Circuit breaker panels are crucial parts of the electrical system. Here we offer you the list of the best circuit breaker panel. This list is created after thorough testing and consulting with five experts. If you don’t have time to go through the whole post, then go with our choice Leviton 51120 .
Top Picks
Top 7 Circuit Breaker Panel
1. Leviton 51120-1 Panel Protector, 120/240-Volt- Best For Home Use
Leviton presents a single-phase panel protector with a short circuit current rating of 10kA. It offers MSCC (Maximum Surge Current Capacity) of 50 kA. For additional safety, it comes with a UL 1449 VPR rating certification. The visual indicator provides real-time power status indication through lights red and green. This surge protector device is suitable for indoor residential purposes. It is suitable for sensitive electronic devices such as LED, LCD, computers, microwaves, ovens, etc.
The build quality is strong as the device uses a J-Box metal housing, and it is fully portable. This is a small box that you can install anywhere you desire. Depending on the frequency of surges or transients, this SPD is suitable until both light indicators get shut off. Then, it requires replacement. However, the price of this protector is a bit expensive compared to others despite some drawbacks. Overall, it is an excellent investment to protect your home’s internal electronic devices from getting destroyed in situations of sudden power surges or transients.
- It has a UL 1449 VPR rating.
- It has a j-box metal housing.
- Light indicators to help you understand the situation.
- It works with 120 and 240 volts.
- It is too expensive.
- And not easy to install if you have no experience.
Bottom Line
Though it is expensive, it is one of the best circuit breakers we have tested, and it protects the circuit every time in emergencies. It is probably the best residential circuit breaker panel that you can buy.
2. Siemens P1224L1125CU 125-Amp 12-Space 24-Circuit Main Lug Load Center- Most Flexible Unit
This is the Siemens load center that is designed is simple, which helps reduce installation time. Siemens is highly reputed among all the electrical panel brands. It is a single-phase lug load center that can hold surge protection up to 125 amperes. However, it’s a subpanel, but you can convert it to the main breaker panel. 24 circuits of 12 spaces are there to connect with the devices. This space provided is enough for indoor usage. The load center also features mounting tabs on the trim, pre-positioned bond screws, and combination head screws on the neutral, ground, upper pan, and trim for flexible installation.
It has a sturdy plastic base pan to tolerate harsh conditions. And, the upper box is made up of solid quality metal to make it durable. However, there are no indicators over the box. The copper bussing addition prevents the device from getting rusted. And, with regards to the price, it is a highly considerable option among its competitors providing the same features.
- It is very easy to install with some knowledge.
- It has a sturdy construction.
- The breakers can withstand the surge of any high capacity.
- It does not have any indicators.
Bottom Line
If you do not want all the fancy features like indicators etc., but you want the breakers of the highest quality, go with this Siemens load center.
3. Square D by Schneider Electric QO3040M200VP QO- Best For Budget Conscious Users
Square D is a single-phase main breaker load center, a Schneider Electric product. The value pack consists of the main breaker (200 amp), QO breakers, and a surface/flush cover. It complies with the standards of Square D QO circuit breakers. The ratings are 22,000 AIR Short Circuit Current and 120/240 VAC. It can also fit in a plug-on secondary surge arrestor sold separately. The design structure saves time and expense on expensive cables because it has straight-in mains with split branch neutrals with backed-out terminals.
With an upper body made up of solid metal, it has thermoplastic interiors that are tough to tolerate harsh conditions. By rotating the device before installation, you can easily make them underground/overhead feed.Feedo, it has three options for ground bar mounting locations.
- It has a high capacity.
- It can tolerate harsh conditions.
- The fit plug-on secondary surge arrestor.
- Installation requires expert technician.
Bottom Line
Basically, if we consider the price and features, it can be considered as the value for money unit. Keep in mind that this is the main breaker which is convertible to main lugs and vice versa. It is also the best-rated 200 amp electrical panel.
4. Square D by Schneider Electric HOM2448M100PCVP Homeline – Best For High Capacity Load
It is another Square D main breaker load center but different features. It complies with UL certification for Homeline circuit breakers. Homeline load centers are known for their fast installation capacity. This value pack features 100 amp and 24 space 48 circuits indoor breakers. It also accepts neutral and ground bars. And, the device presents a convertible option of underground/overhead feed before installation. It is a single-phase version with ratings mentioned as 120/240 VAC and 22,000 AIR short circuit.
