Anyone trust smart panels for real jobs yet?

[PrincessJade]

Anyone actually using those smart breaker panels everyone’s been talking about? I’ve seen them advertised as being able to “track code compliance automatically,” but honestly, it feels like overkill for most of the jobs I do. Out here in Utah, a lot of the work’s still old-school like standard panels, manual checks, and a notebook in the truck. I’m not against the idea if it really saves time or keeps inspectors off our backs, but I can’t help wondering if it’s another thing that’ll go buggy after a few firmware updates. Anyone tried one on a real site yet? Does it make compliance easier, or just give you another app to fight with?

 

[Arch_Mortamor]

They’re handy for tracking circuits remotely and catching nuisance trips faster, but I wouldn’t call them game-changers. Worth it on big remodels or new builds, not so much on simple service work. Still, nice to see the tech finally getting better.

 

[Braig_Xigbar]

Heard mixed reviews. The monitoring works great when it behaves, but a couple firmware bugs have bricked systems mid-job. They’re nice for tracking loads or solar setups, though. Have you had any clients asking for them yet, or are you just looking ahead?

 

[electr0roy]

I honestly like them, they're useful tools, but they do come with high cost, potential connectivity issues, and also, the reliability is concerning

 

[PGB1]

One of my clients, a Big Three auto company, tested several brands of single phase load centers in the research & development area. Most were tied to solar systems.

A few of the in-house electricians like notifications of faults and the ability to control circuits. A few say that they false alert. None complained about nuisance tripping.

The electricians aren't involved with connectivity of the panels. The IT people do that part. I've no idea how they feel about them.

Personally, I'm not in a rush to install one in my home. (Besides, I'd have to find my cell phone...)