Going through warranty hell. Main breaker is crap, and alternating pairs of breakers are not getting power (so, 50% of appliances/outlets are out).
I've been fighting for a new panel because the panel is ancient with old Crouse Hinds breakers, but now I'm told my family will need to wait over a week before they can get it special ordered (the main breaker is an old Crouse Hinds MD-A 200A bubble breaker).
Can the MD-A 200A be replaced with a newer Murray MPD2200 safely? Downsides?
Comments/Reviews on Amazon seem to convey that it's no problem, however nobody provided a specific model they were upgrading from, aside from saying "old Crouse Hinds" breakers, and I'm not sure why electricians say to avoid using non-original parts.
I have experience replacing a breaker here and there, and I swapped out wiring within the last few days to sacrifice the disposal for the dishwasher, but I haven't replaced a main breaker before.
Edit: Photo of panel for (some) context
Best Answer
The MPD2200 should be correct as a replacement...
The MPD2200 should be the correct replacement main breaker for your panel -- the old Murray breaker factory changed hands a few times before ending up in its current home (with Siemens).
However, be careful here in more ways than one
However, you'll not only need to have your utility cut the power to your house to do this safely (most utilities will not charge for this service during working hours), but you should be quite careful and gentle when inserting the new breaker into the panel, following the directions precisely. Any discrepancy whatsoever in the fit of the breaker to the bussing and interior should not be hacked around, but be treated as time to call in the cavalry (you'll have to call in an electrician and have them call Siemens tech support for advice, I reckon). Furthermore, you'll need a torque wrench calibrated in inch-pounds to tighten the terminal lugs on the new breaker (for the incoming wires from the meter, if nothing else) to their specified torque, as well as for any other uses the install instructions may prescribe (NEC 110.14(D) requires that the breaker lugs be torqued correctly even).
Of course, if you're not comfortable with any of this, calling in an electrician is always an option.