Q&A with ABB: Switching to ABB ReliaHome Load Centers
December 30, 2024
Brian Schmalberger, market development manager for Residential Products at ABB, is joining us today to discuss the transition of GE Residential PowerMark load centers to the new ABB ReliaHome™ line of load centers. He will also cover the advantages of the new products and where to source them.
Schmalberger has been with ABB for the last two years and previously he worked for General Electric (GE) for almost thirteen years across nine positions involving project leads, marketing and sales roles.
Our question and answer session is transcribed below.
Just to review for our HomeSphere builders, when did GE Residential Solutions become ABB and to bring them up to speed, what is this new ReliaHome™ line in a nutshell?
Schmalberger: Thanks for asking. ABB acquired GE Industrial Solutions in 2018. Until recently, PowerMark load centers were manufactured by ABB Inc. under license from GE.
ABB sees the future of housing as smarter, more sustainable and electrified. We believe achieving this future requires dedication to innovative products, a focus on reliability and a complete portfolio. ABB works with home builders to understand the needs of this moment and this always-evolving industry to develop solutions that increase home safety and efficiency while reducing costs.
ReliaHome™ is the new, innovative, comprehensive residential portfolio under the ABB brand. P-Series and premium P-Series+ load centers replace the GE legacy PowerMark™ Gold load centers and the ABB PowerMark™ PRO plug-on neutral load centers.
And which products in the ReliaHome™ line are rebate-eligible for HomeSphere builders and could you tell us a little bit about them?
Schmalberger: The standard P-Series and premium P-Series+ offers are rebate-eligible through HomeSphere and optimized with a plug-on neutral design that leverages ABB’s ReliaLock™ circuit breaker connection feature. Load center circuit counts range from (16-60) 1” spaces. Feed through plug-on neutral load centers (8) 1” spaces are also available.
On more resources to learn about ReliaHome:
"ABB worked with HomeSphere to create a dedicated resource center for its builders. This special page is chock-full of resources including the features and benefits of ReliaHome, an informational video, a link off to ABB’s Switching to ABB ReliaHome™ web site, and a quick form to fill out if you have any questions on the new ReliaHome, whatsoever. "
Will our builders’ contractors still be able to purchase the GE PowerMark™ products and for how long?
Schmalberger: PowerMark™ Gold greater than (14 ) 1” spaces are available to order while stock is available. PowerMark PRO is available to order while stock is available. ABB's new line of single-phase load centers, including the ReliaHome™ T-Series, P-Series, and P-Series+, will completely replace the PowerMark series.
How soon should their contractors expect to see the ReliaHome™ load centers in stock at their favorite distributor?
Schmalberger: The ReliaHome line of load centers has already been shipping. It has been available for distribution starting in October 2024 and will soon be available in a retail environment starting in early 2025. So, if the contractor doesn’t already see it at their favorite distributor, they can order the model appropriate for their application.
Which features of ReliaHome™ series of load centers would be key with contractors?
Schmalberger: Innovative features make installation and inventory management easy with these load centers. By providing ABB universally compatible ReliaHome™ residential circuit breakers, ABB offers a complete and reliable solution that can be stocked and installed with confidence. ABB ReliaHome circuit breakers include thermal-magnetic, arc fault, ground fault, and dual-function breakers, meeting the required National Electric Codes. These breakers will work across all ABB load centers including the new ABB ReliaHome and legacy GE PowerMark.
Advantages of ReliaHome™ Series of Load Centers
- One-stop shop for comprehensive residential electrical needs
- Common circuit breaker platform – simplified stocking strategy for all ReliaHome load centers
- 130+ years of electrical innovation and expertise
- Dependable support - Dedicated, local product experts and many resources to address customer queries
Where can we direct our builders to learn more about these ReliaHome series of load centers if they have questions about transitioning from GE’s PowerMark to the new ReliaHome load centers?
Schmalberger: ABB worked with HomeSphere to create a dedicated resource center for its builders. This special page is chock-full of resources including the features and benefits of ReliaHome, an informational video, a link off to ABB’s Switching to ABB ReliaHome™ web site, and a quick form to fill out if you have any questions on the new ReliaHome, whatsoever.
What if one of our builders is not currently using ABB load centers in their homes, but is considering switching?
Schmalberger: Great. Likewise, for more information, visit the same ReliaHome landing page designated for HomeSphere builders and fill out the form. An expert at ABB will be in touch and can have a conversation with you and/or your contractor and answer any questions they may have.
Interested in using ABB?
Rebates are available for both single-family and multifamily builders who join HomeSphere. Earn rebates through the HomeSphere Rebate Program, and check our full list of partners to see what other rebates you could be earning through our program.
