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#1
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circuit breaker and service panel mismatch
An electrician told us that our circuit breakers (ITE) doesn't match
with our service panel (Westinghouse). He said it's a violation of code. He recommended that we should have them replaced. I was trying to get some information on this. But couldn't find much from the web, e.g., 1) Is the mistmatch a serious problem? 2) What brand circuit breaker can match what brand panel? Any information on this is appreciated. |
#2
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circuit breaker and service panel mismatch
My 200 amp panel has a sticker on the door listing all compatible breakers and it is a long list. They all seem to have a 3 or 4 letter model like gfcb, hcb etc. which are various mfgr's models that are essentially square D clones, if they fit and work, I fail to see the problem, but I'm not a code writer. |
#3
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circuit breaker and service panel mismatch
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#5
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circuit breaker and service panel mismatch
Sounds like bull**** to me. For many name brand panels there are generic
breakers made to fit. cm wrote in message oups.com... An electrician told us that our circuit breakers (ITE) doesn't match with our service panel (Westinghouse). He said it's a violation of code. He recommended that we should have them replaced. I was trying to get some information on this. But couldn't find much from the web, e.g., 1) Is the mistmatch a serious problem? 2) What brand circuit breaker can match what brand panel? Any information on this is appreciated. |
#6
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circuit breaker and service panel mismatch
Eaton seems to have the license to produce the former Westinghouse breakers,
I know because I have 3 Westinghouse panels. Look for a code on the back of the panel face plate. wrote in message oups.com... An electrician told us that our circuit breakers (ITE) doesn't match with our service panel (Westinghouse). He said it's a violation of code. He recommended that we should have them replaced. I was trying to get some information on this. But couldn't find much from the web, e.g., 1) Is the mistmatch a serious problem? 2) What brand circuit breaker can match what brand panel? Any information on this is appreciated. |
#7
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circuit breaker and service panel mismatch
"cm" wrote in message ... Sounds like bull**** to me. For many name brand panels there are generic breakers made to fit. cm Yes it does sound like that but the truth of the matter is that if the breaker is not rated for the box it will not pass inspection and does not meet code. That doesn't mean they won't plug into the box and work properly. They may very well do that. But if they don't and there is a problem you could be on the short end of the stick. Colbyt |
#8
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circuit breaker and service panel mismatch
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#9
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circuit breaker and service panel mismatch
wrote:
An electrician told us that our circuit breakers (ITE) doesn't match with our service panel (Westinghouse). He said it's a violation of code. He recommended that we should have them replaced. I was trying to get some information on this. But couldn't find much from the web, e.g., 1) Is the mistmatch a serious problem? 2) What brand circuit breaker can match what brand panel? Any information on this is appreciated. This is a frequent topic of discussion on electrical and home inspection boards, see for example: http://www.mikeholt.com/code_forum/s...ixing+breakers http://www.inspectionnews.com/ubb/Fo...ML/000074.html From my perspective the bottom line is that while I can't tell you when this *should not* be a matter of concern, there are some cases where IMO it is a matter of concern. Some examples: 1)The AHJ wants it a certain way. For example on new work the city inspector in a nearby community says: "Breakers must be from the same manufacturer as the panel." Agree in theory or not: "End of Story". 2a) The panel manufacturer labels the panel as requiring that only breakers from that manufacturer be installed in the panel. The issue here is: do you want to knowingly court even a small possibility that you might find yourself in a fight with the insurance company and/or electrical if contractor there is a electrical-related fire? 2b) Same issue if the manufacturer lists acceptable replacements, and yours is not listed. 3) There is an obvious issue with a factor such as mechanical fit, for example the breaker does not appear to be seating fully as it releases with unusually low effort. (There is at least one panel/breaker combination where the breakers have a nasty habit of pooping out as the deadfront is removed.) 4) The breaker is third-party replacement for a breaker in a panel no longer manufactured and regarded by some in the industry as suspect (for example some Federal Pacific products). The issue here is the debatable reliability and safety of the entire panel/breaker assembly - you have to decide if you wish to run what some industry sources regard as an unacceptably high risk. 5) There is a economic incentive to replace rather than repair. An example would be one of several older brands of panels for which replacement breakers are quite expensive; if a breaker fails and you decide it's prudent to replace the others at $30-50 each replacement with a modern panel and breakers may be an attractive option. Michael Thomas Paragon Home Inspection LLC, Chicago IL mdtATparagoninspectsDOTcom |
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