Homeline circuit breaker question

[Stevewr54]

We have a 200 amp panel in our river cabin. When there last week I noticed the fridge was off. Checking the panel I found the lower
5 breakers on the RH leg were in the "off" position. This included the breaker for the surge suppressor. Not sure what happened but
I thought they tripped to the center position. There had been a thunderstorm in the area. Plan on replacing the affected parts but would
like an explanation. Thanks in advance, Steve

 

[mike93lx]

I've never had a breaker trip to fully off. That's odd.

I'd take a look at the bus bars while in there

 

[klassenl]

They can trip either way.

 

[Stevewr54]

Will replace the parts and move on. Thank you.

 

[PCustoms]

Will replace the parts and move on. Thank you.

What are you replacing, and why?

 

[Stevewr54]

The 5 tripped breakers and surge suppressor as a precaution, Steve

 

[PCustoms]

The 5 tripped breakers and surge suppressor as a precaution, Steve

Makes no sense to me but go for it.

 

[Max]

I would not replace the breakers. I’ve never seen one trip to full off, but if they did they worked as they should, right?

If the surge suppressor is MOV based they generally have an indicator that shows that they are still good. If that indicates the correct state I wouldn’t replace it either. I’m not sure if gas tube types indicate or not.

 

[CADPoint]

I believe most home suppressor's are only good for one strike and Five years ~
I'm referring to what look like a breaker in a panel.

 

[Max]

I believe most home suppressor's are only good for one strike and Five years ~
I'm referring to what look like a breaker in a panel.

If it’s MOV based 5 years or one strike is not really true. A MOV can handle many many over voltage events or just one depending on how much energy it has to conduct during the events. Which is why they generally have indicators on them.

Varistor - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I have never seen the schematic of what’s inside a MOV based suppressor with an indicator. (other than the MOV obviously. ). But my guess would be that it’s essentially a fuse that shorts a lamp. Enough energy flows through the MOV then the fuse blows which allows the “bad” indicator to light. This will show that you had a major hit and the MOV is toast but it won’t show the effect of smaller cumulative over voltages. I think that’s why the mfg may say five years, but that’s a guess - and likely in the mfg;s favor.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

replacing breakers because theyre in the off position after a possible lightning strike nearby is a waste of money but hey its your money...

 

[Stevewr54]

Thanks to all, advice heeded. Steve