New Circuit Breaker Panel?

[palmbayway]

I recently bought a home that was built in 1978. The other day one of the circuit breakers went off and I could not turn it back on. An electical contractor came to my house, looked at it and said that it had to be replaced, he also told be that it would be best to replace the whole circuit breaker panel with a new one bacause the newer ones are much better than what was installed in the 70's, his estimate to replace it was $400-$600. My questions are: Are the circuit breaker panels that are used now much better or is he just trying to sell me a more expensive job? and Is that a reasonable price for such a job? I have a 200 Amp Panel and it is for a small single family house. Thanks for all of your help.

[HayZee518]

Breaker panels are usually installed in a basement, sitting there year after year with no maintenance and then are asked to perform (protect) your house. Ideally you should exercise each breaker once every couple of months just to make sure they still can open and reclose.
As far as being replaced every few years, nawww I wouldn't worry bout it. 99% of breakers with the exception of Federal Pacific will trip when needed.
If the wiring screw looks visibly corroded then yes replace the breaker - no telling what's inside. Most stab type breakers that push over the bus are making good contact - don't mess with them. - Bolt on breakers usually used in an industrial application are the best and you'll pay more for them if this is your choice.

[palmbayway]

So new circuit breakers and/or whatever comes along with a new panel aren't any better than the ones made in 1978? Is it possible to replace this one circuit breaker myself. how difficult a job would it be? also, could I cause significant damage if I were to do it wrong? Thanks again for all of your help!

[HayZee518]

Changing a breaker is really simple. Shut off the breaker. Use a screwdriver and remove the wire. Pulling right to left or left to right depending which side of the panel it is in, and pull out - it will pivot either side. Now unhook the bottom of the breaker from the tab and pull out. Reverse the procedure installing it.
As far as quality in manufactured products go. Some have gotten cheaper some have noticed their downfalls and improved their products. GE quality has always been foremost.
I think products from the 70's were a little more beefed up but that was the norm then.

[palmbayway]

I took another look at the circuit breaker panel and it was manufactured by federal pacific, is that bad? As far a replacing the individual circuit breaker it looks like I have to take off the whole metal panel to get to where I need to access the circuit breaker for removing it. Am I correct?

[HayZee518]

Federal Pacific?? Ugh! The breakers have three copper stabs on them which are supposed to lock into the "D" shaped cutouts in the main bus. A lot of guys in these forums will back me up saying get rid of it!
Change it out when you have the money to do so.
You are right! The front panel comes off then there's a trim plate that comes off. (square or rectangular ring)
Sorry to be so blunt with FPE - I've had nothing but trouble from FPE and two fires directly attributed to FPE not tripping!

[kactuskid]

Since it's now explained that you have a Federal Pacific Breaker Panel, my adice is also to get it changed out. The price you were quoted is a good one and I'd take advantage of it if I were you. These breakers are known to catch fire, especially the double pole ones. These breakers are also no longer manufactured, there are replacements available, but they're pricey and usually rebuilt. Here's a link to explain the details about FPB's

http://www.inspect-ny.com/fpe/fpepanel.htm

[palmbayway]

Thanks for your help HayZee and Kactuskid, I'm going to take your advice and have the whole panel changed. Are there any particular makes of circuit breaker panels that you would recomend? and any that you would discourage from using?

[kactuskid]

Take a look at the thread directly under this one titled Load Centers, it was just discussed and will fill you in with the details.

[palmbayway]

Does anyone have an opinion of the Siemens Indoor Load Center circuit breaker panel? That is what the electrician installed this morning to replace my Federal Pacific circuit breaker panel.

[kactuskid]

Wow, you sure had that job done quick. The Seimen panel is a good one.

[palmbayway]

Thanks again for your help guys, I was in the process of working with an electrician when I first posted. Just wanted to make sure that I was doing things correctly and not making too many mistakes. After listening to you I decided to go ahead and change the panel. Really appreciate all of your help.

[HayZee518]

Myself - I was a licensed electrician in Massachusetts for 39 years but let it run out. I'm now in NY where they don't grandfather licenses. I still keep up on the code so I figure I can still speak on the job.
I wish you luck on your job - Tom