Merry Floodmas

[MichaelBikel]

Set up some lights and I guess one got wet and popped the circuit off. Went in the basement to check and here is what I found, proceeded to pop the panel off... IMG_8469 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr IMG_8473 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr IMG_8475 by MichaelBikel, on Flickr
Apparently the water had been traveling through the main line into the box via a crack around the cable outside.

 

[38 Dodge Coupe]

You know- it may have been a good thing that the breaker popped. At least now you can take care of it under your terms and not when it has taken out the whole panel in the middle of the night!. Good luck-

 

[nadogail]

Looks like a job for your heat gun and a liberal application of Water Displacing Compound number 40 (Commonly referred to as WD-40). Get it dried out, track down the leak, seal it up and pat yourself on the back.

 

[frankush]

The water damage is not something that happened overnight. It looks like the condition has been around for some time. I would find out how it's coming in and seal it off. I would also replace the panel. The exposed copper wire, if oxidized, should be stripped back and could then be terminated on the breakers.

 

[MichaelBikel]

Yeah I guess I got lucky that the breaker tripped otherwise I would have never found it. I guess its been happening every time we get heavy rain. This is a cutler/hammer box that I will be replacing along with the box outside, this may also be the time for me to install some shop-lights and a dedicated circuit(s) as well.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Very scary looking at that.

 

[rburke65]

Might want to check the "weather head" at the top of the service entrance cable or atop of the meter box where the cable enters the top of the meter box.....if this applies. A photo of your electrical service might help. Good luck.

 

[MichaelBikel]

Might want to check the "weather head" at the top of the service entrance cable or atop of the meter box where the cable enters the top of the meter box.....if this applies. A photo of your electrical service might help. Good luck.

I checked the service box and the problem area seemed to be next in line in the signal flow. Its all coming out soon, the box is rusty/corroded and I think its just time for a new one.

 

[davo727]

Good to see you plan on replacing the panel and those old style crappy breakers.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Just out of curiosity, what is wrong with that style breaker?

 

[MichaelBikel]

Just out of curiosity, what is wrong with that style breaker?

From what I know (which is limited) C/H discontinued them I believe. I am told you can get compatible breakers but for some reason it is better to replace. (at least in my situation it makes sense) I am curious to hear from someone who has experience...

 

[ishiboo]

Looks like a Cutler Hammer CH, still their top of the line residential breaker? Not discontinued.

 

[MichaelBikel]

Looks like a Cutler Hammer CH, still their top of the line residential breaker? Not discontinued.

I was told that they didn't make these switches anymore, I didn't actually look around yet but now that you mention it I think i'll look

 

[redmondjp]

I was told that they didn't make these switches anymore, I didn't actually look around yet but now that you mention it I think i'll look

They are still in production, google 'Eaton CH'. Home Depot carries them.

But I would replace that entire panel ASAP, if the main bus bars look like I think they do.