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    sdeal's Avatar
    sdeal Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 15, 2009, 06:40 AM
    Breaker Switches
    If there is a breaker labeled as "Spare" in the breaker panel, does it matter if the switch is turned "on" or "off"? Thanks!
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 15, 2009, 06:44 AM
    As long as there is no wire on it it doesn't matter.
    Someone may have used that breaker and not re-labeled it.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #3

    Apr 15, 2009, 06:53 AM
    What?

    Quote Originally Posted by stanfortyman View Post
    Someone may have used that breaker and not re-labeled it.
    How could that happen? That's not allowed by code! Does that still happen?

    LOL, just being scarcastic.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
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    #4

    Apr 15, 2009, 07:06 AM
    Maybe it was for a "Spare room" and the installed had ADD and never finished writing the label. :p
    I can see myslef doing something like that. :D
    sdeal's Avatar
    sdeal Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Apr 15, 2009, 07:14 AM
    Thanks guys! This is for a commercial building. Each panel has several "spare" breakers. Though none control power to anything one either floor. Being that its not a complete circuit, I assumed there was no harm in leaving all of them in the "on" position, just wanted to make sure... Thanks to all of you for your help, and sarcasm.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #6

    Apr 15, 2009, 07:30 AM
    I will say, sounds like someone did exactly as required by code, even labeling spare breakers as "Spare", which is often looked for by electrical and fire inspectors.

    Leaving a the label for a spare breaker blank is no longer allowed.

    Unfortunately, as Stan mentions, that someone could have used a spare and not relabeled the panel, the only way to confirm is to open the panel and look to be sure.

    Opening a panel, esp a commercial location, should only be done by a qualified person wearing the proper protective gear.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #7

    Apr 15, 2009, 07:32 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by tkrussell View Post
    I will say, sounds like someone did exactly as required by code, even labeling spare breakers as "Spare", whcih is often looked for by electrical and fire inspectors.

    Leaving a the label for a spare breaker blank is no longer allowed.

    Unfortunatley, as Stan mentions, that someone could have used a spare and not relabeled the panel, the only way to confirm is to open the panel and look to be sure.

    Opening a panel, esp a commercial location, should only be done by a qualified person wearing the proper protective gear.
    I completely agree on all points.
    Commercially it is very common to see a FULL panel that has many spares.
    ceilingfanrepair's Avatar
    ceilingfanrepair Posts: 5,733, Reputation: 109
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    #8

    Apr 17, 2009, 10:46 PM

    I usually turn the spare ones off. Then, if I find anything that doesn't work until I turn them back on, I then know it's not actually spare.
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