Hi
First post : >
I have a Thomas/Betts panel (125 a max) which already has 4 circuit breakers(can't make out the name of breakers, worn out)
I need 2 extra lines for 2 air conditions( have 4 free slots) electrician said if i pick up supplies it will save me money.
I bought the BX cable(require here in NYC) but not sure what type circuit breakers i need.
I know i need single pole 20 amps each but i don't know what brand is compatible with Thomas and Betts panels.
Panel Description: 120/240VAC NEMA 1. 125AMP MN LUGS ON
Catalog number: TBL12 (8-16)CG
I went to Thomas and Betts site but i can't find ANYTHING for circuit breakers (weird)
Any help ?
Thanks
Blue
hmm; T&B markets breakers listed for 8 panel types ( 7 including itself)
UL file # E162469
Westinghouse
Bryant
Challenger
Sylvania
Murray
Siemens
GE
T&B
One would think the T&B panels would accept the same, but I have no listing info available on this.
Sparky,
First off thanks for your quick reply : >
So any circuit breaker is ok from the list in your post?
Is it ok to mix different breakers from different companies?... being that i can't make out the name of old breakers.
Thanks so much
Blue
SPARKY
I went to T AND B ,entered the file number u posted and nothing found for that number.
Do u have a link?
Thanks
Blue
Yes, you can mix manufacturers for the most part (Murray objects to this practice).
What you can't mix is the Type.
You need to know whose shape is used for the breakers. Removing the panel cover and reading the side of the breaker is a way to find out. The ultimate way - with no other markings - is to remove a breaker and take it to the store with you. But you have to know what you are looking for. There are shape differences that don't matter at all. And there are subtle differences such as between BR and BRD that make all the difference.
Dsparky
There are already 2- 15 amps and 2 -20 amps all single pole.
When u say "What you can't mix is the Type" what do u mean by type as oppose to manufacturers?
When u say
" And there are subtle differences such as between BR and BRD that make all the difference." What is BR and BRD?
I measured the existing breakers and they are one inch so i know i need this size.
Thanks
Blue
Blue,
Any Electrical Supply House should be able to help you.
Bill
Blue;
Al i have is a catalog.
Bill is right.
Go to a local supply house, not a hardware store, there's a big diff.
out of curiousity
please post us back
>what do u mean by type as oppose to manufacturers?
Type is the design or style of the breakers, specifically, how it attaches to the bus.
> What is BR and BRD
Two of the many Types of breakers.
>I measured the existing breakers and they are one inch so i know i need this size.
Most are that size. half-inch and one-inch are very common.
But that doesn't tell me much of anything about the Type except that they are not half-space breakers.
Without seeing your breaker, I cannot tell its Type.
Dsparky
OK, i went and got a magnifying glass and look real close at panel box...this is what i found
Chall ( couldn't read the rest ,worn out) assuming it's a Challenger.
TYP c115 120/240 v (aslo something here but worn out)
cu/al swd
hacr ( also something here but worn out)
Listed circuit ( also worn out here)
1 pole J-977
----------------------------------------
Ch(worn out)
type c120
cu/a1 swd
1 pole j-952
A bunch of numbers on bottom of the 4 breakers but i can't make them out.
If this is enough info can u direct me to a link where they are?( want to look at the pics)
I hope this helps you help me : >
Thanks so much to everyone
Blue
[This message has been edited by Bluerain (edited 08-14-2001).]
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dspark:
[B]Yes, you can mix manufacturers for the most part (Murray objects to this practice).
Dspark,
I thought that most panel manufacturers now list only their brand breaker(sticker inside cover or door).I would try to avoid mixing in newer panels.
>
Chall ( couldn't read the rest ,worn out) assuming it's a Challenger.I would also.
>
TYP c115That's Challenger's style number - a Challenger type {c} single pole {1} 15 A {15}.
>
cu/alCopper or aluminum conductors - this is pretty standard.
>
swd"SWitching Duty" - rated suitable for switching fluorescent lighting as in where the panelboard is used as a commercial lightswitch.
>
hacr [rated]
Suitable for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, i.e. multi-motor equipment, again, typical.
<IMG SRC=\"http://www.cor...ms/1263/094925019018.pre.jpg\"> It looks like you need two C120 breakers.
The photo shows a Challenger Type breaker by Cutler-Hammer.
[This message has been edited by Dspark (edited 08-14-2001).]
>
I thought that most panel manufacturers now list only their brand breakerI was referring to the
warning from Murray .
Dsparky,
THANKYOU SO MUCH : > Yippppieeeee
God Bless You !
Have a wonderful life : >
Blue (Debra)
I just saw an older Murray panel last week, and the sticker listed 3 or 4 different manufacturers breakers as acceptable.
Westinghouse, Bryant, ITE. Maybe at the time they were made by the same co.
All the newer panels I see only list their own as acceptable.
Redsky
The THOMAS AND BETTS panel that's here was put in about 5-6 yrs ago when the co-op rewire the whole building( before that only 2 fuses)
I just looked at the panel with magnifying glass and it states..
"The use of circuit breakers other than Thomas and betts with this equipment may cause ,personal injury or property damage and voids all warranties"
I call 4 other neighbors and they also have Challenger circuit breakers.
It seems maybe the electrician contractor who they hire installed only challenger breakers.
Why would they do that after it states clearly above etc..
Should i notify the co-op board or just stick with the challenger breakers being that there's been no problems in this building regarding this matter.
Thanks so much
Debra
[This message has been edited by Bluerain (edited 08-15-2001).]
If the Challanger breaker is UL classified for use in the T&B panel, there is no safety problem, just the problem of a voided warrantee. If the breaker is classified, it must have a list of panels it can be used with on the side of the breaker. You would not be able to see this list without removing the breaker. If the Challanger breaker is not classified for use in this panel, then there may be a fire and/or safety hazard.
Don(resqcapt19)
Hello again
Should i now buy thomas and betts Breakers for the two additional lines ?
Or should i not mix brands and buy the Challenger?
Thankyou
Debra
PS: Electrician is coming AM Thursday morning..i really would like to have these today ..Thanks
[This message has been edited by Bluerain (edited 08-15-2001).]
>Or should i not mix brands and buy the Challenger?
At this point, I personally wouldn't worry about the warranty. The important things are that they be UL listed and be Challenger Type breakers regardless of who manufactures them.
OK, I'll head out now and get the challenger breakers.
Thanks to all who responded : >
Debra
Thanks to all!
I now have direct runs for air condition : )
Blue