QO vs Homeline

[42OhmsPA]

I don't recall seeing a specific topic on this, just discussions in posts so let's start an official thread...

It seems to me the QO is far superior than the Homelime in the 10 minutes of research I've done.

QO main pros
-Cooper plated bus vs aluminum in the home line.
-Better breakers
-3 phase variants available.

QO negatives
-May not be as easy to source locally from the big box store.
-More expensive.

So why would one choose the Homeline over the QO?

I've only used Homeline but will be switching to QO for the next project paralleling 2 AIOs in a load center.

 

[pvdude]

I always use QO, probably because all the industrial work I did years ago was QO.
Local Home Depot has most sizes in stock, but I also look @ ebay for used QO breakers.
I buy whatever lot is available and sort them out, cost is a fraction of new, and they still work great.

 

[Danke]

I’m using Siemens.

 

[42OhmsPA]

I’m using Siemens.

Any reason(s) in particular?

 

[B-Mod]

QO is top of the line, most everything else if a bargain, meaning cheaper.

 

[Q-Dog]

There is not a huge selection, but I bought some QO stuff from my local Lowes. It was right next to the Homeline stuff most folks buy.

 

[Kornbread]

Too late for me, the Homeline panels and breakers are already there.

 

[wpns]

I'm a GE PowerMark Gold guy, because that's what my electrician buys for me, so that's our standard.

 

[42OhmsPA]

Too late for me, the Homeline panels and breakers are already there.

I'm not replacing my existing Homeline. They'll be fed from the QO / AIOs.
The Homeline have performed just fine over the years.

 

[timselectric]

Whenever it's up to me, the customer always gets QO.
Definitely when I am my customer.

 

[Kornbread]

Whenever it's up to me, the customer always gets QO.
Definitely when I am my customer.

... and I thought you liked those cheap Chinese chtaixi breakers?

 

[PotusGobbleBottom]

I love my Federal Pacific circuit breakers. They never nuisance trip.

 

[Checkthisout]

I don't recall seeing a specific topic on this, just discussions in posts so let's start an official thread...

It seems to me the QO is far superior than the Homelime in the 10 minutes of research I've done.

QO main pros
-Cooper plated bus vs aluminum in the home line.
-Better breakers
-3 phase variants available.

QO negatives
-May not be as easy to source locally from the big box store.
-More expensive.

So why would one choose the Homeline over the QO?

I've only used Homeline but will be switching to QO for the next project paralleling 2 AIOs in a load center.

You don't need QO in a house.

Homeline is just fine.

 

[timselectric]

QO holds up better in damp environments, which is why we always used it in marine applications.
Another reason I am using it in my system is for continuity of components.
All of my distribution panels will be the same. 240vac, 120v/240vac, 48vdc, and 12vdc.

 

[timselectric]

... and I thought you liked those cheap Chinese chtaixi breakers?

They are part of my system. At the AIO's, solar, and batteries.
But QO for all distribution panels.

 

[42OhmsPA]

You don't need QO in a house.

Homeline is just fine.

I know I don't need it, but I want it.

 

[42OhmsPA]

QO260CP breakers, $25 each on amazon
Q0 125A 12 circuit main lug panel ~$85 at HD.
Edit - cheaper through Zoro
Seems simple enough.

 

[Kuma]

Upgraded the 200 amp SP 5 years ago from Zinsco to Homeline. Homeline was a lot cheaper, easier to source breakers, and will easily outlive me. When youre older the life expectancy of some products plays an important roll in decision making.

 

[timselectric]

I hope that you saved those Zinsco breakers. They are worth good money.

 

[400bird]

Upgraded the 200 amp SP 5 years ago from Zinsco to Homeline.

I did the same, I know QO would have been a better choice. But Homeline was good enough and a huge improvement from the Zinsco.

I hope that you saved those Zinsco breakers. They are worth good money.

Now you tell me! I junked that thing full of questionable breakers years ago. Doh