Sources for electrical componants

[cmuncy]

My shop is finally getting a meter panel now that my "lein holder" has decided to approve my easement.

So my question is: Where is the least expensive place to get all of my electrical supplies:

Wire
Breakers
Conduit
Boxes
Recepticals

I figure that Lowes and HD are probably the most expensive, with electrical supply houses less, but are there any good online retailers for the smaller stuff like plugs, recepticals, and the like.

Thanks

 

[Ford850]

I added a 100amp service to my pole barn. My dad is a retired union electrician, so I checked all his recommended outlets and compared them to Lowes and HD. I found the best prices by far were from Lowes and HD. Lowes had the exact selection I needed so I got it all from them. They sell a Square-D home 100amp panel package that you cannot beat. Comes with bars, breakers, etc..
They also had the best prices on thinwall conduit, bulk wire, boxes, and most smaller items. I did upgrade my plans and used the best quality switches and outlets, and those seemed high but I just bought them while I was there.
I get my electricity through a co-op. They sell larger conduit (2"pvc) to members at cost and that was half the price of lowes. Check in your area for that.
I ran thinwall conduit throughout the barn, and pulled my wire. Overall it was a very fun project and I learned a lot. Best part was my 8 year old son got to help me from beginning to end, and then see the results.

 

[WVBill]

I just finished building a 24 x 24 studio for my wife's quilting business. Lowes and HD were less expensive than any of the electrical supply houses or the other companies around here like 84 lumber.

WVBill

 

[cmuncy]

Thanks guys for the reply.

That's not exactly what I thought but great to know!

 

[GaryBDavis]

I went by the local electrical supply house and opened up a cash contractor's account. This gave me a standard discount compared to walk-in customers and this makes the pricing comparable to the home improvement stores.

I prefer the electrical supply house because they have better inventory and personal service. You can buy stuff there that home improvement stores don't carry and they controll there stock much better. It bugs me to no end to walk into Home Depot and they are out of stock on one of the simple items I need.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Around here, the supply houses beat any of the big box stores. You also get a free cup of coffee, and free advice. And if you get there early enough, you might snag a donut!