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plumberman · Dec 1, 2007, 08:38 AM

I have a three year old goodman heatpump and every time the aux light is on the breaker trips. I have taken the panel loose and tightened the wires and that seemed to work for a short period. It is a 50 amp breaker in a FP elec panel. My house was built in 1924 so it has the old alum wire running to the breaker. When I first bought the house I had no problems the first winter and it never trips during the summer. Can someone please help me figure out what is going on.

hvac1000 · Dec 1, 2007, 08:55 AM

((50 amp breaker in a FP elec panel.)) You better do some reading up on Federal Pacific electric panels and breakers. To many fires and lawsuits. Contact a electricial ASAP for your safety especially since you also have another problem with aluminum wire.

READ

http://www.inspect-ny.com/fpe/fpepanel.htm

plumberman · Dec 1, 2007, 09:02 AM

Thanks for the link... I had heard stories about FP but didn't know it was that bad... My wife and I will have the boxed replaced as soon as possible. Thanks again

labman · Dec 1, 2007, 12:17 PM

For more on that issue, go to tkrussell in electrical.

tkrussell · Dec 1, 2007, 12:45 PM

Sounds like the breaker is working properly, and is doing it's job.

Before just thinking your problem will be solved by replacing the panelboard, you may want to have the heating unit checked for a sort or some other problem to cause the breaker to trip.

There may be a loose terminal or connection at the breaker causing the breaker to trip due to heat being created at the connection, which can happen with any breaker manufacturer.

To learn the official notice of these FPE breakers, review this:
Commission Closes Investigation Of FPE Circuit Breakers And Provides Safety Information For Consumers

hvac1000 · Dec 1, 2007, 01:20 PM

TK is correct many bad problems with FPE.

Note your Goodman equipment is not rated for use with aluminum wire to start with so it was hooked up to the incorrect type of wiring from the beginning. You could check in the unit as recommended but you should still replace the aluminum wiring to the unit back to the panel. Also check the Breaker to be sure it is aluminum rated also. It might say CU/AL on the breaker if it is.