I blew an old breaker in my house and can't find one to replace it, can I use a different ome?

Question

I live in a really old mobile home (like built in the late 60's), I blew a breaker when replacing a couple of outlets and I can't find a new one to replace it. It is a slender 30 amp breaker with 2-15 amp switches on it. The 2 switches are in line with each other not side by side, Everyone I have told in any store I've gone to has had a weird look on their face when I explain it too. lol. Good thing the only thing that doesn't work is outlets and this is Ok since we are remodeling the rooms that are affected, but i need to replace this breaker so when the rooms are done the outlets work. Any suggestions???

Answer 1

Jim and Ed have given you the best advice so far.



I will try to add a little more to help.



First off, this is not a 30amp breaker. Its called a duplex breaker (sometimes known as a 'peanut breaker'). It has 2 15amp breakers that occupy the same space as a 'normal' breaker. It would be referred to as a '15/15 duplex breaker', not a 30 amp breaker (that is a whole different animal and should never be on a circuit for your standard receptacles.). These are actually separate 15amp circuits.



Second, please carefully check the bus (where the breaker plugs into the panel). It is likely an aluminum bus. If it is heat-damaged / burned in any way, do not re-use this space. You will need to move to an empty space (hopefully you have one). If you re-use a burned tab on an aluminum bus, the replacement breaker WILL fail prematurely (I've seen them go in as little as a week).



Here is a list of common mobile home panels for that era (that I am aware of) and their modern replacement:



Panel:

ITE

Gould

Crouse Hinds

Modern Replacement: Siemens, Type QP?



Panel:

Bryant

Westinghouse

Murray

Arrow-Hart

Modern Replacement: Cutler Hammer/Eaton, Type BR



Panel:

Square D

Modern Replacement: Square D, Type QO (Square D "Homeline" was not around that far back)





If you have some other type of panel, please update the post. I'm sure that one of us will come up with the correct answer for you. If the panel says "Zinsco" or "Federal Pacific", plan for a new panel.



UPDATE:

Now we have something to work with. First, have you tried resetting the breaker? Move the handle all the way to the off position. Then try to turn it back on. If that doesn't fix it, read on.....



Assuming that this is the original panel for this home, the breakers are known as Type QO. You are looking for a QO Tandem breaker (I believe the breaker you need is a "QONT 15/15"). The new ones will look a little different. The old ones had breaker handles that were side-by-side (when the breaker is viewed horizontally). The new ones have the handles one above the other.



Hope it works

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

I blew an old breaker in my house and can't find one to replace it, can I use a different ome?

I live in a really old mobile home (like built in the late 60's), I blew a breaker when replacing a couple of outlets and I can't find a new one to replace it. It is a slender 30 amp breaker with 2-15 amp switches on it. The 2 switches are in line with each other not side by side, Everyone...

Answer 3

You stated that you have to reset the breaker. At least somewhere down the line there was some update to a real old house. (knob and tube era) How many other lights, appliances, recepticles also go out after it trips? The reason it is tripping is because it is over loaded. You can't just go and put a larger breaker in unless the wire was designed to carry the extra load. Electrical Code states a dedicated 20 amp line to the bathroom. Call an electrician to install a dedicated 20 amp, GFCI protected line to your bathroom used for hair dryer use. Be protected and hazard free.

Answer 4

You need to identify the brand and the model of the breakers. The type of twin breaker you describe is still in use and was produced for some panels even 10 years ago when I retired. Go to a specialty electrical supply house ( hint it ain't Home Depot or Lowe's) take the bad breaker with you. The part may be a special order from a 60's panel. Some brands are no longer in production or out of business.

Answer 5

Cutler Hammer Breakers Home Depot

Answer 6

Figuire out what brand name the other breakers are in the panel, and get 2 "mini" breakers to put in its place one on top of another, To open up the room on the panel so you can stack them you may have to buy 2 more minis to replace with one of the other regular size breaker. You'll need the brand name to know which breakers will be compatible.

Answer 7

Take it to graybar or LigionElectrict,Lowe'ss has some of those also. Home Depot has a good selection

I have a couple in my van. You might try a mobil home part supply in your area.

Answer 8

Look on the electrical panel cover door, some will list all the manufactures that are listed and approved for use. A lot of mobile homes in the sixties used Bryant brand panels, and those type are still available.

Answer 9

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/awvKB



Call the land lord and complain. Other wise, suck it up. There is no magic fix that you can do except get a smaller (less power) blow dryer.

Answer 10

I would put in a new box with all new breakers. these old mobile homes some times have the old aluminum wire in them and it is not safe so you just might have to redo all of it to be safe.