Where to get circuit breakers?

circuit breaker

I have found that the switches on the panel are not very reliable and generally have to replace a couple each season. They do not like a damp atmosphere. The internal bulbs have also not a very long life.

To get spare switches I found it more cost and time effective to buy a fused panel and strip the switches out from them.

Perhaps the easiest way to get matching circuit breakers is to buy another panel and strip it down. That is if the required trip ratings are on a spare panel.

Iain
 
Strathglass said:
I have found that the switches on the panel are not very reliable and generally have to replace a couple each season. They do not like a damp atmosphere. The internal bulbs have also not a very long life.
Click to expand...
I agree with all that, and it is my intention to remake the whole setup in winter 2012/13. I'm loooking for a stop-gap. As supplied they assume you want 2@5amp, 2@10, and 2@15. I have four panels, so 24 switches (built at a point when I was even more ignorant than I am now). My computer is currently on a 5 amp breaker but needs a 10 - it very occasionally trips the breaker if its battery is flat and it is doing work.

To get spare switches I found it more cost and time effective to buy a fused panel and strip the switches out from them.
Click to expand...
I buy switches of the same dimensions but no light from Maplins - I get pissed off with the lights anyway when I'm trying to sleep.

Perhaps the easiest way to get matching circuit breakers is to buy another panel and strip it down. That is if the required trip ratings are on a spare panel.
Click to expand...
Hoping to avoid this solution.

PBrook said:
Hi, Not sure what physcal size or rating you are after but RS have these from ETA
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/fuses...-dimensions=,4294885776,4294577272,4294845299
Click to expand...
Wondered about these - am I right in thinking that they replace both the switch and the breaker, so when it trips it effectively flips the switch. Mine are wee doofers which have a button which pings out beside the switch. Need to check whether your suggestion fits in the hole.

nigelmercier said:
If you can take pictures of the breaker from all angles it might have some markings that are relevant. And if you are changing the breakers, are you also changing the wiring to match?
Click to expand...
No sweat, the wiring is more than adequate. I have looked in vain for part numbers etc. However, these switch panels are common as muck, surely what I need exists - I think I'll try to find out who makes them.

But, in all, this is a lot of energy for a stop-gap solution. I think I might bypass the breaker and stick an in-line fuse in.

Thanks for all the input.
 
I am rebuilding my panel this winter for tha same reasons everybody else has identified. PM me your address and I will send you a 10 amp breaker
 
Amulet said:
Does anyone know where I can get circuit breakers like the ones in this panel? I need to change the value of some.
Click to expand...

There are multiple resources you can try, sometimes the local listings are the best because you can drive down to the store and look at the breaker before buying it. Make sure there is a good return policy as well.
 
circuit breakers

Amulet said:
I agree with all that, and it is my intention to remake the whole setup in winter 2012/13. I'm loooking for a stop-gap. As supplied they assume you want 2@5amp, 2@10, and 2@15. I have four panels, so 24 switches (built at a point when I was even more ignorant than I am now). My computer is currently on a 5 amp breaker but needs a 10 - it very occasionally trips the breaker if its battery is flat and it is doing work.

I buy switches of the same dimensions but no light from Maplins - I get pissed off with the lights anyway when I'm trying to sleep.

Hoping to avoid this solution.

Wondered about these - am I right in thinking that they replace both the switch and the breaker, so when it trips it effectively flips the switch. Mine are wee doofers which have a button which pings out beside the switch. Need to check whether your suggestion fits in the hole.


No sweat, the wiring is more than adequate. I have looked in vain for part numbers etc. However, these switch panels are common as muck, surely what I need exists - I think I'll try to find out who makes them.

But, in all, this is a lot of energy for a stop-gap solution. I think I might bypass the breaker and stick an in-line fuse in.

Thanks for all the input.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure as well they replace the switch and breaker. It should flip as soon as that surge is detected. As long as you get the wiring right and allow enough juice to flow through it should all be setup just fine.
 
Amulet said:
No sweat, the wiring is more than adequate. I have looked in vain for part numbers etc. However, these switch panels are common as muck, surely what I need exists - I think I'll try to find out who makes them.
Click to expand...

Hello Amulet. The distributor for these very common panels is E C Smith. Their website doesn't list the components separately. I am trying to imagine what you have connected to 24 circuits in your fine vessel. We have only about 20 that actually do anything.
 
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