Seeking Replacement Spring Clips for Bulldog Electric 400A Fused Disconnect

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brycenesbitt

Senior Member
Location
United States
We're cleaning spiders out of an in-service fused shutoff made by Bulldog in Detroit, installed in the late 1950's.

The thing still has a paper label saying "oil every six months".
But more importantly it's got clips on each fuse lug, presumably to keep tension.

One of those clips is not in good condition, and crumbled immediately. Can anyone help suggest a part
number or source for replacement spring steel clips ?
1765523659340.png
 
MTW said:
Click to expand...
Cool Eaton
"Bussmann series TRON fuse clip clamp, Used for Ferrule and Blade Type cartridge fuse clip, 35-60 A, Non-indicating, Plated steel Jaws, Phenolic knob, 600 V"
NO-4_C.jpeg


However that's listed for 35-60 amps, and not listed for this panel. I work in jurisdictions that -- a lot of the time -- cares a lot more about a literally read of the sections of the NEC about listing requirements, compared to accomplishing the goal.

Any way to get an OEM replacement? I did check eBay but can't even find a used shutoff switch of the same era.
 
Give these guys a call, they might be able to supply you some used OEM ones. Or the gear that has them installed.

Salinger Electric – Electrical Supply Company Since 1946

salingerelectricsupply.com salingerelectricsupply.com

You might find a bus plug of the same vintage for some spring clips, they were the same on Bulldog bus way products then later ITE.

But judging on the amount of corrosion I see, you may need more than one. The spring steel clips don't survive well in atmospheres that are acidic or corrosive, just trying to wash them can at times make them break just putting mild acidic cleaner on them.

A buss #7 would be the listed size for a 400A.
1765556138916.png
 
Bulldog was bought by ITE over 70 years ago, then ITE was bought by Gould 50+ years ago, then Gould was bought by Siemens in the early 80s. So you are separated from anyone who cares about spare parts for Bulldog equipment by 7 decades and 4 ownerships. Bottom line, anything you can come up with is not going to be “factory original” unless you find an identical Bulldog switch at a used junk dealer and it has intact clips.

The better approach would be to replace that entire switch with something made in this century that has documentable fault withstand ratings.
 
herding_cats said:
Replace the disconnect with modern Eaton or similar. I haven't seen Bulldog in 20+ years.
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Replacing the disconnect would trigger replacing the meter main, drop, service entrance cable.

The Bulldog Equipment is a robust beast in perfect condition except for one clip.
A cost benefit justification for this would be hard to find, even if there's no AIC rating on the old main.
The old stuff will I'll be outlast any new Eaton -- it's built like a tank solid steel, simple mechanism, beefy conductors.
It's proven over 60 years, compared to something new that might have an installation error.

It needs a clip, and -- maybe -- a spot of paint. But the main body can rust for another 60 years and still have thicker metal than the modern Eaton.
 
We used to use those clamps to secure fuses so they wouldn't fall out under vibration. I am sure they were occasionally used to improve the contact of marginal fuse holders.
 
brycenesbitt said:
We're cleaning spiders out of an in-service fused shutoff made by Bulldog in Detroit, installed in the late 1950's.

The thing still has a paper label saying "oil every six months".
But more importantly it's got clips on each fuse lug, presumably to keep tension.

One of those clips is not in good condition, and crumbled immediately. Can anyone help suggest a part
number or source for replacement spring steel clips ?
View attachment 2581048
Click to expand...
Not a fan of fuse clips especially if fuse holder shows signs of overheating. Back in the 1970's when bullet proof Bulldog safety switch were still be made we ordered new guts for our 30 to 200 amp 250 volt three poke fused safety switches but bring therapy were sold at least twice and cheap ending up doubt if any companies still have any in stock. One thing we discovered with our numerous bulldog fused safety switches we had less failures when we used Chase Shawmutt silver plated time delay fuses. Unfortunately they were bought out and they cheapen up another best icon class bullet proof product.
 
I've seen those drilled right through the fuse blade with a nut and bolt. Not saying it's something you should do. But in 1980 something, in philly, along the river, in the winter, and putting that machine down is not an option. It seems like a great temp repair. Of course "temp" is kind of a subjective term lol
 
Ebay, if you need original. Are the clips in any of these the same as yours?

www.ebay.com

ITE BULLDOG SN423 FUSIBLE SAFETY SWITCH 100A 240V 100 AMP 3-POLE #06G177PR7*CO | eBay

Thanks for looking and if any questions just message us.
www.ebay.com
www.ebay.com

Bulldog 11424 Disconnect 200 Amp 240 Volt 1P2W 2 Pole Fusible Vintage | eBay

200 AMP, 240 VOLT, 1 PHASE, 2 WIRE, 2 POLE. The Electric Barn is not an authorized distributor for any of the manufacturers listed on our website. The item may also be painted, relabeled, and have new parts installed as necessary.
www.ebay.com
www.ebay.com

Bulldog JN423 Vintage Disconnect 100 Amp 240 Volt 3P4W Fusible | eBay

100 AMP, 240 VOLT, 3 POLE, 4 WIRE. Product Conditions.
www.ebay.com
www.ebay.com

Bulldog/ITE Disconnect 100 Amp 240 Volt 3 Phase Cat# JN-423 Un-Fused | eBay

Bulldog/ITE Disconnect. Cat# JN-423. "L x "W x "H. ¡TAMBIÉN HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL! Good Condition, ready to install.
www.ebay.com
 
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