water in circuit breaker

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allelectric

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Have a interesting problem. Went on a residential service call for hot tub C.B. tripping(2p 60a GFI)This only happens when there is a heavy rain. Removed wires from breaker left installed in panel, still would not reset. Removed C.B. now it stayed in the on position. Owner says C.B. was replaced two months ago by another electrician who wired the hot tub six months ago. I tapped the C.B. in my hand, I noticed water drops were coming out of the reset button area. I got a hair dryer and dryed the circuit breaker, the breaker reset and the hot tub is now working, test button also works on the breaker. Service is seu cable(no drip loop) meter can is rotted on bottom. Changed riser to pvc, new meter can, left seu cable feed to panel from load of meter. Owner called back few days ago said breaker was tripping again,(after heavy rain) went there & found same condition water in the breaker. The breaker is located in the uppper right position (2&4) right below the main breaker. The seu penetration into the house is caulked, & there is no evidence of water coming into the panel from within the seu cable(Originally I thought this might be the case). Told owner I would have to be here during Rain condition to see Actually what is happening. Just wondering if anybody else had similiar type situation.

[ December 19, 2005, 05:44 PM: Message edited by: allelectric ]
 
Re: water in circuit breaker

My suspicion is that the water is coming down the SE cable, beneath the jacket. I saw this happen once where the homeowner set his lawn sprinkler too close to the meter base. The meter base was designed to keep rain water(coming down) from entering, not sprinkler water(coming up). The meter base got a volume of water and it followed the SE cable to the panel, just like a water hose.
 
Re: water in circuit breaker

Originally posted by haskindm:
My suspicion is that the water is coming down the SE cable, beneath the jacket.
Click to expand...
Could also be coming in through the space between the twisted conductors. Hard to believe but it does happen. Somewhere there is a "straight line" between the water source and the breaker. May even be a sturated SEU cable. I would consider replacing it.
 
Re: water in circuit breaker

Yes, I agree there must be a path to the GFI breaker. I just find it hard to believe that the water is getting by the 200A MCB & finding its way into the breaker. I am determined to find the problem and will post my findings, thanks for the replys.

[ December 19, 2005, 06:12 PM: Message edited by: allelectric ]
 
Re: water in circuit breaker

it is not uncommon for water to seep inbetween the insulation and the wire itself. look at the drip loop, riser insulation and duct seal.
 
Re: water in circuit breaker

Do you have any conduits that run outside that could cause a temperature change?
This could cause condensation inside where cold outside air is hitting warm inside air?
 
Re: water in circuit breaker

You mentioned the meterpan was rusted. Maybe the water is not entering the building through the cable/conductors, but another way. Is there any other signs of water entry to the panel, or the area around the panel in the house. Check the floor below the panel. How about the GEC? Is that in such a position that maybe water is flowing in along that conductor? How about another raceway(s) that may be going outside from the top of the panel?
Are there any other breakers that are getting water in them?
 
Re: water in circuit breaker

although i can't picture your set-up, also check from the tub to the breaker.

paul
 
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