What is the best legitimate way to assure a push-in breaker has best contact?

[bjp_ne_elec]

In other words, is there an "approved" compound that can be applied to the breaker contacts? I've been reading quite a few different posts on the forum and other various sources, that a stab style breaker to bus contact isn't exactly ideal. So I'd like to envoke on a "best practice" of taking steps to minimize issues for any residential installations that I'd install "push-in" style breakers. I typically use Square D, but will "stray" to Crouse Hinds sometimes.

 

[kbsparky]

If you have a new box of square D breakers, you might notice that they have already applied some sort of compound to the jaws of those breakers.

Looks like some sort of grease, although it is similar in appearance to some of the de-ox compounds commonly used on aluminum connections.

 

[sparkytrician]

I would say, read and follow the installation instructions. If the instructions do not mention the use of any "approved" compound, don't use any. Make sure to follow any torque requirements listed for connections.

The manufacturer's spend a lot of time and money testing their equipment in order to obtain a UL listing therefore following their instructions is sufficient for a "best practice".

 

[nakulak]

in addition to being sufficient, it might also be mandatory. failure to adhere to manufacturer's instructions might be a violation of the listing for the product. Failure to adhere to manuf instructions might also be a cause for future warranty liability, or worse litigation.

 

[Article 90.1]

You bring up a good point. This is why I sometimes terminate the conductors, then snap the breaker in; otherwise the sideways torquing of the breaker may make me question the bus connection. Some breakers feel like they are just floating in the breeze.

PS. I hate landing the wires first then snapping the breaker in!

 

[weressl]

You bring up a good point. This is why I sometimes terminate the conductors, then snap the breaker in; otherwise the sideways torquing of the breaker may make me question the bus connection. Some breakers feel like they are just floating in the breeze.

PS. I hate landing the wires first then snapping the breaker in!

The breaker stabs are self-aligning, so they should feel 'floating'. When they bind and feel stiff you may have an alignment problem. Holding the breaker in one hand, while using the screwdriver with the other is more likely to cause an accident than when the breaker is in a fixed position. It also allows you to position, and keep in position, the wire.

Compunds used on the stabs serve dual purpose. They help the stab to slide onto the bus and they immediately cover the removed oxidation, as the self-cleaning action of the stab-on cleans that away from the surface of the bus, and prevent 're-oxidation'.

 

[jwjrw]

You bring up a good point. This is why I sometimes terminate the conductors, then snap the breaker in; otherwise the sideways torquing of the breaker may make me question the bus connection. Some breakers feel like they are just floating in the breeze.

PS. I hate landing the wires first then snapping the breaker in!

And on 2pole breakers with bigger wires and a crowded panel it much easier to install a breaker this way.