The DIY Home Improvement Thread

Is there any information on the side of the breaker? I've never seen one like that.

There is. You can make out that there's writing on the side of the breaker there, but it's covered in dirt and dust.
 
Well shoot. If it's covered in dirt and dust we'll never know what it says. ;)

I'm too chicken shit to stick my hand (or any object) in there to clean it up.

Honestly, my panel needs to be replaced with a modern switch style. I've had various issues with my panel over the last 12 years of ownership.
 
That is an old push pushmatic panel, known for issues. You can find replacement breakers but I'd advise on getting that panel replaced. Not as bad as the old Federal pacific panels but pretty close. As an electrician I cringe every time I see one of those still being used...that being said, I've you need any advice/help replacing it feel free to message me. Also, I noticed that breaker is double tapped, meaning there are two wires on the breaker. That's a big no no on those. Looks like you have extra space in the panel so if you plan on keeping it for a while you might want to grab two breakers.
 
Your job just got more expensive. I've had two die in 20 years.
Take the breaker out, and start hitting old hardware stores.
Search google. There should be a label on it.

To take any breaker out of any box, there's a procedure.
At the top where power comes in: There is a main breaker, for the whole box. This is what makes it a 60A box, or 200A box.
TURN OFF THAT BREAKER.
Verify that everything in the house is dead, even the stove. turn off anything you turn on.

Use a meter to verify the breaker you're dinking with is dead, remove the retaining screw, and pull it out.
Now you can clean the label. Start calling the guys in the oldest phonebook you have. Ask everyone who the oldest hw store is.
Worst case, say fukit, call an electrician, and tell him to put in a 200a box.
siemens is what mine are, breakers are on amazon cheap.
 
If you go that route, needless to say you can't just "put in a 200A box" without 200A service and at least 4/0 wiring from the utility, it would be a coordinated process and also involve city permits/inspections.

Trying to upgrade from 100A service to 200A service would be like putting a 30A breaker on 14 AWG wire. :)
 
Should be able to get a 200A panel as long as you get a main breaker to match the incoming service

Just in general, the panel should be replaced. Im in the same boat :(
 

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