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Error
February 7th, 2005, 08:54 AM
I just finished re-wiring my workshop and am going to run it's subpanel off of a 40A breaker using 8-3 wire, from my main panel. My main panel is 20+ years old and uses the older Commander style breakers. I found an old one that has signs of being used before. I was about to plug it in and go and then had a pause. Is there anything that can go wrong with these breakers? I mean, can they fail internally and I wouldn't know it? Is there a way of testing to see if this is actually any good before I burn my house down, is really the question I'm asking.

Thanks!
Homer
February 7th, 2005, 05:09 PM
I guess the question is "what condition is the breaker in"?

Any signs of overheating or discoloration. How about the metal where the breaker attaches to the bus bar?

If you have a Commander panel model B or BC, even though your panel is old and discontinued, you can still use Cutler-Hammer, bolt-on type QBH breakers.

Homer
Error
February 7th, 2005, 07:03 PM
The breaker looks as-new condition. It has some evidence that it's been used before with some tool marks on the bus bar screws, otherwise, it looks spot on.
Homer
February 7th, 2005, 07:09 PM
The breaker looks as-new condition.Then it's probably fine.

Out of curiosity, any idea what it was used for in the past? Was it already in the panel or sitting around somewhere?

Homer
Error
February 7th, 2005, 11:47 PM
The electrician said it was sitting around for years. It does, however, look like it was in a panel before only because it looks like it's had a screw driver put to it...WAIT...I'll take a picture!

http://www.rcairplanes.com/shop/breaker1.JPG

http://www.rcairplanes.com/shop/breaker2.JPG
Unregistered
February 8th, 2005, 05:47 AM
That breaker looks pretty good. I'd just check it for continuity first and make sure you're not wasting your time installing a bumb breaker.

On the flip side, like Homer says, a 40 Amp CH QBH breaker will work in a Commander panel, and it probably won't run you more than $25.
Ohm1
September 10th, 2005, 06:02 PM
What breaker! I don't see a breaker?
Homer
September 10th, 2005, 07:21 PM
What breaker! I don't see a breaker?You're 6 months too late in viewing this thread. http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/schlafen/sleeping-smiley-012.gif

The picture was hosted on http://www.rcairplanes.com/.

It's not there any more. :eek:

Homer