flickering lights

[linwue]

scenario: 20 amp ckt. with 4 receptacle outlets on the ckt. Power strip plugged in with three lamps,a computer,clock plugged into one receptacle. Coffeemaker plugged into another outlet and the other two aren't being used. With the coffeemaker on the two lamps flicker intermittently,with the coffeemaker off, lights still flicker,what gives? Circuit is drawing about 14 amps with everything on,and you can hear a very slight crackle at the very old 20 amp breaker. I'm bewildered,any troubleshooting wizards out there.

 

[480sparky]

Try replacing the very old breaker with a very new one.

 

[linwue]

Thanks,that was my suggestion also but they figured the breaker would cost too much.
Thanks again for the quick response.

 

[480sparky]

Thanks,that was my suggestion also but they figured the breaker would cost too much.
Thanks again for the quick response.

What brand is the breaker? I can't think of any resi breakers that cost more than $50 to replace.

Lot cheaper than building a new house..... :smile:

 

[linwue]

It was in an old church in Mpls,mn and I don't know the manufacture off hand.

 

[480sparky]

It was in an old church in Mpls,mn and I don't know the manufacture off hand.

Any color on it other than black?

 

[aftershock]

Any color on it other than black?

Wadsworth <sp>

 

[480sparky]

Wadsworth <sp>

Like this?

You can still find them... used, mostly. Not sure if anyone makes a direct replacement. I'd rather sell a panel swap at this point.

 

[aftershock]

Like this?

You can still find them... used, mostly. Not sure if anyone makes a direct replacement. I'd rather sell a panel swap at this point.

I was thinking of the Push-o-matics. I thought Wadsworth made them. I could be wrong, it's been a while.
Or he could be dealing with Sylvania <sp> or even Stab-Lok. Im trying to think of all the older breaker mfg's that cost more than a blade type.

 

[480sparky]

I was thinking of the Push-o-matics. I thought Wadsworth made them. I could be wrong, it's been a while.
Or he could be dealing with Sylvania <sp> or even Stab-Lok. Im trying to think of all the older breaker mfg's that cost more than a blade type.

Maybe these will jog your memory:

Zinsco:

Pushmatic:

StabLok (Federal Pacific):

Square D XO:

 

[glene77is]

LinWue,
Try mounting a cheap subpanel beneath the main one,
and installing circuit breakers for these circuits.
This is a cheap solution to a potential fire hazard.
...
Your comments are welcome.
...

 

[480sparky]

LinWue,
Try mounting a cheap subpanel beneath the main one,
and installing circuit breakers for these circuits.
This is a cheap solution to a potential fire hazard.
...
Your comments are welcome.
...

Or, moving the crackling breaker to another location in the existing panel (if there's any open spaces). Maybe it's the bus bar.

 

[e57]

Or, moving the crackling breaker to another location in the existing panel (if there's any open spaces). Maybe it's the bus bar.

Ditto.

Thanks,that was my suggestion also but they figured the breaker would cost too much.

Guess they'll get used to it then..... I hope they paid you for showing up?????