ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Push-ups or Jumping Jacks?

I've noticed that many of the "Home Inspection Reports" related to real-estate transactions recommend "exercising" circuit breakers on a regular basis.
What are your thoughts?

Redsy,

I've always thought the same thing and would probably bet that I've read it somewhere in mfgrs instructions or recommendations. I've seen a lot of times where someone will turn off their Main to do work (as recommended) and it will not reset, and I was thinking that 20+ years in one position in a damp basement can't be good for anything.

Bill

I had heard some years ago of a UL requirement to 'mechanically' operate breakers manually but have never verified this.

I think it's a good idea to cycle breakers, maybe off and on a couple of times ar least once a year.

That just happened to me last week. I swung by a friends to demo a floor box she didn't want before the new carpet was put down the next day. I figured I could squeeze it in before my final at school the same night. Rather that trace out which circuit I threw the main. On my way out I turned it back on and wouldn't you know it, the thing would not reset. I don't know if it was from not being exercised or if it just broke. It did not sound to good inside.

Outdoor discos mounted below OH meter bases are the worst... Especially when SEU cable and a "WP" hub is involved. I tend to shy away from switching any mains unless absolutely neccesary.

*crunch*

66vdub-- sounds like a classic high-pucker-factor 'trap.'

Rambling Notes on circuit breakers after installation

NETA MTS-2001 7.6.1.1 Circuit Breaker INSPECTION PROCEDURES “Inspect ∙ Clean ∙ Operate the circuit breaker to insure smooth operation…”

{Factory-applied lubricants harden/leach. Do not use spray lube/cleaner unless it’s in CB maintenance instructions.}

Vaguely related links: http://www.nema.org/products/div5/5ab/guess.html http://www.seekandsource.com/news/Articlespec.Asp?Article_id=ARTI93 http://www.powellservice.com/PASD%20Test%20Procedures/TABLE%2010.7.doc http://www.ch.cutler-hammer.com/fred/cscpgh/fax/00000291.pdf http://www.ch.cutler-hammer.com/fred/cscpgh/fax/00000253.pdf http://www.ch.cutler-hammer.com/fred/cscpgh/fax/00000607.pdf http://www.ch.cutler-hammer.com/fred/cscpgh/fax/00000615.pdf http://standards.ieee.org/colorbooks/sampler/Bluebook.pdf


[This message has been edited by Bjarney (edited 06-02-2002).]

does any body use nolox when you install a main or any other high amperage breaker on a buss that's aluminum. I have had many breakers fail because of this problem and have been using the nolox for some time.
:Wayne

hurk— Be Careful. That may be a misapplication if using particle-bearing inhibitor or any substance on the spring-clip/stab end of molded-case breakers. Conductive particles in sticky paste may incite carbon tracking and breakdown if left in contact with {bakelite} insulating surfaces.


[This message has been edited by Bjarney (edited 06-03-2002).]

I've wiped a little nolox on meter stabs when I've had difficulty removing the meter.