2

I bought a HEPD80 surge protector to install in an old 100A Pushmatic panel. It has 12 AWG leads and for installation as a Type 2 SPD the paper that came with it calls for a 20A 2-pole breaker; I also seen online places where is says a 30A 2-pole breaker. The instructions also say that it can be installed as a Type 1 SPD ahead of the main breaker, with no overcurrent protection at all.

Additionally, I found this Eaton document which mentions putting their device with 14 AWG wires on a 50A breaker and states "Can a 14 AWG wire be installed using a 50 ampere circuit breaker? Yes. The connecting wires do not carry load current. Instead, they carry only short-duration currents that are associated with a transient event."

So my question is, since it is safe to install it ahead of the main breaker, is it not equally safe to install it on a larger breaker? I'd rather not try my luck installing it as Type 1 on live service wires; and I have a spare 40A 2-pole breaker laying around, but not a 20A (and the breakers aren't exactly cheap)...

Improve this question
1
  • 1
    If you read the section right below, you must install as listed in the instructions. If the instructions do not mention using a 40 amp breaker, but only a 20 amp breaker, you must use a 20 amp breaker. Only if they give a range of sizes, can you choose.
    – crip659
    Feb 23 at 17:09

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
4

Yes, that's fine. If it is approved for a Type 1 insulation that means you could put it on a 10,000 amp breaker if you wanted to.

Actually, Pushmatic terminals are UL-listed for 2 wires per breaker terminal. So you can simply piggyback it onto a breakers being used for other appliances that's what I did with mine. There's nothing wrong with doing this. Mine shares a 30A actually.

It is extremely difficult to find replacement Pushmatic breakers. The new stock made by Chinatticut Electric are complete garbage - rather than license-build the original Pushmatic design, they made an inferior copy that doesn't trip.

Improve this answer
1
  • Thank you, that was my thinking but wanted brighter minds to confirm. Didn't know the Pushmatics were listed for double-tapping, that solves my dilemma. We had an electrician tell us no and Google's top results also say no. Pretty disappointing to hear that that new stock brand is crap, after I already put a subpanel on one of their 60A breakers; guess that gives me an excuse to replace the main panel and upgrade the service...
    – User41943
    Feb 24 at 14:14
4

The Installation Manual specifically says to use a 15, 20 or 30 amp 2-pole circuit breaker. Do not use a breaker larger than 30 amp.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.