100 amp Murray circuit breaker


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Old 04-03-12, 11:25 AM
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Question 100 amp Murray circuit breaker

Is there a difference between a 'standard' circuit breaker and a 'main' circuit breaker?
 
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Old 04-03-12, 04:17 PM
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Usually there is quite a difference. Why? What are you trying to do?
 
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Old 04-04-12, 08:08 AM
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Replace the 100amp main circuit breaker.
 
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Old 04-04-12, 05:13 PM
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IF you can, take a picture of the breaker and list any part numbers. Sometimes manufacturers do use standard breakers as the main breaker in less expensive panels.

What is wrong with your main breaker?
 
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Old 04-04-12, 05:39 PM
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There should be a small label on the breaker with information like voltage and interrupting capacity. Somewhere on the label it will say "Type" and that is what you want, the Type. Type is usually several letters such as, Type MP or Type TED.
 
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Old 04-04-12, 06:41 PM
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I'd just take the breaker into a supply house and have them match it. They may have to special order it.
 
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Old 04-05-12, 08:27 AM
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What is wrong with your main breaker?
Long story but it won't close the circuit after pressing too hard on the breaker box cover when trying to put it back on.

There should be a small label on the breaker with information like voltage and interrupting capacity. Somewhere on the label it will say "Type" and that is what you want, the Type. Type is usually several letters such as, Type MP or Type TED.
Have those "types" changed over the last 20 years? I bet this breaker could be that old.

edit: can we post a link to retail store products on this site? I found a breaker that might work, I think....
 
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Old 04-05-12, 09:31 AM
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For purposes of information only you can post a link.
 
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Old 04-05-12, 05:20 PM
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Have those "types" changed over the last 20 years? I bet this breaker could be that old.
The "Type" usually doesn't change even over 20 years, but in some cases, it might. In still some other cases, the breaker might be discontinued, but used breakers are almost always available if you know the "Type".

Example: Here is a 200 amp Type MDH Murray Main Circuit Breaker that is approximately 30 years old and discontinued. Replacements are still sometimes needed, but as you can see, used breakers are readily available if you are willing to pay the price.

MURRAY 200 AMP MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER MDH-200 | eBay
 
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Old 04-05-12, 05:26 PM
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For that price, i would change the panel…….LOL
 
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Old 04-05-12, 07:12 PM
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In this area, we have an electrical parts salvage company. When we're lucky, we can find a replacement for a discontinued breaker on the same day we realize we need it. And, often, while not cheap, it's less than what we'd pay online.
 
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Old 04-06-12, 07:37 AM
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I looked carefully at the 100 amp Murray main breaker in my box but I didn't see a "Type" listed. The only thing similar was a sticker on the breaker that had "Style: MPX" printed on it. It also says, "Issue KC-364".

Could that be what I'm looking for?
 
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Old 04-06-12, 07:52 AM
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Sounds like it. you can also check the label in the panel for breaker types allowed.
 
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Old 04-06-12, 06:49 PM
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You have an older Murray panel. I think I'd just replace it. If you find the MPX breaker, it will be expensive.
 
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Old 04-07-12, 07:15 AM
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Someone at the local big box store said that a Cutler Hammer breaker might work. I don't think that assures me enough to try it.
 
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Old 04-07-12, 09:20 AM
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Someone at the local big box store said that a Cutler Hammer breaker might work. I don't think that assures me enough to try it.
A big difference between Approved for use and might work. Unless you see it in writing don't believe it. You might email Cutler Hammer tech support and ask.
 
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Old 04-07-12, 09:43 AM
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Does this image of the inside of my breaker box cover provide any information as to the TYPE of main circuit breaker?

 
 

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