I buy used larger frame breakers all the time. My argument is, if you are concerned about it, do you go around and tell people they should replace all the "used" breakers that they currently have in service in their panels? If not why are those okay but the used breaker off eBay is not okay?
Because I know where their breakers have been.
I agree, you are better off with the most current design and firmware available.
Anything is possible. I am skeptical that the "reputable" breaker sellers are doing anything other than cleaning the outside of the breaker and just checking resistance and continuity.
The breaker shops in my area perform several trip tests at time of sale. It has been many years since I have purchased any used breakers so don't remember the exact tests they perform.
Yes there are certainly some that have that capability. I am just saying that most of the places that come up when you Google "used surplus circuit breakers" (i.e. super breakers, Coast to coast, simply breakers) are probably not double checking the trip characteristics of their recertified breakers. (Maybe Jim doesn't consider those "reputable", if so fair enough it's a free country)
If the breaker is of molded case construction there is nothing that should be done to it except the external cleaning. There are no internal replaceable for this style of breaker. I would not purchase a molded case breaker that has been cut open.
I agree. We once had a 1200 amp square D P frame breaker with one phase stuck closed. We debated sending it out to one of these breaker repair places, but decided against it after considering there's really nothing they can do as far as replacing parts. Granted it probably didn't really need any parts just a cleaning and lubricating but considering it's not meant to be opened, and the cost, we decided to just replace the whole switchboard
