Variations of Cutler Hammer CH Series Breakers

[PeteC]

I am having a problem with CH series Cutler Hammer breakers.  Apparently
there are at least three different shaped breakers in the CH series.  I have
three in front of me and they are different along the edge that would face
the centerline of the breaker box (opposite the edge where the wires
connect).

One has a wedge shaped notch (apparently called a "large notch version").

One has an "L" shaped notch but includes the outline of the Large Notch.

One has no notch, just a flat front.

Other than that they are identical, same size, same shape, same color
combinations.

I think the Large notch is the oldest version.  A few years ago I needed a
Large notch version.  All I could get was the L notch and that was
"refurbished".  The guy at the store said they routinely grind out the L to
match the Large outline so we did that and it works fine.

Now I need a 40 amp double pole Large notch.  I have tried 7 or 8 places
that sell refurbished Cutler Hammer breakers and none has the 40 amp double
pole Large notch version.

One of the places said all I have to do is remove a plastic strip from the
breaker box that uses the Large notch breakers and then I can use any CH
series breaker.

I don't have access to that breaker box right now so I can't tell if removal
makes sense.

So, has anybody done this or heard of doing it?

Thanks In Advance,

Pete

[JP]

I’ve never done anything like that and have not heard of it being done, but that does not make it possible. I’ll ask around and see if anyone I know has tried it, but by then you will probably already know the answer.

[PeteC]

I hope I have inserted an image of the three different breaker styles.  The one at 9 o'clock is the style in the box now.  The one at 1 o'clock is what I call the "L" verson.  The one at 5 o'clock is the one I can buy anywhere.



I don't really see the need for the notch.  It might serve to liimit how far the breaker "goes into" the box but the terminal should serve to do that.

Does anybody out there have the oldest style box and can they take a peek for me?  I'm 250 miles away and can't take a look myself.

Thanks in advance,

Pete


Pete

[PeteC]

I traveled there this weekend and got a look at the box.  The only thing that required the breaker to have a notch was a thin metal strip.  It is about 3/8 wide, 1/8 thick and 8 in long (for a 16 breaker box).  It was held in by two screws.  We got the screws out and the strip slipped right down and out.  Now we can use any of the three variations of breakers.

To reinforce the fact that is was not needed, it slipped out so easily because it was not making contact anywhere.  All 15 breakers in there were completely seated and none actually made contact with the metal strip.  It was there just to interfer with a breaker that had no notch.

One minor point.  The screws were the slotted type made to not be removed.  They have only the edge of the slot that is needed to tighten the screw.  The the slot then tapers down so that the edges that are needed to loosen the screw is missing.  My friend used a punch and tapped a little at an angle that made them unscrew just a tiny amount.  Then there was enough friction to unscrew them with a slotted screwdriver.

PROBLEM SOLVED!!!!

[JP]

Good news and interesting to know, it never ceases to amaze me the stuff manufactures will place in a product just to force us to purchase something new. Change a simple metal strip and force everyone to buy a new type of breaker. I bet that is done in a wide verity of products, especially in the computer industry. One change in code or a notch in a pc board and the old stuff no longer works. Sometimes change is good, but other times I feel it is just manufactured to get everyone to spend more money.