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I have an apartment complex with 200 pushmatic panels, I'm going in to do a thermal scan on all of them. Logic tells me that age is the real problem. How do I convince my project manager to change these panels?
Thank you for asking your question on You are corresponding with Electrifier - Your personal online "Electrical Consultant" Pushmatic is the problem. They aren't made anymore because of the quality of the panels or lack of quality that is. If you find any "hot spots" at the branch circuit breakers it shows a problem that must be corrected. Failure of a breaker requires replacing the breaker and you might have to find used breakers to do so. Once you start to replace panels the other tenants will hear about it and want theirs replaced too. I will do some research on Pushmatic and see what I can dig up for you. Hopefully your project manager will see more than dollars and cents today and realize in the long run just one fire from a panel like these will cost a whole lot more than the replacement project does at this time.
Master Electrician
Electrical contractor and electrical inspector for over 20 years with phone and networking expertise
Thank you for asking your question on You are corresponding with Electrifier - Your personal online "Electrical Consultant"Here is more information on these breakers. I hope you find it useful.
“Push-Matic” breakers are proprietary breakers that are unique to Bulldog electrical service panels. These panels and breakers are found on older electrical systems, and the replacement breakers are expensive and difficult to find.
We commonly find three major weaknesses with Push-Matic breakers:
They are thermal breakers with no magnetic trip. Modern breakers incorporate both magnetic and thermal tripping mechanisms, increasing safety and the likelihood that they will function properly in the event of an overload or short circuit.
The design of the breaker is such that, over time, they become very stiff and difficult to operate or reset.
Due to the fact that Push-Matic breakers are bolted directly into a hot buss, an unqualified person should NEVER attempt to remove or replace breakers in this type of panel. Failure to adhere to proper safety procedures when installing or removing Push-Matic breakers can result in a catastrophic failure of the electrical system.