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Darb · 30-05-2020, 07:41

I have a failed breaker on my 2001 Hunter (won't reset) that I would like to replace. It is an Airpax 10 amp toggle breaker.

It appears that Airpax breakers are no longer manufactured and available, other than a few on eBay. I've looked but can't find a vendor. I'd like to ask if anyone knows if the Blue Seas A-Series breakers can be used in place of the Airpax spade and screw type breakers? That is, are the physical dimensions and face mounting screw placements compatible?

I'd appreciate any thoughts from people that have had to replace Airpax breakers.

Cheechako · 30-05-2020, 07:56

I have seen buckets of NOS breakers in used marine equipment places, evidently from failed boat building places.
Or check Ebay there seem to be thousands on there... less if you search under "marine". But as I remember, those breakers are actually labeled as "120V breakers", ? ...but used for 12V right?
If the Aipx you mention is the type I'm thinking of I believe they DO fit older Marinetics and some Blue Seas panels. But Blue Seas changed types a couple times that I'm aware of. A pic might help, but just look at Ebay, lots of pics.

Coolerking · 30-05-2020, 08:18

Breakers are rated by amp and trip curve, not by voltage.

Dsanduril · 30-05-2020, 08:20

Do you know the model of the AirPax? If it is the IPA/CPA series they are 42mm x 16mm with 32mm spacing of the mounting holes. The A-series is larger, 51mm x 19mm with 42mm spacing.

The Airpax I?G/C?G (many letter options for the "?") are dimensionally compatible with the A-series. But then Digi-Key has 48 of those in stock for immediate shipment. They also have several other models of AirPax 10A breakers in stock.

Mouser has a different selection of 10A Airpax in stock.

Cheechako · 30-05-2020, 08:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coolerking

Breakers are rated by amp and trip curve, not by voltage.

Yes, but they have a voltage rating embossed on them, or on the label.

Dsanduril · 30-05-2020, 08:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coolerking

Breakers are rated by amp and trip curve, not by voltage.

Sorry, but I just can't let this stand. Breakers also have a maximum voltage rating, and especially in DC systems this is absolutely critical. The higher the voltage the longer the arc when a breaker opens under load, and if you exceed the voltage capacity the arc can maintain the circuit even after the breaker has tripped.

Breakers also have a maximum interrupting current rating (AIC) and this can be critical as well in battery-based systems where the available fault current can be quite high (thousands of amps).

Lake-Effect · 30-05-2020, 08:39

If your breaker is a common-sized one, most chandleries will have a replacement that fits.

It's important to be getting a DC breaker; the contacts are different (more robust) than an AC breaker.

I see tons of breakers on the web, and I've also seen MANY used panels at boating flea markets. I bought several DC breakers when my favourite surplus joint had them for $2 each.