GE PowerMark Gold Load Center: An Overview

At the heart of any home’s electrical service is the load center. GE’s PowerMark Gold load centers deliver unsurpassed quality in a wide range of forms. They provide effortless installations, whether for new residences or renovations, using high-quality materials.

Key Features of PowerMark Gold Load Centers

GE PowerMark Gold load centers boast a sturdy tin-plated copper buss bar and a galvanized box. These features increase durability and reliability. The one-piece interior removes and re-installs easily, leading to faster installations and increased application flexibility reducing costs.

Sturdy Construction and Durability

GE PowerMark Gold load centers are recognized for their robust construction, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability. The key to their durability lies in the materials used and the design implemented. These load centers feature a sturdy tin-plated copper buss bar, providing excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion. This copper buss bar ensures efficient power distribution throughout the load center, minimizing the risk of electrical issues.

Furthermore, the galvanized box enhances the overall durability of the unit. Galvanization protects the steel enclosure from rust and other environmental factors, making it suitable for various installation environments. The combination of the copper buss bar and galvanized box creates a robust and reliable load center designed to withstand the test of time. This durable construction contributes to the extended lifespan and consistent performance of the GE PowerMark Gold load centers.

Easy Installation

GE PowerMark Gold load centers are designed for effortless installation, reducing both time and labor costs. A key feature contributing to easy installation is the one-piece interior, which can be removed and re-installed with ease. This simplifies the wiring process and allows for quick access to components during installation and maintenance. The design minimizes the need for complex assembly, making it user-friendly for electricians and homeowners alike.

Additionally, these load centers are designed to accommodate incoming electrical service from either the top or bottom, providing flexibility in installation options. This feature ensures that the load center can be easily integrated into various electrical systems, regardless of the existing wiring configuration. The combination of the removable interior and versatile feed options makes GE PowerMark Gold load centers a practical choice for any electrical project.

UL Listed and ANSI Certified

GE PowerMark Gold load centers are UL listed and ANSI certified, ensuring they meet stringent safety and performance standards. These certifications demonstrate that the load centers have been rigorously tested and evaluated to comply with industry requirements. UL listing indicates that the product has been tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and meets their safety standards, providing assurance to consumers and electricians alike.

ANSI certification signifies that the load centers conform to the standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), verifying their reliability and performance. These certifications validate the quality and safety of GE PowerMark Gold load centers, making them a trusted choice for residential and commercial electrical installations. Compliance with these standards ensures that the load centers provide safe and dependable operation.

Available Amperage and Circuit Options

GE PowerMark Gold load centers are available in a wide range of amperage and circuit options to suit various residential and commercial electrical needs. These load centers typically range from 100 amps to 200 amps, providing flexibility for different power requirements. With multiple circuit configurations, they accommodate various branch circuits, allowing for customized electrical layouts.

The circuit options often include 20/40 circuits, which are suitable for standard residential applications, and higher circuit capacities for larger homes or commercial spaces. GE PowerMark Gold load centers offer versatile solutions for managing electrical loads, providing ample space for circuit breakers and ensuring efficient power distribution. This variety of options makes it easy to select the appropriate load center.

Breaker Compatibility: THQL and THQP

GE PowerMark Gold load centers are designed for compatibility with GE’s reliable THQL and THQP circuit breakers, ensuring optimal performance and safety. THQL breakers, known for their one-inch width, fit seamlessly into these load centers, providing robust circuit protection. THQP breakers, which are half-inch breakers, also work with these load centers, maximizing space and allowing for more circuits in a compact design.

This compatibility ensures that the load center can accommodate a variety of circuit protection needs, from standard residential circuits to more specialized applications. By using GE’s THQL and THQP breakers, PowerMark Gold load centers offer a reliable and efficient solution for managing electrical loads. This breaker compatibility ensures that the load center is versatile and adaptable.

Indoor and Outdoor Models (NEMA 1 & 3R)

GE PowerMark Gold load centers are available in both indoor (NEMA 1) and outdoor (NEMA 3R) models, catering to diverse installation requirements. Indoor NEMA 1 enclosures are designed for use in dry, indoor locations, providing protection against incidental contact with enclosed equipment. These models often feature a combination surface/flush front, allowing for flexible mounting options within a building.

Outdoor NEMA 3R enclosures, on the other hand, are specifically designed to withstand the elements. These enclosures provide protection against rain, sleet, and snow, making them suitable for outdoor installations. NEMA 3R models ensure that the load center remains protected and functional in harsh weather conditions. These models offer long-lasting performance and reliability.

