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+--- Thread: time for my 1st non-Mac-ish household question (/showthread.php?tid=296444)
time for my 1st non-Mac-ish household question - Fritz - 06-25-2025
I will try to put this in the Kings Inglish so no one has to break out or update their decoder ring.
been chasing an oven issue that I'm fairly certain is a breaker issue.
I was getting an intermittent error code (Thermador F34) that pointed to a Hall Effect device of a cooling fan.
After lots of testing, I determined that wasn't the issue, nor was the relay board. The only 2 troublemakers in older ovens.
There are more details if you like, but prob'ly not needed.
20yo oven and breaker of at least the same age.
Square D box w/2P 240v/30A breaker (QO230)
After realizing that the failure was usually fixed with a flip or 2 of the breaker, I went looking for electrical issues.
J-box where the #8 meets the armored #8 that goes to the oven was fine.
Today, turned off the Main breaker (coz I like my balls where they are) and unseated the breaker to look at the buss bar for oxidation and/or rust. None. Breaker clips are clean too.
Unscrewed the Pole terminal screws a half turn then tightened them a full turn, coz I could. Flipped the breaker on. Quiet, not that it wasn't before.
Ran the oven a few times, successfully, for 5 minutes or so. The error usually happens @40s if the mp doesn't see a 2vDC signal.
My thought is, if it behaves for 3 days, leave well enough alone.
If the issue comes again, then replace the breaker. 20 years (at least) of 240v/30A in varying degrees of humidity is a nice long life for a breaker.
Breaker is ~$25. Cheaper than appliance service or a new oven. I hate to throw out repairable stuff. So far, my spouse says the same thing.
sound like a plan or just go ahead and replace the breaker?
RE: time for my 1st non-Mac-ish household question - Diana - 06-25-2025
The breaker is marginal, especially given its age. Replace it.