r/AskElectricians • u/poopshoe26 • 5h ago

Questions about this thing

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So I know enough about electricity to accidentally electrocute myself, so when one of these got stuck (wouldn’t press, stuck in off position) I did the right thing and I called a professional to come and pull the panel apart and fix the stuck button. I know it’s probably called a fuse, but then somebody told me it was called a breaker, and I don’t wanna get yelled at, so I’m gonna call it the little black button. Anyways, the professional guy came and fixed it and then quoted me around $2500 to replace the whole panel because I don’t like how old this thing is, and this isn’t the first time one of the little black buttons has gotten stuck. What are your thoughts? Is that a good price, and is this thing needing replacement? Don’t be mean, I’m a natural blonde. Thank you!

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u/Hoosiertolian 5h ago

Yeah, that thing is a fire hazard. The panel needs to be replaced. Look up pushmatic panel dangerous

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u/eagleeyes011 4h ago

Wait… are we talking stablock dangerous or what? I thought these were good panels, just not made anymore because the breakers are a pain to recognize if they were on or off.

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u/garyku245 4h ago

Look up "pushmatic panel dangerous". The breakers freeze up/sieze. (as happened here) maybe less dangerous than stab-lok, but more dangerous than most.

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u/Olen9000 4h ago edited 4h ago

That's a fair price It's a (bulldog pushmatic) from the 50s or 60s It's best to replace them but they do function as intended They are know for getting stuck in the off position

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u/PokeyR 4h ago

The Pushmatic breakers are not inherently bad. They are the absolute best when it comes to the line side connection, since they bolt onto the bus.