which of these spa panels is better?

[twd000]

I see two options at my local Home Depot

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/100686...bf0deb&cm_mmc=CJ-_-7104034-_-11210757&cj=true

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Eaton-50-Amp-Spa-Panel-BR-Type-BR50SPA/100206043#specifications

I see most people going with the Midwest version. Price is similar for both. Does either one provide more options, or features?

 

[P-J]

The Midwest panel has positions for additional circuit breakers in it. It is also a larger box that has room for an outlet to be placed along with some other items.

The Eaton unit has no additional anything. I think you would be hard pressed to even install an outlet unless it was on a power cord.

 

[phlipot89]

I plan on getting this one:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/100567...&productId=100567181&R=100567181#.Uk7OvBZXimA

because it allows for a little future expansion. http://cdn.homebrewtalk.com/images/smilies/occasion14.gif

 

[ForestGroveBrewer]

I have to add my $.02 into this. You will need to add a breaker into your existing panel to feed anyone of these per NEC. Why not just add a GFCI breaker and use a simple unfused disconnect at the load? SHould be much cheaper in the long run.

Also, adding a receptacle into a box that is not listed for it is in violation of the NEC as well.

 

[jeffmeh]

I have to add my $.02 into this. You will need to add a breaker into your existing panel to feed anyone of these per NEC. Why not just add a GFCI breaker and use a simple unfused disconnect at the load? SHould be much cheaper in the long run.

Also, adding a receptacle into a box that is not listed for it is in violation of the NEC as well.

It makes little sense, but it is very difficult to find a 2-pole GFCI breaker for less money than a regular 2-pole breaker plus a spa panel that has a 2-pole GFCI breaker. You also gain the advantage of a "portable" GFCI.

 

[phlipot89]

The 60A panel has 4 slots.

 

[twd000]

Yeah the 2pole gfci were way more expensive than the spa panel. I don't plan to add any other breakers or receptacles to the spa panel. I have leftover 8/3 from another project. I'll run 10/3 from the 30a panel breaker to the dryer outlet, 10/3 from the outlet to the spa panel breaker. 8/3 from spa panel to control toolbox

 

[jsguitar]

I have to add my $.02 into this. You will need to add a breaker into your existing panel to feed anyone of these per NEC. Why not just add a GFCI breaker and use a simple unfused disconnect at the load? SHould be much cheaper in the long run.

Also, adding a receptacle into a box that is not listed for it is in violation of the NEC as well.

People typically are using these as plug in devices rather than as permanent installations. A DIY GFCI cable of sorts.

 

[DrHops]

I have the Midwest one that I bought off eBay for $45 with shipping. It works great! It is wired to a two pole 30 amp 240 volt breaker in my main panel. I paid $80 for all the parts including the breaker, wires and outlet. I couldn't find a GFCI breaker for under $100.

 

[alien]

I bought the Midwest one off ebay, sold as new, and the GFCI breaker was a dud. Never again. The replacement from HD has been fine.

 

[The10mmKid]

People typically are using these as plug in devices rather than as permanent installations. A DIY GFCI cable of sorts.

True, but to keep it's 3R raintight (water resistant) rating, it needs to stay vertical.

Laying the panel on the ground could let stray water or wort in.

'da Kid

 

[nealm]

I have the Midwest one that I bought off eBay for $45 with shipping. It works great! It is wired to a two pole 30 amp 240 volt breaker in my main panel. I paid $80 for all the parts including the breaker, wires and outlet. I couldn't find a GFCI breaker for under $100.

Can someone explain to me if you can't find a GFCI breaker for less than $100 but you can buy a spa panel (complete with box, wiring components and GFCIBreaker) for less than $70 from HD, does this mean the spa panel breaker is a piece of ****e?

 

[phlipot89]

I feel like it is just a scam when they sell the breaker for more! I saw on ebay where a guy bought a spa panel just to get the breaker and was selling the rest!