Removing a circuit breaker

[mrgreetis]

In my TT I have a WFCO converter with its associated breaker/fuse panel. I want to add another breaker for a new converter, but as I was looking, I could not see a way to remove an existing breaker. I had the cover removed. I could see the lip to hook the new breaker over and the contacts for the supply. But, I couldn't see how one would pull one.
I know it is probably something simple, but I didn't want to start prying and crack one of the existing breakers.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Mike

[enblethen]

I would suggest using a full sized breaker away from the main for the AC unit. Separation can reduce heat and possible nuisance tripping.

[mrgreetis]

Thanks for all your input. I went to the storage yard to double check everything. I was able to wiggle the breaker enough to get it to release.
I have 3 tandem breakers currently installed. One pole of the top one is the main at 30 Amp, the others are 15 or 20 amp. There is physical space for 2 additional breakers or possibly 4 more circuits. On the cover that is removed to access the wiring there is the following: "Maximum 9 branch circuits with use of duplex breakers". On a 30 amp trailer, I agree, I would never use all of them.
Since I want to add ONE circuit for a second converter, should I use a single or a tandem which would give me an installed spare?

Mike

[kellertx5er]

lanerd wrote:
I agree... if you are this inexperienced, you really need to be shown by an expert. You just can't mess around with that much amperage and not know what you are doing.

And if you were to call on a true 'expert', he/she would inform you that NEC article 551 says an RV with 30 amp service may have no more than five 15- or 20-amp circuits. If you have a 50 amp rig, you are OK to add more circuits.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Not

Any

More

I love it

[wa8yxm]

If you wish to remove an existing breaker it simply tilts toward you (you need not remove wire first).

If you wish to ADD a breaker you may need to modify the cover.

True story.. i was working at the Moose lodge thy ask me to remove a dual-ganged breaker that used to feed a garage that got vandalized by an arsonist (Burned to the ground) I removed the wires Grabbed it with a gloved hand (Shock protction just in cuss) and nothing moved..

Finally I walked back across the lot to the elecrician and told him it was rusted in place.. He ask some question and I held up my big channel locks in one hand and the dual breakr in the other and said "It was not, however a problem".

[MEXICOWANDERER]

You can buy a separate marine type switch breaker but you need to cut and drill to make it work

[j-d]

If you have three that are already double, where will you get room for more? I don't think they make breakers in triple or quad. That said, ours, an IOTA panel in a middle-aged Jayco, uses doubles and had a blank slot, just plastic over it as part of the cover. By cutting the cover (on dotted lines) I exposed that slot and added another double breaker. One of the existing breakers had two circuits wired to it. So one side of the new double got that second circuit. Then I added another outlet on the bed pedestal to get another plug-in back in the bedroom.
I'm sure you realize this, but I'll repeat... if this is a 30-amp RV, you don't get more capacity, just a little convenience. It was worth it to me because I can now run two small electric heaters. At night, nothing else running, other campers have shut off some of their load so voltage is better. My mod allowed this because the two are now on separate 15-amp circuits. Say 10-amp each. Two will trip a 15 breaker, but two 15's with 10 on each won't trip the 30 main.
Anyhow, you should be able to "rock" a breaker out, pulling the end away from its terminal screw. I'd like to see an extra retainer strip for just the breakers, once the main cover is off, but I've never seen one.
What Make/Model of Breakers? Can you post a couple pictures?

[mrgreetis]

More info: The power was completely off (12 and 120 V). I had already removed the cover. I was just looking at the existing breakers. I have in the past replaced house breakers so I was just considering how I would do it in the trailer.
There are currently 3 double pole breakers and I will be adding a breaker for the new converter. Just for my own knowledge I did try removing one by rocking it but there is a plastic divider at the end opposite the conductor terminal screw so I couldn't really grab it well. That is why I thought there might be something I was missing.
Thanks for all your input.

Mike

[MEXICOWANDERER]

The concept "could be"

Remove existing standard width breaker

Replace with twin breakers

Gain a breaker

[enblethen]

Turn off power, grasp breaker between thumb and fore finger, rock the breaker toward the conductor termination end. Breaker should come loose from buss bar.
Installation is reverse.
I am guessing you are adding a twin breaker to power the converter separately.

[lanerd]

I agree... if you are this inexperienced, you really need to be shown by an expert. You just can't mess around with that much amperage and not know what you are doing.

[RJsfishin]

I'll be the first to say it
CALL AN ELECT TECH !! :0:0:)

[time2roll]

Have you pulled off the front cover so all the 120v wires are exposed?
(do unplug first)

[Old-Biscuit]

If adding a new breaker why the need to remove an existing breaker????



With ALL power OFF

Disconnect wire from breaker terminal

Pull out on top of breaker