Why are three pole breakers so expensive? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Magnettica · 01-26-2009, 10:07 PM

I looked on the ticket today and saw that (1) 3-pole 100 amp Square 'D 'QO breaker cost $144.00.

Holy S!

Why so much if the same double pole cost $20 and single maybe $10?

macmikeman · 01-26-2009, 10:31 PM

Really the short answer is cause they don't sell it at Home Depot...... The shorter/longer answer is "supply and demand". You are lucky its not frame mounted Square-D 3 pole that is designed to go in a switchgear. Square-D is really good about recovering the R+D budget when you need one of those guys.

Speedy Petey · 01-26-2009, 10:40 PM

Mac's got the answer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

Why so much if the same double pole cost $20 and single maybe $10?

Have you priced a QO2100 lately. They are NOT $20.

Magnettica · 01-26-2009, 10:41 PM

Supply and demand, I figured as much. But man I was shocked when I saw the cost. I don't know why I never noticed this till today.

Magnettica · 01-26-2009, 10:42 PM

What's a QO2100?

Celtic · 01-26-2009, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

What's a QO2100?

2 pole 100A

http://ecatalog.squared.com/fulldeta...tnumber=QO2100

$126.00

Magnettica · 01-26-2009, 10:54 PM

Thank you. I'm clueless sometimes when it comes to prices.

Celtic · 01-26-2009, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

Thank you. I'm clueless sometimes when it comes to prices.

What's the plan for August?

Bkessler · 01-27-2009, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celtic

2 pole 100A

http://ecatalog.squared.com/fulldeta...tnumber=QO2100

$126.00

I just paid 99 bucks for one of those suckers, I feel lucky..... I also think it's a good idea to let employee's in on how much things costs.....some things are expensive and you wouldn't expect it.

wirenut1110 · 01-27-2009, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bkessler

I just paid 99 bucks for one of those suckers, I feel lucky..... I also think it's a good idea to let employee's in on how much things costs.....some things are expensive and you wouldn't expect it.

$99?

I'd find a new supplier, shouldn't be more than $60 worst case. Heck, even orange box. com has them for $45. Unless you got a 22 or 65 kaic.

Magnettica · 01-27-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Celtic

What's the plan for August?

Well, as a matter of fact, what I should have said was I'm not too familiar with pricing when it comes to the commercial/ industrial side of things. For the most part I have done residential service the most which is what I likely will be doing when I get going but I as far as I know the board still hasn't even looked at my application. WTF?! February 4th is the next Minutes meeting so we'll see.

Bubbles · 01-27-2009, 05:23 PM

I had to bite the bullet and get a 3 pole 30 amp Siemans and 3 pole 20 amp Siemans other day. I was also suprised at how 3 Single pole 20's are only $20 yet a 3 pole is Triple ($60). Where can we load up on 2 pole and 3 pole handle ties?? None of my suppliers carry them (I wonder why).

Speedy Petey · 01-27-2009, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bkessler

..... I also think it's a good idea to let employee's in on how much things costs.....some things are expensive and you wouldn't expect it.

I agree.

Quick story. My guy dropped a QO220GFCB new in the box. Of course it hit perfectly and broke the handle right off.

When I told him what that simple little drop cost me he almost sh*t. He did offer to pay for it but it was an honest mistake. If he was screwing around I would have been pissed.

Bubbles · 01-27-2009, 08:08 PM

Multipole breakers have a common trip mechanism that links the sections INTERNALLY, not just via the handle tie. Just found out Handle ties are only good on mwc not 3 phase as per UL I think?? SOL I won't argue with that though. Although, I did find a site that sells 3 pole handle ties??
http://www.plccenter.com/buy/SIEMENS...OLOGIES/ECQTH4

Bubbles · 01-27-2009, 08:28 PM

Eureka!

240.15(B)(3)

mdshunk · 01-27-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Quick story. My guy dropped a QO220GFCB new in the box. Of course it hit perfectly and broke the handle right off.

When I told him what that simple little drop cost me he almost sh*t. He did offer to pay for it but it was an honest mistake. If he was screwing around I would have been pissed.

I've done that myself accidentally. I just slide it back across the counter and get another. Counter guys don't seem to want an explanation about how that might have happened.

I think it's a good idea for any employee to know how much stuff costs. It lets a guy that's interesting in learning and progressing a way to figure out how to do the job not only properly, but at the best price.

ampman · 04-02-2009, 11:52 AM

remaned fpe style three pole $400.00

Magnettica · 04-02-2009, 12:32 PM

Federal's are beyond ridiculously priced. That's why whenever I change out an old panel I always keep those old breakers. You never know when you'll need one so why buy a new one when you can resell an old one and pocket the cash? Or is that unethical? I know no one has ever done that...

gallerytungsten · 04-02-2009, 01:38 PM

Do you tell the customer they're new or used? Do you charge a new or used price?

If you're completely upfront, it's probably ok.

However, it seems you might be opening yourself up to a liability issue, if the breaker causes a fire or whatever.

ampman · 04-02-2009, 02:53 PM

i use the new ones that are made to replace the originals and tell cust. in the long run panel change is better then give red labels to my competion