Electrical question regarding the breaker box

[massivecalyx]

So I have 2 20amp breakers running to my area. I replaced both of the breakers with what I believe are the right type but I have a problem. The metal contact on both of these two openings is a lot smaller than the rest of the box, like half to quarter the height. This makes it so the breaker just barely touches the contacts. I have to position the breakers just right to get them to supply power and the slightest movement causes them to lose power. This does not seem very safe to me and has me concerned.

Am I using the wrong breaker? Is it possible my box requires two different types depending on where they are located? It's just the last two slots on the left hand side that are smaller than all the rest.

 

[labtec]

Is there any way that you could take some pictures? Are the breakers the exact same as the rest in the panel?

 

[Crusader Rabbit]

This sure doesn't sound right. Are the breakers manufactured by the same company that made the box?

 

[massivecalyx]

The breakers and the box are both made by GE. I'll see if I can take some pictures when I get home. The breakers install perfectly fine into the other spots where the metal contact is a lot larger and allows it to clip in.

I had the one breaker installed for almost a year now and as long as its positioned right and I don't touch it or look at it wrong, it looks fine. It just gives me a real uneasy feeling knowing how its hooked up. The box is the original from the 40s if that makes any difference.

 

[Dirty Harry]

I think you have the wrong type/size breaker. Compare the old to the new. If size of everything is not exactly the same, wrong breaker.

 

[massivecalyx]

Everything is currently working fine so I don't want to muck around with it to take some pictures.

I'm almost positive I'm using the wrong breaks... but how do I find which one is the right one to use? Also, is it common for a box to take 2 different types of breakers?

 

[Hempstress]

If they do not seat firmly they can arc and overheat and/or cause a fire. Your breakers should fit into their slots firmly.

 

[Crusader Rabbit]

I've never heard of a box taking two slightly different sized breakers. If you can go without the electricity for half a day, you could pull one of the breakers that fits perfectly and take it with you to the store for comparison.

 

[labtec]

I've never heard of a box taking two slightly different sized breakers. If you can go without the electricity for half a day, you could pull one of the breakers that fits perfectly and take it with you to the store for comparison.

Do this. It's the best way to take care of your problem.

 

[mrcreosote]

Wrong breakers.
Get them out of there. Today. Get the model # of the existing breakers printed on the top and match them.

You are a very lucky guy your plants haven't been watered by the fire dept.

 

[Mr Eckted]

Dude, you're using the wrong breakers. Take them out before you burn your house down.

Write down the model number or turn off the main breaker and grab one that fits properly to take to the store.

Go do it now, stop reading. Seriously, you should be on the way to the store by now.