Main Breaker Tripped?

twocycletim · 12-30-2009, 02:18 PM

I recently had a open neutral issue in my breaker box, which caused lights to go bright, and appliances to run fast. I found the loose wire on the neutral bar and tightened it which solved the problem. I also had one of my main breakers to trip before and after this repair, both times have been at night with the dryer running. I have an old GE breaker box my house was built in the late 50's and I don't know when or if any upgrades have been made since the house was built. Would corroted connections on neutral bar cause this? I've had the city out to check thier end and they claim it's good.
Thanks in advance!
Tim

joed · 12-30-2009, 03:07 PM

One main breaker tripped? How many main breakers do you have? The main should be a double pole that trips both at the same time.

wirenut1110 · 12-30-2009, 03:47 PM

Do you have a split buss panel? If so, is your dryer fed from the bottom portion of your panel? Was it a 60 amp "main" that tripped.

I would check that breaker for signs of burning or loose connections. Some times you can just listen to it sizzle with a sizable load.

twocycletim · 12-30-2009, 04:53 PM

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/f...bucket/bb1.jpg Its the double breaker on the lower right that that trips occasionally. I gess the two breakers at the top are mains? When the lower one trips everything is dead. It's a 50amp breaker.

frenchelectrican · 12-30-2009, 11:01 PM

That is old school split buss set up.

They are no longer legit so it will be good time to replace the box anyway with new updated breaker box it will have alot more room in there.

Merci,Marc

twocycletim · 12-31-2009, 07:57 AM

I would be happy to replace this thing, but I have no money! I have a 14yr business that has been ruined because of months of rain! I need to know what I need to do to make what I have work, it's the only option.