Pushmatic breaker replacement

[Greg1707]

I need to replace a double pole breaker in a Pushmatic panel. After studying the panel it appears replacing the breaker requires removing screws in a live buss bar. This appears to be a problematic design? Replacing a double pole breaker requires calling the POCO to pull the meter?>

 

[ptonsparky]

Using all your safety training, probably so. Pushmatics also have a tendency to only turn one side off even if you have a Main breaker, so use your meter. Test again, then again.

 

[Coppersmith]

After studying the panel it appears replacing the breaker requires removing screws in a live buss bar. This appears to be a problematic design? Replacing a double pole breaker requires calling the POCO to pull the meter?>

There is nothing problematic about the design. Bolt-on breakers are standard in modern industrial and commercial panels. OSHA will tell you not to work in a hot panel, and you shouldn't if you can avoid it, but it's pretty common for an electrician to remove or install a breaker hot in one of those panels. That's why they make insulated screwdrivers. Don a flash suit if you have one.

 

[kwired]

I need to replace a double pole breaker in a Pushmatic panel. After studying the panel it appears replacing the breaker requires removing screws in a live buss bar. This appears to be a problematic design? Replacing a double pole breaker requires calling the POCO to pull the meter?>

Main breaker(s) will have live voltage on one side when "off", just like any other panel design. If you turn main off (and double check that it is off) then it should be safe to replace a single or double pole branch breaker, though it has been mentioned that safety procedures very well may still not like having any live components inside an enclosure while working without proper PPE and/or conditions that justify working with anything live in there at all - but that applies to other panel designs as well.

 

[Greg1707]

split bus

split bus

This is a split bus panel so there is no way to disconnect the upper half of the panel. I think I will pass on this job. I have other work and the risk reward ratio does not work for me!

 

[ramsy]

If anything prohibits removing meter, my clients must schedule POCO to unlock it.

The idea is to make next service call, rather than get blown up from stupid.

 

[ptonsparky]

This is a split bus panel so there is no way to disconnect the upper half of the panel. I think I will pass on this job. I have other work and the risk reward ratio does not work for me!

Most definitely, if you’re not comfortable with it, move on.

 

[Craigv]

Before bailing, I would give my customer the options of having the meter pulled and doing the work safely, and while I'm at it would discuss the possibility of a panel update. While pretty decent, that panel is long in the tooth.

 

[Andy Delle]

Most definitely, if you’re not comfortable with it, move on.

But I question the longevity of an Electricians career who refuses to work on hot gear. Sooner or later, likely sooner, you will have yet another work-hot situation on your plate.

 

[sameguy]

Before bailing, I would give my customer the options of having the meter pulled and doing the work safely, and while I'm at it would discuss the possibility of a panel update. While pretty decent, that panel is long in the tooth.

Do this.