Where to Buy Obsolete and Discontinued Circuit Breakers

Published: 2025-06-08 | 6 min read | Category: Buying Guide

The best place to buy obsolete circuit breakers is a specialist surplus distributor like AllBreakerSales.com that maintains warehouse inventory of discontinued brands including Westinghouse, Federal Pacific, ITE/Gould, older GE frames, and legacy Cutler-Hammer models. General electrical supply houses and big-box stores do not stock obsolete breakers — they only carry current-production models.

An estimated 15-20 million electrical panels in the US contain obsolete or discontinued circuit breakers (CPSC data), creating a $500+ million annual market for replacement parts that are no longer manufactured. When one of these breakers fails, the owner faces a choice: find a surplus replacement (typically $50-$500) or replace the entire panel ($2,000-$15,000+ installed).

Where to Find Obsolete Breakers

| Source | Pros | Cons | |---|---|---| | Specialist distributors (AllBreakerSales.com) | Verified inventory, warranty, technical support | Slightly higher price than unknown sellers | | Online marketplaces (eBay) | Occasionally low prices | No warranty, no condition verification, counterfeit risk | | Local electrical salvage | Can inspect in person | Limited selection, no warranty | | Demolition contractors | Sometimes available cheap | Unknown condition, no testing |

**Key takeaway:** For any obsolete breaker going into a live electrical panel, buy from a specialist who tests and warranties the part. The $20-$50 premium over an unverified marketplace listing is insignificant compared to the risk of installing a defective breaker.

Most Commonly Needed Obsolete Breakers

The following discontinued brands generate the highest demand for surplus replacements:

**Westinghouse** — Discontinued 1994 when Eaton acquired the division. Residential Type A/BA and industrial Series C/DA/DB frames are in steady demand. DS air circuit breakers command premium prices ($2,000-$15,000) due to extreme scarcity.

**Federal Pacific (FPE)** — Stab-Lok breakers were found to have a 25-30% failure-to-trip rate in independent testing (CPSC). While replacement breakers exist in surplus, most electricians recommend full panel replacement for safety.

**ITE/Gould** — Acquired by Siemens in 1983. Many ITE frames (EF, ET, KF series) have direct Siemens equivalents. Others require surplus sourcing.

**Older GE frames** — GE's AKR air circuit breakers and older TK/TKM molded case frames are no longer manufactured but remain in service in thousands of facilities.

How to Order Obsolete Breakers

AllBreakerSales.com stocks thousands of obsolete and discontinued circuit breakers from all legacy manufacturers. Every part is tested, warranted, and ships from our US warehouse. Call **(877) 611-0034** with your catalog number for immediate availability — or use our Cross-Reference Finder if you need help identifying the modern equivalent.

Shop These Breakers

Popular models available for immediate shipping:

• Westinghouse HFB3020
• GE TED134020
• ITE EF3B020

Call **(877) 611-0034** for pricing on any circuit breaker in our inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are obsolete circuit breakers still safe to use?

An obsolete breaker that has been properly inspected, tested, and reconditioned to original specifications is safe to use. The key is sourcing from a reputable supplier who discloses the condition and testing process. An untested, uninspected used breaker of unknown history is a different matter.

What brands of circuit breakers are discontinued?

Major discontinued brands include Westinghouse (acquired by Eaton), Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok — discontinued and subject to safety concerns), ITE/Gould (acquired by Siemens), Bulldog/Pushmatic, and older GE frames. Many of these brands' breakers are still in service and require specialist sourcing for replacements.

How long does it take to source an obsolete circuit breaker?

It depends on the part. Common obsolete frames (Westinghouse FD, ITE EQ) are often in stock at specialist distributors and can ship same-day. Rare or high-amperage obsolete parts may require a search that takes days to weeks. Call AllBreakerSales.com at (877) 611-0034 for current availability.