Breaker oxidation

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tonype

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I have on occasion seen breakers that have what appears to be some type of oxidation - photo below shows 3 breakers. One in the middle is OK - top and bottom have these deposits. Based was dry - no humidity or water. What are probable causes?

DSCF0098_edited-1.jpg
 
I've seen that several times too. It doesn't seem to affect the breaker. I don't have any special testers, I'm talking about breakers that seem to be tripping for no reason. I did cross the wires so see if the breaker tripped, it did and also reset. I always though it was something leaking out of the breaker.
Thanks
MIke
 
tonype said:
I have on occasion seen breakers that have what appears to be some type of oxidation - photo below shows 3 breakers. One in the middle is OK - top and bottom have these deposits. Based was dry - no humidity or water. What are probable causes?

View attachment 8873
Click to expand...

I have seen that white "stuff" many, many times on breakers. It's always in the same place (and if IRC the same brand breaker). I've never paid it any mind and assumed it was manufactured that way. Never had a problem with the breakers.

What is the brown goo on the neutral? Is it very poorly applied anti-oxidant?
 
That is a sealant used to prevent tampering with the screw under it, should not be melting though, might have an issue there, it should be as hard as ceramic.
 
tonype said:
I have on occasion seen breakers that have what appears to be some type of oxidation - photo below shows 3 breakers. One in the middle is OK - top and bottom have these deposits. Based was dry - no humidity or water. What are probable causes?

View attachment 8873
Click to expand...

What kind of room is this panel located?? Corrosion does not have to come strictly from water or humidity. How about a room with corrisive materials or product?? How about battery storage?? How about chemical storage?? :?
 
ngd4130 said:
What kind of room is this panel located?? Corrosion does not have to come strictly from water or humidity. How about a room with corrisive materials or product?? How about battery storage?? How about chemical storage?? :?
Click to expand...

Nothing of note with respect to corrosive environment
 
Ceramic goo

Ceramic goo

I have busted open a few breakers to see inside. It a trouble shooting tool to see if the failure is due to long term hear wear, vs inrush/high amp failure. or Repeated cycling..

Anyway the ceramic goo is usually covering a tiny set screw that could adjust the trip limit.
 
Covers the screw as mentioned. I sacrificed this one in the name of science. :D

GE+White+Removed.jpg


GE+White+and+Black.jpg
 
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