ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Violation Photo Forum 8/32" x 2" fuse links....

If I recall correctly a Siemens "BQ" is the correct replacement of an older Cutler Hammer or Westinghouse Breaker.

No doubt it can also be used as a feed thru. Many breakers can be used as feed thru with the proper mounting kit.

A "BQ" breaker was used on ITE panelboards up untill about 1992, then Siemens redesigned their panelboards to use the then new "BL" low tab breaker cat.# TC1Q1 lugs are used for lug in applications.

I was just thinking I'd used these BQ breakers in panels before (I think they were old Westinghouse 3phase 120/208V panels)... but nothing like the one pictured!

BTW, the bus discoloration looks like it's from the manufacturing process, not necessarily the screws (Im not doubting 50A on a 8/32nd wouldnt heat up quite nicely either!)

I ran across one of these BQ panelboards in a church a couple of months ago. I had arrived with a BL breaker in hand, took off the deadfront, and surprise!

Luckily, there were some spares in there.

Whoever used the long screws to install those breakers could have used some carefully cut short lengths of small sized copper pipe as sleeves around the screws. Long enough to bridge the entire length of the gap. That would give better mechanical support and pass current better. But it's still not code, so I wouldn't do it.