Electrical Panels - Push matic style breakers

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1

Originally Posted By: jwatts1
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Hey Guys,


I was doing an inspection not too long ago, and the main panel had push matic style breakers, while I was being careful removing the inside cover, the main shut off. I didn't even push the main breaker off, nor do I ever during inspections....

I have kind of come to the conclusion that since I am going to refer further evaluation by an electrician when I come across these ancient breakers that what is the point of opening the panel.... Yes, I realize I may find additional defects, double taps, scorching, etc. But when the panel shut off, it was a pain in the a$% resetting the breakers, they really do like to STICK!!!!! The seller was pissed off, that I had trouble resetting the breakers, they really are problematic!

Its just like the Federal Pacific panels, what's the point of opening them up if the breakers are going to pop out at you..... I won't even waste my time. If the panel is really old.

Anyone else have problems with these style breakers???? I am curious......

Panels naturally, make me nervous you never know what "wacko" was wiring up to them before you open them!

Take Care,
Justin.

2

Originally Posted By: whandley
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Your absolutely right! I just had a FPE panel problem on a 1940’s house


in Laguna Beach. I got the first screw out of the panel when the arching


and fire started. The main and branch circuit breakers involved did


not trip. I had to get close enough to trip the main with a rubber


handled screw driver. It burnt the inside of the box, ignited the Edison


paper work and fried two circuits. When the Electrician showed up,


he immediately trimmed the interior panel cover with duct tape on all


four sides. He also performed load tests on all breakers, only four of twelve tripped correctly. He also noted one of the four good ones


failed to trip once he manually tripped and reset same. Poor fitting


breakers at buss bar were also noted. Now when I find FPE panels I


refer them to an independent licensed electrical contractor for further inspection prior to close of escrow.

3

Originally Posted By: jwatts1
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Did the homeowner blame you??? I am curious… they like to to that!!!


Yea, if I come across an old FPE panel, I won’t even open it, what’s the point…just refer to an electrician for further evaluation, let them open it up, especially if you you know there is a good chance of a serious hazard!!!


Take Care,
Justin

4

Originally Posted By: rwills
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


I call them “Puff Matics”. That says it all! icon_cool.gif

–
Bob Wills - MAB Chairman


BW Inspection Services


Warminster, Pa.


http://www.bwinspections.com

5

Originally Posted By: whandley
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


They did at first. But I asked the Listing Agent to get the electrician of


their choice out to the property, if the electrician stated I had caused a


problem, I would pay for it. The electrician, “Dave Gibbs” of Laguna


Beach immediately told the Owner and Listing Agent that I had done


nothing to cause the problem. He had loads of information on FPE


Panels/breakers and further stated several insurance companies would


not insure the property with existing service. He ended up changing


out the panel at no expense to me. Everyone calmed down and realized


is was a panel problem, not the house, owner, agents or me! icon_idea.gif