Overloaded Main Breaker Panel

By Larry (Guest Post)

You still have to worry about the load coming from the whole panel, depending on the whole size of the main.

By ryholman (Guest Post)

You guys are great with great suggestions. Keep them coming they really help us out!

By

ThriftyFun

That old breaker is no longer a predictable protection for the house and should be replaced.
Personally, I would replace the entire panel with a modern SquareD panel. They are really cheap compared to the house burning down and the insurance not paying, because the electrical system was not up to date.

The reason I recommend SquareD is because the panels are roomy and have enough space so that even an amateur can do a neat job.

If a new panel is not in the budget, Westinghouse breakers are still available at
http://www.bestcircuitbreakers.com/Circuit-Breakers/Westinghouse/

As a general rule of thumb:
It's quite OK if a breaker feels hot. What feels hot to a human is barely warm to the materials used in a breaker. However, if they smell or smoke, they have to be replaced, because some of the solids have gone and all precision has been lost.

Especially with old breakers it is important to tighten the connections once a year. Quite often the heat is generated in a loose or corroded connection.

Have FUN!
DearWebby
http://www.webby.com/humor/

By Jan. (Guest Post)

I just googled "westinghouse main breakers." There are numerous online places to get them. I hope this helps. Take Care! Jan in NC

By Jan. (Guest Post)

My friend is an electrician,he said "get it checked out." The fact that it was hot from overload could have caused a breakdown. I had to get mine changed out and it wasn't cheap ,but worth it...Jan in NC

By Dean (Guest Post)

Working on a electric panel is no job for amateurs. Do your self a favor and for piece of mind hire an electrican.

By

MCW

My advise is to hire an electrican. What you don't need is a house fire.