Need outdoor electrical advice

The google machine thinks you need a Murray breaker. But please double check my google abilities.

 

@TXpro4X4

 

I know, sometimes it's not easy for me to make a quick trip. Was HOPING for a magic link to solve all my problems. While I say that jokingly, it really is hard to make a HD trip sometimes.

 

@LivinOnEdge
Where in Cali are you?

 

Castaic

 

To bad the truck is in the shop. I could come up there and then go to Gorman with the kid.
Let me go back and see what's going on and see if I can help when I have some time this evening

 

@LivinOnEdge

So - it's a Crouse Hinds Breaker box. The 2 pole 50 is a Challenger (and not a GFCI). I don't know all the compatible breakers. Someone mentioned Square D? Maybe the Square D Homeline series. But definitely not a standard Square D Breaker. So here are the definite fit breakers: Crouse Hinds, Challenger. Here is a few possible fit breakers. ITE, Siemens, Square D HomeLine. You will have to research compatible breakers. I could tell you how to alter different breakers to make them fit. But some of these readers don't get out of the house much.

Back to your original question - I gave you 2 illustrations for options. What ever way you choose really depends on what you want to do.

Option 1 - Installing the 60A 2 pole breaker box is probably the most straight forward and least technical. You can reuse the 2 pole 50A breaker. But this option will probably be a little bit more expensive than option 2.

Option 2 - Requires a little more knowledge of how a multi phase distribution circuit works (sharing neutrals and grounds correctly). And will be a little more difficult to install because of dealing with multiple wires of different sizes. And making all of this fit into your first box.

Soooo - Let me know what you want and if you want my help. 35 years of experience surely makes me certified (my wife says I'm certifiable).

 

Sorry. I work Swing Shift at the factory so my hours are skewed somewhat.

 

Out of all the statements I've made on this post, that one is the only one I'd like to retract.

 

Thanks man. I think I'm going to attempt an option 3 first which is to replace the breaker entirely with a 20a, and reuse the existing wire and replace the shoddy receptacle. @TXpro4X4 has got me on the line right now so I'll see what this gentleman has planned and maybe he can lend me a hand for a few bucks.

 

Completed my apprenticeship many years ago, licensed Master for many years, over 43 years in the trade. If you need to ask what breaker can you install on a given wire size and what brand fits your panel you need to hire an experienced electrician. Simple as that.

 

The only thing I am unsure of is the breaker since it's so old. Going to pull one this week and try to find one if not a similar one.

 

10/3 with ground is not good for 50 amps. While I applaud your do it yourself approach and the fact that you’re willing to learn and ask questions, the fact that you have some basics wrong lead me to think you might best be served with an electrician.

 

You maybe be able to find a reconditioned breaker on Ebay or Amazon. Cutler Hammer BR Series or Square D Homeline could possibly fit that panel.

 

@LivinOnEdge No disrespect to you but if I was tasked to do this job first thing I would say is meter/panel combo needs replaced. If homeowner balked I would walk. I have replaced many, Cutler Hammer, ITE, Bryant, GE, etc panels because they are just junk. Having changed many of these services I have surplus breakers, why I keep them who knows they just collect dust. I even have a couple Pushomatic breakers! FYI Bryant breakers will fit your panel.

 

What are you talking about? I said I was going to rerun 14/3 with a new 20amp quite a few times now.

 

If someone can do it for under $1500 sure. But a whole new panel isnt in budget.

 

Understand. I have seen these breakers not trip on overload, short circuit conditions. Not good. Be sure homeowners insurance policy is paid . Again no disrespect.

 

20 amp needs 12/3.