old used breakers - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

short.circuit · 01-19-2009, 08:52 PM

so i'm recycling scrap wire, ferrous metals, & other stuff today. i've got a paper garbage bag full of old breakers. zinsco, bulldog, cutlerhammer, challenger, murray, sqD, etc, etc, etc. i'm thinking, i have no idea if this old cr*p even trips/works. i think i'm going to donate the whole shebang to my local breaker reseller, oregon breaker. they'll test & resell. perhaps i can get store credit ??

brian john · 01-19-2009, 11:33 PM

GIVE them? why not sell them to the recyclers? We sell CBs to the recycler in our area all the time.

TOOL_5150 · 01-19-2009, 11:36 PM

I have a bunch of old breakers as well. Theres a place a few cities away from the shop that buys old breakers. Most of them I dont expect much money at all.. but the zinsco and fpe I would say will get some money.

~Matt

short.circuit · 01-20-2009, 01:32 AM

i wasn't sure if they were worth anything. i thought i might use them someday, but got to thinking, screw it, i'll just replace their panels or buy breakers i know actually work & have been tested. I dunnoo... i feel bettger if someone, somewhere gets some use out of them. i hate to just pitch them...

MDShunk · 01-20-2009, 02:54 AM

I keep the cherry one's to help people out of a midnight jam, and pitch the rest. There's not much value in a used molded case circuit breaker. Something a little more substantial than a plug-on breaker is worth a couple Shekels to the breaker brokers, though.

480sparky · 01-20-2009, 07:41 AM

itsunclebill · 01-20-2009, 09:06 AM

I've just got a major problem with doing anything that would encourage anyone to keep using a Zinsco or FPE panel. I don't mind recycling current production stuff but the others get the hammer before they go in the trash.

Lurch · 01-20-2009, 06:43 PM

Don't assume that mains for Resi panels are worthless.Crouse-Hinds Red tops with the side step down lugs are priceless. The ITE quad style mains are right up there in value.I agree that FED-PAC and Zinsco are only good for target practice.The best thing is to contact a broker and see if the have a wanted list or can make one up for you

MDShunk · 01-20-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsunclebill

I've just got a major problem with doing anything that would encourage anyone to keep using a Zinsco or FPE panel. I don't mind recycling current production stuff but the others get the hammer before they go in the trash.

I try real hard to sell new panel. If all else fails, "I'll see if I can find a replacement breaker, part, etc.".

I know I have them, but I don't want to tip my hand until it's completely clear that I'm not getting the bigger sale.

InPhase277 · 01-20-2009, 08:43 PM

I have to say that all the Zinsco panels I have ever seen that were installed properly and not tampered with by hacks and DIY's were completely functional. Especially in commercial settings.

The ones that I have seen that were crap always had evidence of tampering by some dumb ass, and usually in a residential setting.

electro916 · 01-20-2009, 08:59 PM

In my book any FPE or Zinsco panel gets changed out. As far as the breakers, If you want them you will be crawling in the shop dumpster.

short.circuit · 01-21-2009, 01:42 AM

i got $10 for a grocery sackfull. they seemed really keen on some kinds: bulldog twins & others. guess they test'em & resell them. they shouldn't have trouble recouping $10, i can see them gettting a lot more, 10, 50 times more. fine with me, i'm happy & they're doing a good business. good on 'em

ACB · 01-21-2009, 05:37 AM

I need an older 200 a FPE main for a client, hes on a pension and does not want to spend the extra to swap out the panel, found a used breaker as they have been obsolete for quite a while, the used dealer wants $200 for it, thats more than it was worth when it was new. so ya I would sell or make sure they give a credit at the least.