Used breakers?

[ICE]

Solar company installed these in a residential service panel. They certainly appear to be in not new condition. Is that a code violation and if so what code?



And don't blame me for this thread....Jeff made me do it.

 

[raider1]

There is no code section that would prohibit installing a used breaker in a new panel provided that the breaker is in good working order and correctly sized.

Chris

 

[rogerpa]

R104.9.1 Used materials and equipment. Used materials, equipment and devices shall not be reused unless approved by the building official.

 

[Dennis]

How would you prove that isn't new and not just scratched up from lying around at the shop or in the vans. Some of mine look worn at times.

 

[raider1]

How would you prove that isn't new and not just scratched up from lying around at the shop or in the vans. Some of mine look worn at times.

I agree 100%, I ran a service van for years and had breakers on shelves on the van that would sometimes get scratched up but still worked just fine.

Chris

 

[ICE]

I suppose that if breakers are beat up one might be asked if they are used and abused or just abused.

If I see equipment that look old/used I ask about that.

The work was done by a nationally recognized solar installer. Every now and then they replace 200 amp mains with 150 amp mains in order to make room for a solar contribution. They install used breakers. They tell me that the breakers are "reconditioned". They are not electricians.

My code says this:

Previously used construction materials shall not bereused in any work without special permission.

If a homeowner service upgrade takes place and compatible breakers from the existing panel are installed in the new panel I probably won't object. If a contractor installs used breakers from somewhere else, I will ask them to replace with new. If a solar company installs anything, new or used, I tell them that they shouldn't be doing electrical work.

I am surprised that I am the only person that mentions problems with solar contractors.

 

[raider1]

I can purchase "Reconditioned" circuit breakers that have been refurbished and tested to verify that they meet the standards for the circuit breaker as if it were new.

Square D has a system where they will recondition power circuit breakers as this can be way more cost effective then purchasing brand new breakers.

Also if a breaker had a few surface scratches how does that effect the functionality of overcurrent protective device?

What if I put a breaker in a panel and use it for about a month then take it out? Does that make the breaker useless?

Chris

 

[jar546]

As a master electrician I know that products get scratched and I know that they are often used from other jobs such as panel change outs and there are times when a used breaker is your only option. I never had an issue as BCO "approving" use of such breakers.

Unless of course they were a knock off, unlisted breaker

 

[ICE]

I can purchase "Reconditioned" circuit breakers that have been refurbished and tested to verify that they meet the standards for the circuit breaker as if it were new.Square D has a system where they will recondition power circuit breakers as this can be way more cost effective then purchasing brand new breakers.

Also if a breaker had a few surface scratches how does that effect the functionality of overcurrent protective device?

What if I put a breaker in a panel and use it for about a month then take it out? Does that make the breaker useless?

Chris

I'm not saying that you can't purchase reconditioned breakers. I am curious as to what is done to a molded case breaker that renders it "reconditioned". A friend used to spray them with furniture polish and sell them at a yard sale. But I don't think that's it.

It has been established that used equipment can be used if prior permission is obtained. That never happens. What has happened is a homeowner asking about the apparently used breakers in a panel that cost $****. I for one would not accept that on my property. But hey that's just me. So please don't be offended.

 

[jar546]

We have had issues where a homeowner found out and complained that they were getting used breakers because they overheard us talking during the inspection. That is a contractor issue with the homeowner, not an issue with the codes.