Using Old Westinghouse Breakers: A Comprehensive Guide to Safety and Troubleshooting

The world of electrical equipment is constantly evolving, with new technologies and advancements emerging all the time. However, despite the rapid pace of progress, there are still many older systems and components that remain in use today. One such example is Westinghouse breakers, which have been a mainstay in electrical panels for decades.

While these older breakers may not be as feature-rich or efficient as their modern counterparts, they can still provide reliable service for many years to come. However, it's important to be aware of the unique characteristics and potential hazards associated with using old Westinghouse breakers.

Understanding Old Westinghouse Breakers

Westinghouse Electric Corporation was founded in 1886 by George Westinghouse, an American engineer and inventor best known for his contributions to the development of the alternating current (AC) electrical system. The company produced a wide range of electrical products, including circuit breakers, which were an essential component of electrical panels.

Westinghouse breakers were widely used in homes, businesses, and industrial settings for many years. However, the company discontinued production of circuit breakers in the late 1980s. As a result, the vast majority of Westinghouse breakers still in use today are older models.

Identifying Old Westinghouse Breakers

Old Westinghouse breakers can be identified by their distinctive appearance and markings. They are typically made of metal and have a handle that is painted red or black. The breaker will also have a label that includes the following information:

• Manufacturer's name (Westinghouse)
• Model number
• Amperage rating
• Voltage rating
• Interrupting capacity

It's important to note that Westinghouse breakers have been manufactured under various brand names over the years. Some of the most common brand names include:

• Westinghouse
• Challenger
• Cutler-Hammer
• Federal Pacific
• Bryant

Safety Considerations for Old Westinghouse Breakers

While old Westinghouse breakers can be safe and reliable when properly maintained, there are some safety considerations that you should be aware of.

• Overheating: Old Westinghouse breakers can overheat if they are overloaded or if the contacts become worn or damaged. This can lead to a fire or an electrical shock.
• Arcing: Arcing can occur when the contacts in a breaker open or close. This can create a dangerous electrical hazard.
• Tripping: Old Westinghouse breakers may trip more frequently than newer models. This can be a nuisance, but it can also be a sign of a more serious problem.

Troubleshooting Old Westinghouse Breakers

If you are experiencing problems with an old Westinghouse breaker, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.

1. Check the amperage rating: Make sure that the breaker is rated for the amperage of the circuit it is protecting. If the breaker is overloaded, it will trip frequently.
2. Inspect the contacts: The contacts in a breaker can become worn or damaged over time. This can cause the breaker to overheat or arc. If you see any damage to the contacts, the breaker should be replaced.
3. Test the breaker: You can test an old Westinghouse breaker using a circuit breaker tester. This device will apply a load to the breaker and check to see if it trips at the correct amperage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Old Westinghouse Breakers

There are a few common mistakes that people make when using old Westinghouse breakers. These mistakes can be dangerous, so it's important to avoid them.

• Using a breaker that is not rated for the amperage of the circuit: This can lead to the breaker tripping frequently or even overheating and causing a fire.
• Ignoring a tripped breaker: If a breaker trips, it's important to find out why and fix the problem. Ignoring a tripped breaker can lead to a more serious electrical problem.
• Resetting a breaker that has tripped multiple times: If a breaker trips multiple times, it's likely that there is a serious problem with the circuit. Resetting the breaker without fixing the problem can lead to a fire or an electrical shock.

FAQs About Old Westinghouse Breakers

1. Are old Westinghouse breakers safe to use?

Yes, old Westinghouse breakers can be safe to use as long as they are properly maintained and not overloaded. However, it's important to be aware of the potential hazards associated with using older breakers.

2. How long do old Westinghouse breakers last?

The lifespan of an old Westinghouse breaker will vary depending on the model and how it is used. However, many older breakers can last for 20 years or more with proper maintenance.

3. Can I replace an old Westinghouse breaker with a new one?

Yes, you can replace an old Westinghouse breaker with a new one. However, it's important to make sure that the new breaker is the same amperage rating and type as the old breaker.

4. Where can I find replacement parts for old Westinghouse breakers?

There are a number of online retailers that sell replacement parts for old Westinghouse breakers. You can also find parts at some electrical supply stores.

5. How much does it cost to replace an old Westinghouse breaker?

The cost to replace an old Westinghouse breaker will vary depending on the model and the electrician you hire. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 for a new breaker and installation.

6. What are the signs that an old Westinghouse breaker needs to be replaced?

There are a few signs that an old Westinghouse breaker needs to be replaced. These include:

• The breaker trips frequently
• The breaker is hot to the touch
• The breaker shows signs of damage, such as arcing or melted contacts

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

A few years ago, a homeowner in a small town had an electrical fire that started in his kitchen. The fire was caused by an overloaded circuit that was protected by an old Westinghouse breaker. The breaker had tripped several times before the fire, but the homeowner had simply reset it each time. This time, the breaker failed to trip and the fire spread quickly.

Lesson learned: It's important to pay attention to tripped breakers and find out why they are tripping. Ignoring a tripped breaker can lead to a serious electrical problem.

Story 2:

An electrician was working on a renovation project in an old building. He was replacing an old Westinghouse breaker panel with a new one. When he removed the old panel, he found that several of the breakers were damaged. The contacts were worn and there was evidence of arcing.

Lesson learned: Old Westinghouse breakers can become damaged over time. It's important to inspect them regularly and replace them if they show signs of damage.

Story 3:

A family was on vacation when their home was struck by lightning. The lightning surge caused several electrical problems, including tripping the main breaker. The family was able to reset the breaker, but they soon realized that several of the circuits in their home were not working.

Lesson learned: Lightning surges can damage electrical equipment, including circuit breakers. It's important to have your electrical system inspected by a qualified electrician after a lightning strike.

Call to Action

If you have old Westinghouse breakers in your home or business, it's important to be aware of the potential hazards. By following the safety tips outlined in this article, you can help to prevent electrical fires and other accidents.

You should also consider having your electrical system inspected by a qualified electrician on a regular basis. An electrician can check your breakers for damage and make sure that your electrical system is up to code.