GE panels anyone??

[socapots]

So in my venture to get a newly acquired compressor up and running.

I have come to the realization that i do not like GE main panels..
Or maybe its just the fact that i cant seem to find a breaker locally.. mind you i have only checked the basic stores, homedepot, rona, those types of places.

But a quick search online seems to say that what i am looking for is about 100 bucks new.. and 40 or so refurbished..

The breaker in question is a 30 amp 2 pole GE breaker..

I have herd that square D breakers can sometimes work..
Any one have any input on that? I never knew you could put one brand of breaker into another brand of panel..

 

[brewchief]

Are you looking for an old breaker or GFCI or what? A 30 amp 2 pole GE is listed for under 12$ at all my local home depots.

Don't use a breaker that's not listed for your panel, even if it looks like it fits there might be enough difference to cause a problem.

 

[Norcal]

So in my venture to get a newly acquired compressor up and running.

I have come to the realization that i do not like GE main panels..
Or maybe its just the fact that i cant seem to find a breaker locally.. mind you i have only checked the basic stores, homedepot, rona, those types of places.

But a quick search online seems to say that what i am looking for is about 100 bucks new.. and 40 or so refurbished..

The breaker in question is a 30 amp 2 pole GE breaker..

I have herd that square D breakers can sometimes work..
Any one have any input on that? I never knew you could put one brand of breaker into another brand of panel..

GE AKA "Government Electric" THQL or THQP breakers should be avail. at most big box stores, or online, even if it was a THQB, (bolt-on) it should not be that expensive. You mentioning "Rona" by any chance are you from Canukistan?

In the US only breakers made by the manufacturer of the panelboard are listed to be used in their panel, there are non-OEM breakers UL "Classified" to be used in specific panel & breaker combos, but SQ D is funny & none of their breakers are classified to be installed in other makes of equipment, there are plenty of "will fit" breakers but just because they do does not mean it's OK.

Cutler-Hammer BR frame breakers are UL classified to be used in a number of competing makes of panels, but w/o paperwork stating what is allowed it's a no-go situation. (I despise the BR frame breaker).

If the OP is from Canada, CSA may have a different view.....

 

[Alchymist]

GE AKA "Government Electric" THQL or THQP breakers should be avail. at most big box stores, or online, even if it was a THQB, (bolt-on) it should not be that expensive. You mentioning "Rona" by any chance are you from Canukistan?

In the US only breakers made by the manufacturer of the panelboard are listed to be used in their panel, there are non-OEM breakers UL "Classified" to be used in specific panel & breaker combos, but SQ D is funny & none of their breakers are classified to be installed in other makes of equipment, there are plenty of "will fit" breakers but just because they do does not mean it's OK.

Cutler-Hammer BR frame breakers are UL classified to be used in a number of competing makes of panels, but w/o paperwork stating what is allowed it's a no-go situation. (I despise the BR frame breaker).

If the OP is from Canada, CSA may have a different view.....

Some Reliance panels list Square D QO breakers as acceptable.

 

[socapots]

Are you looking for an old breaker or GFCI or what? A 30 amp 2 pole GE is listed for under 12$ at all my local home depots.

Don't use a breaker that's not listed for your panel, even if it looks like it fits there might be enough difference to cause a problem.

Well aint dat a *****...
http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

but not available in the Canadian stores..
But im pretty sure thats what i need.

 

[socapots]

i'll have to do some more looking around.
There is a 30 amper in the panel now that is hooked up to a forced air heater that no longer runs. Worst case i'll disconnect that and use the breaker for good instead of evil.

 

[pattenp]

Well aint dat a *****...
http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

but not available in the Canadian stores..
But im pretty sure thats what i need.

That's the thin line version, see if this one is available.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[socapots]

Nada.
For some reaon they dont have any GE breakers, or panels. At least not listed on the website. And im pretty sure i didnt see any in the store last time i was there.
I'll end up making a trip back today to return the one i bought (which is wrong).
Worst case i'll wait till someone is going south and get them to grab one for me.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Siemens breakers are also "classified" breakers for use in other panels. Siemens Type QO 3/4" wide format breakers that are classified to replace the Square D QO breakers.

This 30 amp GE breaker should be as common as eggs in the grocery, used on A/C, Dryers, well pumps, etc

Here is a good bit of info on classified breakers from Siemens <<<Click Here>>>

UL certification list of Eaton/C-H and Siemens breakers that have been classified by UL

Unique also manufactures and markets classified circuit breakers for virtually every make of panel

Charles

 

[socapots]

hmm..
Interesting you would say that. lol.
Did the wiring part of everything so it would be ready come breaker time.. And what do i find.. Someone in the past had a compressor (this i knew), and it was wired to a 2 pole 20 amp breaker... made by... Siemens. lol..
with a little luck i'll be able to get out tomorrow and get the proper breaker. then its on to the plumbing of it all.
Thanks for the responses and input.

 

[socapots]

found one.
still 20 bucks.
But at least i know its the proper piece to use.

 

[socapots]

although it seems i am posting to myself here... the one i thought i found was wrong..
actually ended up removing a circuit and moving some things around in the panel to make things work for what i need. in the end put a forced air ceiling heater (which only the fan works, no heating element) onto a 20 amp breaker (that was used for a compressor), and used its 30 amp for my compressor.
fired it up and it worked like a charm.. I still want to find the proper breakers because there are certainly some in there that should not be.

 

[Provincial]

There is a very active trade in circuit breakers (both new and used) on ebay. If you know what you want, search with the exact model number. If you're not sure, search for GE breaker and then narrow it down.

 

[socapots]

There is a very active trade in circuit breakers (both new and used) on ebay. If you know what you want, search with the exact model number. If you're not sure, search for GE breaker and then narrow it down.

Yeah. I saw some adds when i was googing for information. Im just a little puck shy on buying electronic parts sight unseen. But i just may have to go for it at some point..

some pictues of the panel in question

a good shot of the directions of the pins

and the compressor that caused it all. lol.