White residue on circuit breakers

[jmcevoy (Jack McEvoy, CMI® Lic # 24GI00108600)]

I found a white powdery substance on 4 20 AMP 2 pole breakers only. The unit had electric heat and the 4-2 pole breakers that had the substance are for the electric baseboards. Could it be a breakdown of the insulating compound? Does that mean the breakers should be replaced? NOTE: I turned all the heat on and my infrared camera had these breakers and wires bright yellow.

[rlewis5 (Roy Lewis, CERTIFIED MASTER INSPECTOR RETIRED)]

Its a anti tamper sealant that hides a screw.
read this…

white powder on circuit breakers

It’s a material used to keep someone from tampering with the screw. It’s not always white: [image] [image]

[jmcevoy (Jack McEvoy, CMI® Lic # 24GI00108600)]

Yes Roy I do believe it is that sealant breaking down when the breaker heats up. Should the breaker be replaced?

[jmcevoy (Jack McEvoy, CMI® Lic # 24GI00108600)]

Sorry I wanted to end my post wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Be safe everyone!!!

[mcyr (Marcel Cyr, CMI)]

White Powder

[jjonas (Jeffrey Jonas)]

@jmcevoy

NOTE: I turned all the heat on and my infrared camera had these breakers and wires bright yellow.

The color itself means nothing. What temperature is attributed to that color for the settings you have the camera set at??

[jmcevoy (Jack McEvoy, CMI® Lic # 24GI00108600)]

Thank you Marcel
Very helpful post and confirms that it does appear to be the sealant breaking down.

[rmeier2 (Robert Meier)]

IMO I see no reason why the CB should be replaced unless there is another issue with it.

[lkage (Larry Kage, CMI)]

@rmeier2

IMO I see no reason why the CB should be replaced unless there is another issue with it

I agree with, Rob.