However, all other things are satisfactory with this panel. It includes one main breaker which is located at the top and two HO breakers. Mainly, there are five breakers provided. But you need to buy plug-on secondary surge arrestor separately. The body is made up of strong metal with thermoplastic interior coating. The price they are charging is fair enough as compared to its competitors who are providing the main breaker panel. Rather, it is much powerful and effectively saves your electrical devices while immediate surges or transients.
- Works immediately on detecting surge.
- Not expensive compared to similar circuit breaker panels.
- It uses strong metal with thermoplastic interior coating.
- It cannot be installed in tight spaces.
Bottom Line
Thought it looks bigger compared to other similar panels, the quality of a Schneider Electric product is evident. That is why we consider it to be the best brand circuit breaker panel.
5. Siemens E0816ML1125S Surface Mount – Most Durable Unit
The Circuit Breaker Panel has an essential role in the electricity supply system with the provision of the division of the electrical power of the house or building. It has the capacity to bear 125 Amp current with 8 spaces and 16 circuits and Load Center. The dimension of the product measures 15.4 x 13 x 5.3 inches. It supports the voltage power of 240 volts. This circuit breaker product is UL listed that complies fully with NEC and UL requirements for class CTL. The product is used as service equipment, and it might also be used for equipment grounding.
The circuit breaker is enclosed with a code-gauge steel structure. It is composed of single-phase, 3 wire, solid neutral, 8 spaces, and 16 circuits maximum along with the inclusion of 1-pole, 4 QP breakers that are maximum to 2 poles with the voltage of 120/140 volt, and 10,000 AIR. It is comprised of a one-piece plated aluminum bus bar. The dimensional measure of the product is 12-3/8″ x 14-3/4″ x 3-7/8″. The panel is durable and strong enough to support the 125 Amp current.
- It is UL listed.
- It can bottom Feed. Feed uses a steel structure for security.
- It is easy to install.
- It is only suitable for small buildings.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a basic circuit panel that can handle all your home electric systems, you can go for Siemens E0816ML1125S.
6. Square D by Schneider Electric QO124L125PGC – Best For Residential Property
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This Square D Circuit Breaker is of Scheider Electric brand with PoN convertible mains load center of the model number QO124L125PGC. This circuit breaker has the capacity of 120/240 Vac with the current passing capacity of 125 Ampere, thus belonging to 1 phase with the 22000 Air Interrupt. This product is highly rated by the consumers, and UL is listed along with the presence of Lug Electrical Connection. It also bears a 3-Wire Wiring Configuration with 24 spaces and 24 circuits. It is mainly installed for indoor use, and before installing, it is fed simply overhead or underground by rotating the device—the dimension of the product measures 5.7 x 4.1 x 10.4 inches.
This circuit breaker panel has a metal body and the 6-2/0 AWG Aluminium or Copper Cable with a top or bottom feed. It is constructed up of Tin-plated Copper buss bar along with the presence of a Plug-In Mount and NEMA 1. The overall height of the product is 22, the width is 14-3/4, and the overall depth is 4-1/4. The product has a steel body in Gray colour. It is engineered for fewer connections, faster installation with no pigtails that frees up the gutter space. It also accommodates the plug-on secondary surge arrestor.
- It is UL listed.
- Works for any kinds of an electrical circuit.
- It uses plug-on Neutral to save the electrical system.
- Need proper planning before you can install it.
Bottom Line
It is the convertible circuit panel which help you plan better while installing the electrical system at your property.
7. Siemens LNF222R 60 Amp – Best For Outdoor Installation
This Circuit breaker panel is of the Siemens brand that has 2 Pole with a 240-Volt capacity of power. It is the non-fused product and outdoor rated by the brand. The product consists of general duty safety switches of Siemens that has a compact size. All the switches of this panel are UL listed and are suitable for copper and aluminium wire. It is highly rated by the consumers and is mainly installed for outdoor use. The dimension of the product measures to 3.1 x 5.4 x 8.2 inches.
In this circuit breaker panel, all the switches are provided with the highly visible “On” and “OFF” indicators with the provisions of padlocking on the handle and door. The product supports 1 pole and 2 wires during the flow of current through it. The panel is highly durable as it has a metal body. This circuit breaker panel can bear up to 60 Ampere flow of current through its body and ensures the tested power capacity to be 240-Volt.
- It is small in dimension, which is suitable for home use.
- It uses high-quality parts.
- Works perfectly during electrical emergencies.
- It is expensive compared to other similar units.
Bottom Line
If you have a very small install a circuit breaker panel, Siemens LNF222R 60 Amp has one of the most compact electrical panel box sizes.
