Community Forums

SewFishy · 03-07-2017, 11:02 AM

How would I intentionally "pull" or trip a single W58 type reset breaker in a 12 volt line for safety or trouble shooting purposes?

All the wiring is behind a panel. Is there a special tool or trick?

Thank you.

Vicr · 03-07-2017, 11:17 AM

I'm an electrician and I am wondering why you want to test the re-settable breaker? And what do you mean for "safety"?

If the breaker is listed with UL or ETI then it's been tested at the manufacturer to trip at its rating. If you doubt its integrity replace it with a new one.

rgvtexan · 03-07-2017, 01:03 PM

I think he is not testing the breaker, but working on something that is on the circuit (down line)
The data sheet says they cannot be manually tripped, I would disconnect the battery.

Features
• 0.5 amp to 30 amp ratings.
• Cannot be manually tripped.
• Button extends for visual trip indication.
• Push button to reset breaker.
• Termination is screw or .250” QC.
• Bottom marked amperage rating optionally available.

See Data Sheet.

Vicr · 03-07-2017, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgvtexan

I think he is not testing the breaker, but working on something that is on the circuit (down line)
The data sheet says they cannot be manually tripped, I would disconnect the battery.

Features
• 0.5 amp to 30 amp ratings.
• Cannot be manually tripped.
• Button extends for visual trip indication.
• Push button to reset breaker.
• Termination is screw or .250” QC.
• Bottom marked amperage rating optionally available.

See Data Sheet.

It would have to be bench tested with a variable loadbank to test it. Yes, disconnect battery or unplug the load side of the breaker. It's UL tested and made by Tyco so the quality is all there.
An aside, I used to own a 1967 MGB-GT. Great little car!

rgvtexan · 03-08-2017, 10:35 AM

Vicr

My first B was a 67, bought new and drove for 20 years. Wish I still had it!

billdreamlv · 03-08-2017, 11:38 AM

You can test the W58 by grounding the load side of the breaker. However, do you like arc welding? Depending on the amperage of the w58 you should be prepared for a flash, a loud noise and some sparks.

I think if you explained what you want to do with this project, the forum guys can find a better way to do it than what you are attempting. This is not recommended at all. You could damage more stuff than you are attempting to fix. Proceed with caution. This makes no sense.

SewFishy · 03-13-2017, 08:55 PM

It makes sense if I am trying to find a problem down line from the breaker and want it out of the circuit. Very hard to measure resistance with voltage applied.

I will disconnect the battery. I do not enjoy arc welding.

Thank you Rgvtexan for the reply.