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Main CB remove/replace
Got a question maybe someone can help with. I've never replaced a main CB before. When you "giggle" the CB just a hair you can see a bit of a spark at the CB contact with the panel and the lights flicker. Can this be replaced without having power cut off to the house? If so one needs to get an insulated allen head tool. Are there any out there, and can this be done? Any words of wisdom? Thanks. -G
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the CB stabs may be weak. best to pull the meter before attempting anything with the main. a 200 amp panel has hefty cables that are "b----" to work with. You use a T handle allen wrench that has its shank insulated with tape wraps or shrink tubing. The CB uses a steel screw - a long one - to hold the CB into the panel. The backside of the breaker hooks into two plastic or metal hooks in its location. The stabs just push on the panel bus stabs. A little anti oxidant here wouldn't hurt. Use the anti oxidant on the cb screw threads, the contact point and the cable. Torque the screws until you feel its tight, then wait a few minutes and re-tighten. You'll be able to get another quarter turn. -
Main Cb Replace
Maybe this diagram will help you with your install. PLEASE pull your meter before you work on the panel! 200 amp seu 4/0 is a real pain to move around.Comment
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Call your power company and ask them if it is ok for you to pull the meter. The way it's done - there's two types of meter installations. One type uses a ring with a lock tab or a ring with a screw fastener. The other - the meter box cover secures the meter in the socket. The meter is sealed by a lock ring through the cover's ring tab at the enclosure bottom. The ring types have the meter seal applied to the tab or the screw fastener. Break the seal and unlatch the meter ring, unscrew the meter fastener or break the seal and rotate the tab upward to disengage the cover lock. RING TYPE - use gloves and put your left hand on top left of meter and rap the bottom of the glass with your right hand upward. the meter will rotate upward. then grab the meter and pull out of its stabs. leave the socket cover in place. COVER TYPE - Carefully remove the cover outwards towards yourself and don't let it slip - the upper two stabs are hot and unfused! Then remove the meter as above - AGAIN I can't be more specific don't touch anything inside with gloves or other.Comment
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One more diagram
Last diagram for you.Comment
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It is 90% likely that it is HIGHLY Illegal for you to pull the meter. Most POCOs will come out and pull it for you to work. Some areas, such as NY State, will want an inspection before the meter will be re-set.
I personally DO NOT EVER think it is acceptable for a DIYer or homeowner to pull a meter, regardless of legality. There is simply TOO much risk involved. It seems simple but problems WILL have a dramatic effect. Just Google "arc flash" and see what I mean. Even replacing it under load will be give you a nasty surprise. This is NO PLACE for anyone inexperienced.
In your case the panel WILL have to to be replaced. This is almost certain.
I have seen this many times. The panel buss is not repairable, and is rarely replaceable.Last edited by Speedy Petey; 10-09-2007, 05:14 PM.Comment
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