I don't have an ammeter. The price of a new breaker is not to bad. I think I'll just break out the $25 and try replacing it. The connections are tight. It is just so uncommon in my experience for breaker to go bad. But as with any mechanical device you never know.
--- In DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com, S_Wilson <virtualwilz@...> wrote:
>
> The right thing to do is to use an ammeter on each line after the
> breaker. If its tripping on a low load, the breaker is likely bad. I've
> seen where loading a breaker to 80% or more of its capacity for long
> periods, they fail more than usual. More so if they have been exposed to
> really warm weather during the heavy loads.
> I've seen it several times where the breakers fail. But you won't be
> sure unless you can get some readings. A clamp style ammeter is a safe
> way to get amperage readings.
> Check all the connector lugs too. Be sure they are all tight and free of
> corrosion. Poor connections cause voltage drops and voltage drops cause
> amperage rise.
> be careful!
> Steve
>
> On 12/28/2011 11:27 AM, sirpackyderm wrote:
> >
> > The 60 amp breaker keeps tripping for the wood shop. Breaker is in the
> > house. Wood shop is an out building. The breakers in the wood shop
> > never trip. Only the main in the house.
> >
> > Box in the house is a 200 amp square D QO load center. Box in wood
> > shop is a 150 amp Square D QO load center moved from the house.
> > Conductors from the house to the wood shop are #2 AL rated for 100
> > amps buried.
> >
> > The breaker blows even when the load is no where near capacity. Today
> > only the compressor was running 1hp 220 volt and less that 700 watts
> > of lights. The other day it was only the lights.
> >
> > Is it possible the breaker is simply worn out? I do not know the age
> > of the breaker. But it is at least 21 years old. When I installed the
> > new service in 1990 some of the breaker were reused since we stayed
> > with Square D.
> >
> > If the shop is running full capacity there could be a 3hp saw, 2hp
> > dust collector, air compressor 1hp, and 1500 watts of light all at
> > once. But usually only one thing at a time unless the compressor kicks
> > on.
> >
> > Dale in the flat lands any thoughts?
> >
> >
>
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