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Chris7687 · 12-14-2012, 04:30 PM

Just curious, as I am not to electrical savvy, but why not put a 50a in? If your running 30a and can only run 80% of the load you are limiting your 50a panel.

**CoalCracker** · 12-14-2012, 04:38 PM

Because the panel is only supposed to run at a max of 30amps and that's at 100%. Ideally it should never hit a full 30 amps. In the event that it does, you want the breaker to trip so that it protects the equipment.

Breakers protect equipment, GFI protect lives.

**LiquidFlame** · 12-14-2012, 04:41 PM

That is if you are making a 30A control panel

**CoalCracker** · 12-14-2012, 04:42 PM

Right! If you have a 50a panel, throw in a 50a breaker. This is really equipment specific.

**kal** · 12-14-2012, 05:13 PM

FWIW a breaker is about the last thing I'd buy off eBay given that you really don't know the source.

There have been some (somewhat) recent issues with counterfeit breakers.

Example: http://www.ice.gov/news/releases/1112/111208jacksonville.htm

Who knows where they're floating around now. I doubt they captured all of them that were already sold.

This ebay seller (like many) is likely just a liquidator who sells things they find at a good deal, not knowing exactly what they're selling. It's not their fault.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoalCracker

Saw this on ebay for a killer deal. Seems too good to be true.

Yes it does. Whenever I see something too good to be true, it usually is.

Kal

Chris7687 · 12-16-2012, 08:38 PM

Keeping my fingers crossed on the authenticity of this panel.

**CoalCracker** · 12-17-2012, 12:38 PM

Ditto

Edit: Just tracked it. Should be delivered today.

**kal** · 12-17-2012, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris7687

Keeping my fingers crossed on the authenticity of this panel.

But how will you know it's authentic and doesn't use counterfeit parts? The point I was trying to make above is that there's been some counterfeit breakers going around that from the outside appear like and seem to work the same way as "real" ones. They just did not undergo the rigorous CSA/UL testing and certification like real breakers. (The CSA/UL stickers or printing is fake).

Because you can't ever tell if it's authentic or not is the reason why I'd never buy safety related devices (like breakers) from unknown sources, especially if the price seems too good to be true.

This is not like buying a cheap Chinese knockoff of some product that, when it breaks, you say "oh well" and toss it. If this breaker doesn't work right it could kill you.

Of course, it could be completely legit too. I don't know. Impossible to know.

Kal

**CoalCracker** · 12-17-2012, 02:14 PM

I sent the seller a message to find out the origin of where he acquired the panels and if he could guarantee that the item is not counterfeit in any way. I'll take the answer with a grain of salt. But we'll see what he comes back with.

**kal** · 12-17-2012, 02:32 PM

Good idea. They're most likely (hopefully) just overstock from somewhere and he's liquidating.

Kal