Need anti-trip circuit breaker covers/shields for XL

[Javik_apc]

APC has a really dumb problem with the white circuit breakers on the XL series:

* If you push in the breaker to reset, it turns the load off.
* The buttons are very sensitive to anything touching them.

It is very easy to accidentally push those breaker buttons just by wiggling cords around on the back of the unit, or by vacuuming around the unit, or wiggling the management card network cable, or if there is an earthquake, or breathing on the unit, or...

I am trying to find some way to shield those breaker buttons from contact.

There should be a metal plate or cover over the breaker buttons that is normally screwed shut, and needs to be opened to actually push the reset buttons, but I know I cannot do any spot welding on the UPS frame without voiding the warranty.

I am hoping to find closed-end hard plastic caps that can be twisted onto the threads around the breaker button barrel, and these caps must be removed to push the button. So far I am not having any luck finding a protective breaker cap like this.

[Javik_apc]

This is the Smart-UPS 3000 XL rackmount: SUA3000RMXL3U -- 9/15/06

I do not like to touch the hardware at all, it is so sensitive to any contact on the breaker buttons.

Last week a cord was moved a little behind the UPS and it suddenly dropped power on a rack of production servers in the middle of the day. Ack.

,

I need to have this problem fixed, in whatever manner possible. Maybe hot-glue some 1/2" PVC pipe stubs around the breakers, so you have to reach in with a pencil eraser to actually push the breaker button. (Not sure how that'd affect the warranty if I trade it in, though.)

[Javik_apc]

Hmm, I suppose either a brass nipple, or an empty shotgun shell casing may be what I need, since it won't damage or modify the UPS housing.

!http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll9/DMahalko/Message%20Boards/breakeranti-tripcasing.png!

This only requires the fastener nut to be removed from the breaker barrel, to install the case around the button, then re-install the nut.

[Javik_apc · Accepted solution]

APC has a really dumb problem with the white circuit breakers on the XL series:

* If you push in the breaker to reset, it turns the load off.
* The buttons are very sensitive to anything touching them.

It is very easy to accidentally push those breaker buttons just by wiggling cords around on the back of the unit, or by vacuuming around the unit, or wiggling the management card network cable, or if there is an earthquake, or breathing on the unit, or...

I am trying to find some way to shield those breaker buttons from contact.

There should be a metal plate or cover over the breaker buttons that is normally screwed shut, and needs to be opened to actually push the reset buttons, but I know I cannot do any spot welding on the UPS frame without voiding the warranty.

I am hoping to find closed-end hard plastic caps that can be twisted onto the threads around the breaker button barrel, and these caps must be removed to push the button. So far I am not having any luck finding a protective breaker cap like this.