Why Are Three Pole Breakers So Expensive?

Magnettica

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

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

Mac's got the answer.


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

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Magnettica

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

What's a QO2100?

Celtic

2 pole 100A

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



$126.00

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Magnettica

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

Celtic

What's the plan for August?

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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.

wirenut1110

$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

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

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

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.

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Bubbles

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

Eureka!

240.15(B)(3)

mdshunk

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

remaned fpe style three pole $400.00

Magnettica

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...

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gallerytungsten

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

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