load centers - shop around - can be big price difference

[lopburi3]

Had to replace a sub-panel yesterday due to new water heater and all four breakers filled. Checked online and found 6 breaker model of what I wanted advertised at 1,600 but on sale 1,339 - as had to buy tile at another store on Ratchada checked price there intending to buy in same trip even if 1,600 baht but found there price for exact same unit marked as 2,300 baht (suspect they provide a large discount to contractors). Decided to use my local store as showed 2 in stock and price marked was 1,600 on display but at cash register was charged 1,139 baht. Looks as if there may be some competition in pricing at long last.

[PattayaClub]

"a large discount to contractors 555

[Crossy]

"a large discount to contractors 555

Obviously YMMV, but I pay the same as our contractor did at both the local builders merchant and electrical emporium.

Not sure about the big chains, MegaHome have a 'contractors' checkout lane but I've no idea if they get a discount.

[Issangeorge]

I think any high volume buyer contractor or not will get a 10% discount at most shops.

[lopburi3]

I would expect much more - know my father got 50% off in the US some 50 years ago from hardware stores he used as a contractor. And really don't believe they are working on much lower markups here - most small sellers seem to want 100% markup on everything.

[straylight]

Try Hardware House or Global. These are where contractors buy.

[straylight]

Try Hardware House or Global. These are where contractors buy.

[RigPig]

The load centers are cheap enough, it's the price of breakers and RCD's that can be stupid. The price of Schneider switch gear is almost 3 times higher than Aus. It is far cheaper to install a separate rcd / cb than a combined unit, which is ridiculous (but then you need more poles). I could have the stuff sent over from Aus, pay tax and shipping and still be almost 1/2 the price!!

ABB breakers seem better priced but the Kva rating is only 6Ka instead of 8.

Don't forget you can mount 2 (or more) load centers side by side and wire between them if you run out of poles.......

Edited September 4, 2015 by RigPig

[RigPig]

I would expect much more - know my father got 50% off in the US some 50 years ago from hardware stores he used as a contractor. And really don't believe they are working on much lower markups here - most small sellers seem to want 100% markup on everything.

I don't believe the manufacturers are doing much to help either, the price disparity in some stuff is ridiculous. However, in their defence, people here just will not pay the extra 200 Baht to get quality or standards, farang included.

I will guarantee I could walk into ANY house in Thailand and find 6 life threatening electrical hazards in 45 minutes, no one is interested in safety when it cost money.... simple really....

[lopburi3]

At 109 baht per 16 or 20 amp breaker can not fuss too much about that price.

http://www.directtoshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/directtoshop/electrical/breakers---load-centers/breakers/circuit-breaker-16a-qo116vsc6t-square-d-by-schneider-electric-p174304

[RigPig]

At 109 baht per 16 or 20 amp breaker can not fuss too much about that price.

http://www.directtoshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/directtoshop/electrical/breakers---load-centers/breakers/circuit-breaker-16a-qo116vsc6t-square-d-by-schneider-electric-p174304

Well that is a 6Ka breaker, I am not sure if it is DIN rail mounted and will fit most standard load centers. It certainly has no RCD attached and I couldn't find any individual ones on that site. A combined MCB / RCD (20 Amp, 40 Ma, 8Ka cost about $23.00 AUD about 580 Baht, here it is 3300 Baht, I can buy a separate MCB for 10 baht, and a RCBO for 28 Baht) But that uses 2 pole instead of one in the board.....

[catinthehat]

For the best there is only one---------------HARDWARE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have the choices of buying top quality, or junk. And great attentive staff who are well trained and know the store inside out. And if you have questions they will persue through their suppliers and have current catalogs for same.

Edited September 5, 2015 by Crossy
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[dotpoom]

Sounds fascinating....if only I knew what it is all about... 555