| If you're a plant or shop manager, it's up to you | | | | compared to buying new ones for $267. That's |
| to replace or repair a circuit breaker when one | | | | saving over $100 each! |
| fails at your company. Quick thinking and smart | | | | But is buying a used breaker really worth the |
| decisions can minimize downtime and improve | | | | risk? For residential situations, I don't recommend |
| safety. | | | | buying used breakers. Used breakers in a |
| Big stores, warehouses, factories, or any sort of | | | | residential electrical system just don't make sense. |
| large facility has commercial circuit breakers in its | | | | They are inexpensive, and are not easily |
| electrical system. If you're a manager at any of | | | | reconditioned because of their small size. But used |
| these places, it may be your job to replace a | | | | breakers in commercial plants and factories are |
| failed circuit breaker. First, you'll want to identify | | | | very common, even recommended by some |
| which circuit breaker is failing. Write down its part | | | | manufacturers, especially in some high-voltage |
| number and go online to check prices for a | | | | situations. Many factories and warehouses |
| replacement. | | | | schedule their breakers to be reconditioned after |
| If the breaker is less than 10 years old, you | | | | so many years and these breakers last decades! |
| should be able find a replacement from a local | | | | So should you buy used breakers? I do, and a lot |
| supplier or online. If the breaker is older than 10 | | | | of other people do, but make sure that it fits into |
| years, you may have to buy a used one online. | | | | your needs first. And always consult with a |
| Used breakers are reconditioned by approved | | | | certified electrician before making any purchases. |
| facilities and usually come with a warranty, and | | | | One you find the correct breaker, it's time to |
| cost much less than a new one. | | | | install it. I always recommend breakers are |
| A recent example at a plant I was working at | | | | installed by a certified electrician, especially in a |
| needed to replace six Square D FA34100 | | | | commercial setting. These breakers are carrying |
| breakers. We couldn't find a source for new ones, | | | | very high amounts of power and can kill you! Call |
| so we went online and purchased six used | | | | a local electrician and have them safely install the |
| breakers from Budget Breakers. These breakers | | | | breaker, even used breakers that you didn't buy |
| came with a one year warranty, and looked | | | | through them. They will happily install used |
| brand new. We bought them for $153 each, | | | | breakers. |