Subbing for a GC, and have been tasked with replacing a 30-slot panel with a 40-slot. He's taking a beating on material pricing due to Covid, so I'd like to save him a few bucks if I can.
That would entail re-using the existing breakers. Is that practical/advisable? What brand to go with for the new panel?
Yeah, the breakers are Challenger. I've never gotten a clear reading on whether the breakers or the buss are the problem.
I tend to favor Siemens, but have no particular problem with Square D. Both are pretty readily available here without much drive time. Another consideration is the form factor. Existing box has conduit on both bottom and side, as well as the usual umpty-gosh Romex on top. Would be nice to find a box that pretty well matches with corresponding punchouts.
Incredibly, the local AHJ has said I don't need to add AFCI or even get it inspected as long as the POCO doesn't get involved.
I'd be hard-pressed to reuse the breakers for permanent installation. Temp use, yeah, until new breakers can be sourced. But truth be told, I'd just get a whole new panel with a passel of spiffy new breakers and call it a day.
No money is saved if you have to back to fix an issue caused by using an old breaker. Like, a circuit out, or won't reset, or having to sift through the ashes to find what's left of the panel after the fire department has left.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum
3.5M posts
151.3K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to professional construction and remodeling contractors. Come join the discussion about the industry, trades, safety, projects, finishing, tools, machinery, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!