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Folks,
I have a panel that uses Bulldog Pushmatic Breakers – the old kind from the ’60s. The new models carried at Hm. Depot have a metal tab that probably engages a slot in a redesigned panel. (I wonder what happens if I grind the tab off. At nearly $40 a pop, I’m doing research first.)
Anyone know of:
a source for old-fashioned breakers OR
a good electrical trades version of Breaktime where I can inquire further?
Tnx,
J Wells
Replies
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John, go to a local Electrical Supply house...
Where the electricians go. Bring your old breaker with you, the "Pushmatic" is a trademarked name, (I believe GE), does your's fasten to the panel with screws? Snap in? I've been able to get new and replacement breakers through my local electrical
supply houses without problems.
*Re: finding antique breakers. Have you thought of an antique store? Haw, haw. No, seriously, those guys buy up whole estates sometimes. Not wont to throw anything out, they often have a box or two of what you may need.Otherwise, I agree; go where sparky goes. Especially the supply houses that have been in business for a long time. They sometimes have real old inventory.
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John W
Anywhere near Seattle? There is a local hardware store that salvages obsolete electrical equipment including knob & tube.
Maybe you can find one in your area.
Good luck;
JohnE
*John, as you may know, the new Pushmatic breakers are manufactured by Siemens. I just happen to know the phone number of the manufacturing plant. It is 937-593-6010. When you call, ask for Customer Service. They will be able to answer any questions you have about the old Bulldog Pushmatics. You can also e-mail the Manager of Breaker Engineering at the plant: [email protected]. He was probably with the company when it was Bulldog Electric.Good luck!Bob P.
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Never, never, NEVER modify a breaker. As a matter of fact, don't even think about it.
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Is the new breaker you want to add a double-breaker? That tab might be to prevent overloading the panel?
On some electrical panels, some of the spots dont allow double breakers, and employ some sort of slot or bar to prevent too many doubles being installed. Maybe this panel has that feature? Check other breaker loactions in the panel.
HTH
*George,These Pushmatics are screw-down. The new ones screw, but also have a stab. In my panel, the stab has no place to go. Aside from that minor detail, the profile is the same. Spendy breaker! About $30 for a 1P15A duplex. I miss my Cutler Hammer panels.I shall have to scout the supplies down here. Mine was Platt up Seattle way.
*Mike,I didn't think it was a Good Career Move. Their engineers know more about what they want the panel to do than I ever will.So, I hunt about for antiques. Plenty of space in the panel and I need to add more circuits.JWW
*PhillyD -It's a 200A panel with plenty of space left. Bulldog makes a 15 and 20A duplex breaker. I'll have to see if it's a 2P or 1P. My lighting circuits are on these - and the kitchen one is getting cranky. I have zero spares so I am treading lightly. On a "brighter" note, I have an extensive collection of working kerosene lights from barn lanterns, thru Argand burners to Alladins. Just in case.
*Thanks for the tip! I'll send him mail.Had no idea who makes that line now days.
*John W;You have a very capable load center to handle most residential needs. While a discontinued line is annoying to service, you're in a lot better shape than the unfortunates with Federal PAcific Electric (FPE) load centers. You can at least safely update the service.If you plan to continue expanding your branch circuits then you should get away from the limitations of the pushmatics.Get a 100 amp 2 pole breaker (or the largest branch breaker your load center will accept) to feed a 100 amp sub panel installed next to your main load center. This should give you adequate reserves for future needs, which may be new branch circuits or as backup for failed (Pushmatic) circuit breakers. You can replace a failed Pushmatic breaker with a new (less expensive breaker) in the new sub-panel.To help preserve the life of your pushmatics, exercise the breakers by shutting them off and then on again at last once per year. This keeps most of the trip mechanism functioning and freshens the contacts.The ultimate would be a complete replacement with a new load center, but the sub-panel approach should be ok.by the way (btw), be sure get an electrical permit (if/as required) if you plan to install the sub-panel yourself. This is a major task and the NEC has many hidden rules & local codes can really be a bear.Hope this helpsJE
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John, you might try Hank's Electric on Placentia Ave in Costa Mesa. Biggest & best in this area. Joe
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I've been thinking about a subpanel. I've done those and loadcenters and the inspectors were happy. The condo is a 60's Gold Medallion 100% electrical (want my bill?) affair, so they installed 200A, radiant heat, etc. Everything is in conduit, which I like, except when I need to expand.
What I would love is a retrofit kit for the panel so I could replace the guts with something modern. (Dream on.)
I even think on a new 200A loadcenter, but the thought of all those conduit runs having to fit something new is chilling. Perhaps an aux. gutter up topside. My neighbor is having a Total Renovation and "Electric Ray" seems to live there, so perhaps I can chat him up on any ideas . An on-line support group?
*Joe,I appreciate the tip.You must be a local if you know Costa Mesa. I'm over in NB by the Back Bay park. Hanks is #2 on the list that Switchboard printed out for me. I'll call them.JWW
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John, tried to send you email with address the other day but AOL Mailer Demon does NOT like your address. Tried 3 times since I saw you post, still no good, guess it's not AOLlness this time. Joe H
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John
I also tried your address and it also bounced. I have just replaced my 100 A Pushmatic service in my (new) sixties vintage home for more capacity. I have double and duplux screw mounted type breakers available. If you or anyone else is interested, get with me and I will inventory and get back.
*Dick -Appreciate the note. Try me at [email protected] It should work.Or - [email protected] sort of chore was it to replace the loadcenter?I have been very tempted every time I price a breaker.I am looking for 1P15 and 1P20 duplex breakers. But it you have 2P in stock, which sizes? New or used?I need the screw-down version without the stab on the back. Home Depot has a load of the new version.
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Folks,
I have a panel that uses Bulldog Pushmatic Breakers - the old kind from the '60s. The new models carried at Hm. Depot have a metal tab that probably engages a slot in a redesigned panel. (I wonder what happens if I grind the tab off. At nearly $40 a pop, I'm doing research first.)
Anyone know of:
a source for old-fashioned breakers OR
a good electrical trades version of Breaktime where I can inquire further?
Tnx,
J Wells