Most homeowners getting a panel upgrade ask us what brand we use. Here's an honest rundown of the major panel brands available in Rochester — what we recommend, what we avoid, and why it matters more than most people think.
Panel Brand Comparison
Square D (Schneider Electric)
Best choiceThe QO line is what we install in most Rochester homes. Industry-leading breaker trip mechanism, widely available parts, 40+ year track record. The QO breakers use a distinct pivot point that tests more reliably than most competitors. Our top recommendation for panel upgrades in Monroe County.
Eaton (Cutler-Hammer)
ExcellentEaton BR series is a strong value option. Very good quality, widely available, and the breakers perform well. The CH series is a step up from BR. Eaton has been in the panel market for decades and produces consistent, reliable equipment. A solid second choice.
Siemens
GoodSiemens panels are solid and widely used in commercial construction. They work well and are code-compliant. Parts availability is good. Not our first choice for residential only because Square D QO has a slight edge on breaker mechanism design, but Siemens is absolutely a reliable option.
Leviton
AcceptableNewer to the panel market. Good quality control and AFCI/GFCI breaker options. Fewer long-term data points than the established brands, but no red flags. Better than budget alternatives.
Federal Pacific Electric (Stab-Lok)
AvoidDocumented breaker failure rate well above acceptable. Many insurance companies in Monroe County will not cover homes with FPE panels. If you have one, get an assessment.
Zinsco / GTE-Sylvania
AvoidSame category as Federal Pacific. Breakers can overheat and melt into the bus bar, preventing them from tripping. Treat the same as FPE — get an assessment and budget for replacement.
Does Brand Matter as Much as Installation?
Honestly — proper installation, correct sizing, and code-compliant work matter more than brand. A Square D panel installed incorrectly is more dangerous than an Eaton panel installed right. What you want is a licensed master electrician who selects quality equipment AND installs it properly, pulls the required permit, and schedules the inspection.
That said, brand does matter when it comes to the two avoid categories. Federal Pacific and Zinsco have documented mechanical failures that no amount of good installation work can fix — the breakers themselves are unreliable.
Free Panel Upgrade Estimate in Rochester
We install Square D QO panels on most Rochester jobs. Free on-site assessment — we assess your current setup and give you a clear price before anything starts.
Call (585) 371-8893Frequently Asked Questions
What panel brand does Premier Alarms and Electric install?
We primarily install Square D QO panels, which offer the best combination of build quality, parts availability, and long-term reliability. We also install Eaton BR series when appropriate. We do not install panels from brands with known reliability issues.
Is Square D better than Eaton for a home panel upgrade in Rochester?
Both are solid choices. Square D QO breakers use a distinct trip mechanism that consistently outperforms in testing. Eaton BR is a good value option. The brand matters less than proper installation, correct sizing, and pulling the required permit.
What electrical panel brands should I avoid?
Avoid Federal Pacific Electric (Stab-Lok), Zinsco/GTE-Sylvania, and Pushmatic panels. These have documented reliability issues and many insurance companies won't cover homes that have them. Also avoid no-name panels from budget suppliers.