Old circuit breaker resources, web or my local?

[JeepinDoug]

I'm trying to hardwire two new 220v outlets in the garage, one 30a and one 50a. I been using one 50' extension for a while now but that's getting tired.
My problem is finding these circuit breakers and I must suck at web searches cause I can't find what I need.
I know there is a semi local surplus dealer but I don't know who or where he is on the San Francisco/Bay Area penninsula.
The circuit breakers are Stab-Lok, thin.
I have a spare 110v/20a here on my desk. On one side it says "Type NC-NI May be used where type NC is specified".
There's also a small tag that says "40C" but that's probably a test approval tag.
Here's two pics.

[lsloth]

There are some Stab-lok stuff on ebay:

http://search.ebay.com/Stab-Lok_W0QQfrppZ50QQfsopZ1QQmaxrecordsreturnedZ300QQs atitleZStabQ2dLok

[Gummi Bear]

The Home Depot carries the new reproduction FPE breakers. Stab Lok is a Federal Pacific design. It was the design that opened the door for modern breaker technology. It's outdated, and the old ones don't trip for squat. The new reproductions do a better job at circuit protection. Get out your pocketbook, because they don't come cheap.

Good Luck man,

[JeepinDoug]

Damn that was quick.
I added NC to the eBay search and found the two I want.
I always forget to search eBay for some reason.
Thank you

[JeepinDoug]

The Home Depot carries the new reproduction FPE breakers. Stab Lok is a Federal Pacific design. It was the design that opened the door for modern breaker technology. It's outdated, and the old ones don't trip for squat. The new reproductions do a better job at circuit protection. Get out your pocketbook, because they don't come cheap.

Good Luck man,
I read somewhere that Home Depot sold them but our HD is terrible, there is a HD Pro down the street though.

[JeepinDoug]

HD is about $10 more than the used eBay finds, worth the extra money in trusting a better breaker. I had also read somewhere that they had some major saftey issues with the old FPE units, apparently the saftey standard boards let it go, :eek: .

[jasonmt]

If you get stuck they are still used and quite common up here so a quick trip to the wholesalers and then the post ofice could be arranged if needed. I just bought a couple of 240V/30A breakers for the shop panel and they were under $30(Can) for both.

[JeepinDoug]

That's a nice offer, thanks Jason. I should be ok, HD is supposed to stock them.

[u2slow]

You can get the skinny ones up to 50A rating.

http://www.schneider-electric.ca/www/en/products/stab-lok/assets/images/breakers.jpg

http://www.schneider-electric.ca/www/ecat/documents/b_section.pdf

[Urban Wheeler]

What about wiring a sub-panel in? That way you can use more common parts.

[Junk Driver]

you are correct, Jason.

I just came from HD, gettin ready to wire in a new plug thats more accessible to the whole shop for my Miller 175. The double pole 220V 30Amp Federal Pioneer breaker was only 16 CDN. Not even 12 USD.

[JeepinDoug]

What about wiring a sub-panel in? That way you can use more common parts.
That was an option I was thinking of but it seems redundant and will cost more money. I could do a nice clean job with two outlets.