Installation Instructions and Manuals

This bulletin provides instructions for installing circuit breaker retainers and service barriers to Model 6 PowerMark Gold load centers. Instruction manuals and user guides are available online for indoor type Powermark gold load centers.

Circuit Breaker Retainer Installation

This section outlines the procedure for installing a circuit breaker retainer in PowerMark Gold load centers. This retainer secures a 2-pole branch breaker on the load center interior when the breaker is used as a back-fed main circuit breaker. Follow these steps carefully to ensure proper and safe installation.

1. Ensure the load center is de-energized before beginning any installation procedures.
2. Locate the designated area on the load center interior for the retainer installation. This area is typically marked.
3. Position the circuit breaker retainer over the designated area, aligning the mounting holes.
4. Insert the provided screws through the retainer and into the mounting holes.
5. Tighten the screws securely to fasten the retainer to the load center interior.
6. Verify that the retainer is firmly in place and does not move.
7. Install the 2-pole branch breaker into the designated slot, ensuring it is properly seated.
8. Test the breaker to confirm it is securely held by the retainer.

Always refer to the specific installation manual for your PowerMark Gold load center model for detailed instructions and safety precautions.

Service Barrier Installation

This section details the installation of a service barrier within PowerMark Gold load centers. The service barrier enhances safety by preventing accidental contact with energized components during maintenance or servicing. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure correct and safe installation.

1. De-energize the load center completely before commencing any installation work.
2. Identify the designated location for the service barrier within the load center enclosure.
3. Align the service barrier with the corresponding mounting points inside the load center.
4. Insert the provided fasteners (screws or clips) through the barrier and into the mounting points.
5. Securely tighten the fasteners to ensure the service barrier is firmly attached and stable.
6. Verify that the service barrier effectively isolates the intended energized components.
7. Inspect the barrier for any gaps or openings that could compromise its protective function.
8. Ensure the service barrier does not interfere with the operation of any circuit breakers or other components.

Consult the specific installation manual for your PowerMark Gold load center model for detailed diagrams and any model-specific instructions.

Top or Bottom Feed Configuration

GE PowerMark Gold load centers are designed with flexibility in mind, accommodating both top and bottom feed configurations for incoming electrical service. This adaptability simplifies installation and allows for optimal placement within various residential and commercial settings. The ability to choose between top or bottom feed entry points provides greater convenience during the wiring process.

For bottom feed applications, it may be necessary to add a suffix “B” to the main breaker catalog number, and you might need to purchase a TRL22B door handle, depending on the specific model. Always consult the product manual to identify any specific components for the chosen configuration. Regardless of the entry point, ensure all wiring connections adhere to local electrical codes and regulations. Proper cable management is crucial to maintain safety and ease future maintenance.

The load center’s design facilitates easy access and secure connections from either direction, contributing to a streamlined and efficient installation process.

Applications: Residential and Commercial

GE PowerMark Gold load centers are versatile solutions suitable for both residential and commercial applications. In residential settings, they serve as the central distribution point for electricity, managing power to various circuits throughout the home. They ensure safe and reliable operation of appliances, lighting, and other electrical devices. The load centers are designed to meet the demands of modern households, offering ample space for circuit breakers and accommodating future expansion.

For commercial applications, PowerMark Gold load centers provide robust power distribution for offices, retail spaces, and light industrial facilities. Their sturdy construction and high amperage ratings make them capable of handling the increased electrical loads typically found in commercial environments. They support critical systems such as lighting, HVAC, and equipment, ensuring uninterrupted operation and minimizing downtime. GE’s residential load centers extend their reach into commercial applications, providing reliable and efficient power management solutions.

Accessories and Additional Components

GE PowerMark Gold load centers offer a range of accessories and additional components to enhance their functionality and customization. These include handle ties, which provide manual on-off capability between one-pole devices, allowing for coordinated switching of related circuits. For installations where a breaker is used as a back-fed main, circuit breaker retainers are available to secure the breaker to the load center interior.

Service barriers are also offered to provide an additional layer of safety by preventing accidental contact with live parts. These barriers are easy to install and help protect against electrical shock. Other accessories may include surge protection devices, which safeguard sensitive electronic equipment from voltage spikes and surges. Additionally, a generator interlock kit can be installed, providing a safe and reliable way to connect a generator to the load center during power outages.