480 Volt Switchgear/Switchboard Retrofit

[richanton]

I have an old circa 1960 GE switchgear/switchboard. It has power circuit breaker mains and ties, but all the other breakers are molded case(400 amps).

I want to add a 400 amp breaker to a blank space compartment. Has anyone had any good experience with any particular vendor doing retrofits of this type of equipment. My location is in the northeast US(New York).

 

[alehman]

If the space is provisioned, you may be able to find a new or refurbished breaker from one of the shops the specializes is such things. Be sure to verify proper AIC rating.

e.g.

http://www.circuitbreakers.com/

 

[advidana]

Check with your general electric circuit breaker representative. If they don't have the breaker they may know where you can get it.

I like ge panels because they use the same mounting hardware for many years.

 

[richanton]

"fitting out" of the compartment is an issue. The way the breaker mounts is more like a panelboard. The phase busses run along the side of the compartment vertically, and you need special details of copper bus that come out horizontally to connect to the breaker.

 

[Zogzog]

Go to

http://www.netaworld.org

there you can find a NETA company in your area. They are specilists in CB retrofits.

 

[pooslinger]

Any shop that specializes in maintenance and repair of medium voltages switchgears and transformers can easily find a breaker sized to fit you cabinet and your application. You can also try contacting an IBEW shop that dose bigger work. They can either help your situation or refer you to a company who can. I have been there. Some of my switch gears a vintage 1968. Replacing them is big bucks but man are they nice.