24 module DB to include 16 MCBs

[Teddy Lop]

Looking around I see there has indeed been a significant reduction in pricing of Hager protective devices. It's not very long ago that Hager didn't offer a single module SP+N RCBO - something which 'budget' brands had offered for several years prior and which Crabtree (an electrium brand of which you take a dim view, without any explanation as to why) had offered for quite a few years before that - and when they did introduce the option it was accompanied by a considerable price tag.

I'm not sure what exactly constitutes a 'budget brand' other than lower prices. I can think of a few low priced brands producing very good exclosures with flush mounting options and all other features expected of a domestic board. Am I missing something here or is there something about all 'budget brands' for which they should be overlooked?

What Hager lacks where 3ph distribution is concerned is a sensible means of avoiding accidental shorting of phases. I have no issue with working on Hager boards and would be happy to spec one, but we aren't exactly talking state of the art and I fail to understand why the brand attracts considerable praise. Consider how long ago Square D overcame the issue and, despite your reservations, the IKQ range continues to be widely used under the Schneider banner. Other manufacturers have managed to avoid exposed 3ph busbars in different ways and I'm not sure that plastic push on covers warrants the 'premium brand' status afforded to Hager.

I've been fitting Hagar inc. SP RCBOs for at least 10 years and I'm fairly hard nosed when it comes to pricing so that differs from my experience... Although I did cheat and fit a number of Schneider boards for a bit for reasons I can't recall so that could well have been price related

Also I didn't offer an opinion on the merits of "budget" brands - I referenced them as being all I saw cheaper in response to the claim Hagar was overpriced. Hager seems priced on par with other established brands, while seeming better quality. I'm no fanboy, have fitted most things, and would swap in a mo if the price/quality/forward dependability threshold changes. I'm not that impressed one has to turn to the french for the current best trade off point but ho-hum.

As for the 3ph busbar issue - yes it's horrible opening a panel and having 400v prongs staring back at you - but conversely I've always liked (long before those who write the rules cottoned on) to do a final tight check on every terminal before I pop the cover on, something not that convenient if you have to power down a circuit to access the busbar feed...

 

[nicebutdim]

I'm a bit tired and also don't feel it's worth arguing the ---- about different brands as I've made my points, but in response to your final paragraph I'd raise you Schneider IKQ for versatility and convenience. While I rate this particular range of 3ph boards, I've never been impressed by their single phase offering - preferring Crabtree's Starbreaker where budget permits - but @davesparks has made a good case for revisiting their range.

 

[Teddy Lop]

I'm not arguing, I want to understand why some arrive at different conclusions to myself and some amount of disagreement is inherent; there's no reason why we can't agree to disagree on what are ultimately nuances while still respecting anothers knowledge though. (That goes for a lot in the world)

Id say it's a couple of your own comments that have had an unnecessary combative edge to them.