Well pump trips breaker at start, but then starts when breaker reset

J. David

My apologies for not being as thorough as I should have. The manufacturer's label on my panel is "Crouse Hinds Co."

Given the panel is a frame with bus bars suitable for a certain style of breaker, I do not understand the reservation regarding mixing of breaker brands as long as the breakers are of the correct style and fit properly.

Jim Port

The mixing of breakers is a matter of the way the panel is listed by a testing agency. Only certain components are acceptable. while the breakers may fit they may not have the same contact area or mount as securely to the rails or buss.

The acceptable breakers will be listed on the label in the panel.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

J. David

Excellent points. I work with specifications and qualified components in the marine industry, so I am aware of compliance requirements.

The breaker panel is over 30 years old. It lists only breakers made by the same manufacturer instead of to a specification or testing criteria.

I suspect that in this case, the other manufacturers of circuit breakers have created their equivalents so they could get in on the market. Not sure I can resurrect the total historical picture, or really want to.

In my work I often deal with similar issues. Manufacturers want you to use their products over a competitor's, so they list only their products for replacement. Or, other companies develop equal or better products, either before or after, then the installed equipment.

In my particular case, by virtue of experiencing installation, I know the fit is good and contacts are tight. With regard to contact area, the physics behind the rating will govern the design. The GE breaker is UL approved for 20A. Because of this approval, I know that all of the parameters governing design, including contact area, are sufficient.

Yes, one should not carelessly substitute components. Thanks for the insight.

God bless,
Dave

fa_f3_20

Can't the manufacturer or a third party get a listing after the fact for a breaker to fit an existing panel? That would be a listed application even though it isn't indicated on the panel's label.

Yoyizit

That is quite a trip curve; it only follows an approximate I-squared-T curve from 1 second and longer, and at 1.5x overload you can wait anywhere from 50 to 500 seconds. The rest of the curve is pretty much tailored, almost too good to be true for an all-mechanical/no electronics breaker.

This one is a keeper.