Need to replace a main breaker, which one is correct?

t60

I was told I needed to replace a main breaker, and just need to know which one is correct. I have this one in my panel now:



I'm very certain I need to buy this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Murray-MP2100-.../dp/B000BPDH5Y

But I saw this one too and got confused:
http://www.amazon.com/Murray-MP2100K.../dp/B0088BE7V6

I can't tell the difference..This is for a residential 100A panel.

deverson

Buy a whole new panel. That one doesn't owe you anything. Get the same panel and you can use the same breakers.

Oso954

Why would you say that ?
He is backfeeding a 100 amp breaker in a main lug panel.

Oso954

The difference is in the interrupting rating.
The MP2100 is rated at 10,000 Amperes.
The MP2100KM is rated at 65,000.

The MP2100 is the same rating as your current breaker.

t60

Thanks. No idea why someone would recommend replacing the entire panel (upwards of $200-300 when contracting with a licensed electrician and time pulling the permit) when replacing the $30 part would be fine.

jbfan

Do you have a way to kill the incoming power?
What makes you think you need a new breaker anyway?

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Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

t60

The utility company came out yesterday to take a look at an issue at my house, and when they pulled the main breaker, they noted it had a poor connection to the panel. He recommended replacement. He cleaned it up a bit and I haven't seen the lights flicker since. He said I just need to setup an appointment with the utility company and they will come out and kill the power at the weather head for the time I need to replace it.

jbfan

Ok, but sometimes when a main breaker goes bad, it can mess up the buss bars, and then the panel should be replaced.

__________________
Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

ryan50hrl

Everyone told me the same thing too....a new breaker is a lot cheaper if that's all that's needed

t60

Understood, but the breaker is ~$30 compared to a few hundred for a new panel and installation..

deverson

From the looks of the tie handle and the amount of rust, the rest of the panel is probably in just as bad shape. This is a "main breaker" and not a back feed situation. I would still replace the entire panel. Yes, I know how much the panel costs. Not sure a main breaker only costs 30.00. Seems pretty cheap.

t60

Not sure why you have the audacity to make such a bold statement up front without even seeing the rest of the panel. That's just ignorant. Most people on the board tend to ask dozens of questions before even thinking about giving an answer.

And for your information, the panel is 3 years old (installed by a licensed electrician, who actually works for the utility company), and this breaker is the only one that shows rust.

deverson

If the utility company pulled the main breaker, cleaned it and replaced it and told you that it should be replaced, then I would go with their recommendation. I'm sorry if I offended you. That wasn't my intent.
I personally would replace the panel because if it overheated once it will probably loose tension on the breaker to buss connection, with arcing to the buss.

t60

Thanks -- No offense taken, it was just frustrating to read a response that says "replace the panel" with no reason provided. Now that you've provided information behind the recommendation, it makes more sense, but probably not something I'm willing to take on (time or budget-wise) right now, especially since it was recently replaced.

jbfan

You also need to make sure that the new breaker comes with, or you are able to reuse, the hold down kit.

__________________
Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"