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How to Tell If a Breaker Is Refurbished?

Circuit breakers protect electrical circuits by automatically disconnecting power from the circuit in case of shorts or over-voltage conditions. They are a safety-critical component in any residential or commercial electrical system. Previously installed circuit breakers are readily available for most applications at lower costs. These used circuit breakers are generally those removed from demolition or retrofit projects and re-sold without inspection. Many refurbished breakers, however, have passed stringent inspection and technical standards set by the Professional Electrical Apparatus Recycler's League (PEARL). A trade organization of companies that refurbish and market surplus electrical equipment, PEARL has established a standardized reconditioning, testing and certification process for refurbished components such as circuit breakers. Components that pass these standards are easy to distinguish from strictly used, non-reconditioned equipment.

Instructions

    • 1

      Notice the condition of the case. Circuit breakers disassembled by PEARL-certified technicians are cleaned externally and internally. They are visually inspected and rejected for external cracks or signs of overheating. Missing case parts such as screws, nuts and connectors are replaced. PEARL requires that the original manufacturer's nameplate and data label be present and legible. Wiring lugs should be tight, with intact plating and no signs of stripped or crossed threads.

    • 2

      Operate the circuit breaker at least three times manually to evaluate its quick-make and quick-break function. Action should be smooth and tight. PEARL-certified technicians remove rust or corrosion and clean and appropriately lubricate the operating mechanism. Excessive or inappropriate lubrication is a sign of a used -- not refurbished -- component that may be questionable.

    • 3

      Look for the green PEARL "Inspected And Tested" seal on previously installed circuit breakers. In addition to certifying the reconditioning process, the green seal verifies that the component has no evidence of damage and has been tested to meet both manufacturer and industry standards for "like new" components. The PEARL green seal also displays a unique serial number for each refurbished component. This serial number references the inspector, test location and test data for the component.

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