when I went to the supply house to buy several 2 pole 100amp CutlerHammer breakers and Siemens breakers for a project, it was *cheaper* for me to buy entire panelboards with the 100 amp main breaker installed. Why can't they pluck breakers off the line and take advantage of less cardboard, less weight, less metal and less shipping and pass on the savings? In this day and age of emphasis on the 3 R's, and being less wasteful, I was quite surprised.
It is called "economy of scale". It is cheaper to package and sell panels with the main installed by the millions, instead of only hundreds of the main breakers alone. Henry Ford was the first to use this principle when he used the assembly line to produce the model A in "any color you want, so long as it is black".
^^
I learn something new here everyday.
yes, we live in a wasteful society. But I wouldn't live anywhere else.. (and I have..)
I had a similar incident with a Square D panel..150A main was baked, 2 - 3 weeks and $300 for the main...OR, 1 day and $200 for a new panel w/150A MCB.
I actually made more swapping out the panel than swapping mains ~ so I am not complaining.
![[Linked Image]](https://www.electrical-contractor.net/ubb/smile.gif)
"Marketing!!"
Sell the panel cheep then you have to buy the breakers. Then note the pricing for 1, 2, and 3p breakers and 15-30a, to 60a, and then 100a. Often you pay more than twice as much for a 2p than a 1p then you get the privilage to pay for more amps.
The manufacturing cost difference may be pennies.
I agree with Dave. Once they get their panel installed you are an indentured customer for their breakers. Square D (and others) forces this with their panel labelling and their insistance that a "classified" breakers will violate the panel listing.
You guys are sooooo cynical. Manufacturers aren't greedy! They have to charge those high prices because the stockholders demand it. Where would we be today if profits weren't continually double digit, and bank interest rates down at 1-2 percent?
They figure once you have THIER panel, you'll buy some more of THIER breakers.
It's called capitalism. And I love it!