15 amp vs 20 ?

[pete f]

I have a mat that every now and then, I mean once or twice a year, a SQ EA2121 top kicks the breaker. They are all 15 amp breakers. And it is not the same machine doing it. I have tested to make sure nothing else is on the circuit, 1 machine per breaker. They are old breakers, and expensive, an odd brand.. I belive it is 10 gauge wire. I have thought of replacing them with 20 amp. If a SQ ea2121 goes into a load situation the motor will shut down. I can not figure what might be causing this problem. Any ideas? Comments?

[TTLES]

Breakers do wear out. I doubt that you have 10 guage wire at the breaker. If a 15 amp breaker was installed, it is probably 14 guage wire. ( 12 ga. for 20 amps) It sounds like it is the fault of the breaker rather than the machine. Do you have a Federal Pacific panel ? These should be replaced. They can be unsafe, and breakers are expensive and hard to come by.

[PeterL]

I would agree, that the wire is likely 14 gauge. The other thing that should be checked is to make sure that all the connections to the breakers are good and tight.

Keeping a spare breaker handy might not be a bad idea, especially if it is an odd one like Federal Pacific or Zinsco, which might not be imediately available.

peter

[BWJR]

Pete,

I had a similar problem and found some of the outlets to be bad. In addition I have two washers on each breaker and rarely a problem. My wire is 12 gauge.

Good Luck,

BWJR

[MSKLAUNDRY.]

Its funny right before I was going to post a reply I read TTLES post which was my same exact thought. "Is it a Federal Pacific panel".

[pete f]

I have not looked under the bulkhead ( I keep it screwed down as kids once found out how to lift it and pull washer plugs) Yes, That name rings a bell, Fed Pacific. I did replace most of the outlets over the last couple years, not becuase the breaker tripping, but becuase they were just worn out, not allowing the plug to stay in. I really do not want to redo the panel, but will double check the tightness of the wires hooked to the breaker, that is a good point. I may buy a couple new ones to keep around just in case. And I will double check the gauge next time I" go in".