What To Consider?
Circuit breakers are needed for every home if you are using electricity-powered devices. Keeping in mind the volatile nature of electricity, circuit breakers shut off the circuit in overload situations. In this way, huge damage to valuable electrical appliances is prevented. But there are certain factors you need to look upon before buying them. Let’s have a look at those considerations.
1. Type Of Circuit Breakers
Broadly, circuit breaker types are divided into two types.
a.Thermal magnetic protection
The circuits giving thermal-magnetic protection are the most common circuit breakers used in America. They make use of two components that detect electrical faults. Both of the components are responsible for a high level of surge protection. The first component is named an electromagnet. It is mainly responsive to large surges caused by electrical currents.
A thermal bimetallic strip is the second component. The task of this component is to prevent low-level electrical surges caused by electric currents. The thermal-magnetic protection circuit breakers are famous because of their quick response and restarting capability. Household breakers such as motor protection circuit breakers, DIN rail type breakers, molded case protectors, or plug-in breakers fall in this category. It is the most widely used among circuit breaker panel types.
b.Magnetic protection
As the name suggests, they are magnetic-only breakers. These breakers are also known as MCP or motor circuit protectors. Their primary function is protection from the short circuit for a motor circuit. Inside the structure, there presents a coil that forms an effective magnetic field to cause a trip and ultimately shut down the overcurrent.
2. Voltage Rating
Industrial and commercial settings require circuit breakers of high voltage load than residential purposes. If you are considering buying breakers for home, then you can go for low voltage or medium voltage breakers. Low voltage breakers can easily take up a load of almost 1000 volts. While the medium voltage breaker is perfect for holding load between 1000 to 70,000 volts. Industrial settings require a voltage rating of more than 70,000 amp. For home 200 amp capacity panel like Schneider Electric QO3040M200VP is more than enough.
3. Operating Conditions
Operating conditions highly impact the working of circuit breakers. The breaker you are going to select must suit the environment of the end-user location. For instance, most of the thermal-magnetic breakers come with the calibration of 70-75°F. It means that if they are to be applied at temperatures above 100°F, then they are not suitable and must be derated or recalibrated according to the environment. Also, the breakers should be removed from corrosive areas if possible. In conditions of high humidity, the use of space heaters is recommended. Moreover, if you place the breakers in areas of heavy shock probability, you should look for anti-shock things like interia counterweight in the circuit breakers provided.
4. Breaking Capacity
You should also look for the maximum interrupt rating of these devices. Breaking capacity is the highest amount of fault current that the circuit breaker can easily handle without damage or system failure. For this, you need to know the fault current amount of the system you will use with the breaker. The rule is to apply or use that circuit breaker whose breaking capacity is equal to or greater than the fault current of the system.
5. Installation
Circuit breakers are installed in singular positions in a circuit breaker panel. Their installation instructions should be kept to avoid confusion and further damage. Also, keep in mind the standard electrical panel sizes. If you do not know how to install a circuit breaker panel, then hiring an electrician is the best option for installing circuit breakers. However, some circuit breakers are designed in a simple manner for easy installation. You can consider buying those types of circuit breakers while also considering their vertical or horizontal installation.
Final Thought
While testing these top circuit breaker panels, we realized that they require a lot of technical knowledge or at least the knowledge of the electrical system in your house. So we advise you to make sure you know that before deciding on which circuit breaker to purchase. Also, you must know the best place to install the circuit breaker panels. Once you know your requirements, you can go through our list.
Leviton 51120-1 Panel Protector,- Editor's Choice
Summary
Though it is expensive, it is one of the best circuit breakers we have tested, and it protects the circuit every time in emergencies. It is probably the best residential circuit breaker panel that you can buy.
In reference to your article “Best Circuit Breaker Panel 2020- Reviews & Buyer’s Guide” your “Editors Pick” the Leviton 51120-1 is not even a Circuit Breaker Panel it’s a home surge protector panel.
The editors choice that you have for breaker panels, isn’t even a panel – do you know what you are talking about?
“At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.”
This is probably the poorest researched and executed Article I’ve ever read. There is nothing helpful about any of this.
A house that frequently gets affected by destructive electrical surges like mine needs more tolerance against overcurrents. Siemens Q2100 Double Pole Type QP Circuit Breaker works with a high 10,000 AIC rating, which clears more current fluctuations versus other electrical breakers brands.
There is one thing you should keep in mind. This circuit breaker is designed to work with Siemens panels. If your panel is made by another brand, this might not work.