New vs. Reconditioned Circuit Breakers — What You Need to Know

What Is a Reconditioned Breaker?

A reconditioned breaker has been removed from service, disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and tested to verify it meets the original manufacturer's specifications. A reputable reconditioner will test the trip mechanism, contact resistance, insulation resistance, and dielectric strength.

When Reconditioned Breakers Are Acceptable

Reconditioned breakers are widely used in industrial and commercial applications where:

The breaker is a large, expensive industrial unit (100A–2,000A) The application is non-critical (lighting, HVAC, non-life-safety) The reconditioner provides a warranty and test documentation The installation is inspected by a licensed electrician

Many industrial facilities use reconditioned breakers as a cost-effective maintenance strategy.

When to Always Buy New

Always buy new breakers for:

Life-safety circuits (fire alarm, emergency lighting, exit signs) GFCI and AFCI applications (the electronic components degrade over time) Main breakers and service entrance equipment Residential panels (the cost savings are small and the risk is not worth it) Any application where the breaker's trip history is unknown

What to Look for in a Reconditioned Breaker

If you choose a reconditioned breaker, verify:

The reconditioner is reputable and has been in business for years Test documentation is provided (trip test results, contact resistance) A warranty is offered (typically 1 year) The breaker is the correct brand, amperage, and type The breaker shows no signs of previous fault damage (burn marks, warping)

AllBreakerSales.com Policy

AllBreakerSales.com provides written quotes that identify the represented manufacturer, catalog number, condition, and source. The written quote states the represented condition and source for the specific item. Seller warranty terms are limited to the written 30-day policy unless the quote expressly identifies different manufacturer coverage.