125 amp Main breaker burning with busbar. 3 different electricians, 3 different solutions, who do I trust?

Question

I have zero knowledge of electricity. I'm just repeating what the electricians said. They all wrote down the same problem. 125 amp main breaking burning with the busbar.  There's arcing or something, it's a fire hazard, melting something (can't read handwriting).

Electrician #1 Says he has to replace the whole panel for $1900 dollars. 

#2 Says he has to replace the panel for same price BUT my state has a new law requiring that I also have a trench dug 45 feet long towards an above ground conduit that needs to be built too. Total cost = $10000 dollars

#3 Says he can just repair the main breaker and busbar for 900 bucks. 

Here's a picture of the damage:

http://i45.tinypic.com/o5wdvo.jpg

I sometimes don't have electricity in half of my house. I stopped using dryer, a/c , microwave , toaster, 220v appliances like the electricians recommended. 

Any opinions? Help?

Irv S · Accepted Answer

Can't see a lot from the photo.
* There are indications of possible heat damage to the branch 
breakers adjacent to the main.
* Can't determine the amount of damage to the panel bus bars 
at the connection to that main.
* There might be some doubt as to the integrity of the bus insulation/support.
To be safe, I'd go with electrician #1.

Unless there's an issue with that entrance cable, (water etc.),  
causing the failure, you can ignore that 'new Law', because an existing 
installation is covered under the 'Code in effect at the time of installation.

Dugie B · Answer

I would replace the whole panel like electrician #1 said, but I sure would not pay him 1900 dollars to do it. I would get another quote for a panel replacement. I just did a 200 amp box replacement for 800 dollars with box included. Where do you live, I need to move there if they charge that kind if price for a 6 to 8 hour job! BTW they are correct in telling you not to use 220v appliances, you are losing one leg of power.

Anonymous · Answer

If you can Afford it replace the board, replacing the breaker an busbar is also a goo solution! I would go with the cheaper option, although it's not so cheap I would get more quotes!! I agree with what they said about what to use, untill the problem is rectified use as little electric as possible to avoid burning.

Kris_B · Answer

The main wire from the transformer to your meter is not the issue. That is the power co. property.  From the meter to your main breaker is.  So no ditch digging for you! <smile and sigh of relief> Unfortunately your meter is designed with the main breaker attached to it.  While finding parts for these things is not impossible it can be pricey.  #3 electrician seems to be the right one to use for the job.

? · Answer

Replace the panel and save yourself from future trouble caused by the original problem. I think you'll be grandfathered in on the new code for redoing the entrance as long as your replacing and not upgrading.

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125 amp Main breaker burning with busbar. 3 different electricians, 3 different solutions, who do I trust?

5 Answers