In the last week, I have had two seperate calls about light flickering. Both customers have FPE pushmatic panels. I see all the warnings about stab-loc panels but are pushmatics a serious problem too.

Also, are there any sources for replacement breakers, or are they outragious.

Thanks, Merlin

FPE or Push-matic? TWo seperate entities in my mind...

FPE only made one of common company style stab and bolt on.

When I think of Push-matic Bull-dog's they were not of the same brand, or style. Haven't seen one in some time - not frequenting that type of work lately. If thier were the demo drew removed them long before I get there.

FPE, my supply house carries one of two companies that manufacture replacement breakers for the US market. (Still pricey - it pays to remove most often)

For Bull-dog Push-matic, I get used ones from a local re-seller that tests and refurbishes them.

The same for certain FPE. But the same thing, why not rip it out and start over? The breaker cost is justification alone. If that doesn't justify it, I can get replacement panel parts from a scavenger shop a few (60) miles away.

Try:

A to Z Breakers, Inc.
atozcircuit@sbcblobal.net
800 209-9900
1170 E. Gene Autry Way
Anaheim, CA 92805

I'm pretty sure they ship to anywhere, but not positive. They haven't let me down yet on oddball breakers.

First Pushmatics were made by Bulldog.
Then they were sold to ITE. Then ITE was bought by Gould but they kept the ITE brand name. Currently the ITE brand name is owned by Siemens.

The last time I checked my local distributor was still stocking new Pushmatic breakers, but I don't know the current manufacturer (they might have the Challenger name).

Well, since you usually have to push on an FPE to get it to connect to the buss stab, I guess it could be considered a "Pushmatic".

Sorry about the confusion. I understand the difference now since I have seen inside the panel. I was thinking that pushmatic was made by FPE. It is actually an ITE panel. However, I think I have narrowed the issue down to a loose neutral on the overhead tri-plex coming into the house.

Although that may be the flicker situation, The panel still has it's own issues. Some of the breakers are difficult to get to close. It takes several times of pushing to get them to contact.

Do these also have a problem with failing to trip on overcurrent or fault like the stab-locs?

What would a person expect to pay for a replacement breaker for this panel?

Thanks, Merlin

Never really had a problem like FPE of not tripping - mostly not being able to re-set.... But is a really old breaker design, and much less reponsive to real world use than a much more modern breaker. Bear in mind that this is one of the first designs.....

Merlin, hdsupply.com has a few Pushmatic breakers. Free delivery, usually next day, for orders over $50. A single pole 20 is $19.79.

steve

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