meant main breaker instead of meter?
 
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Old 07-27-16, 06:29 PM
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All the major brand breaker panels are good quality. Each manufacturer has a 'residential' line and a 'commercial' line. The commercial line is higher quality, and corresponding higher cost. They will all do what you need, so at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter.

More importantly, you want to ensure you get the correct type for your installation.
 
 

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