Product Description

Cutler-Hammer (acquired by Eaton in 1979) produced a broad line of magnetic blowout contactors, DC control panels, and motor starters that used a “de-ion” style arc chute over each pole. According to publicly filed asbestos litigation records, the arc chute allegedly incorporated woven chrysotile fabric wraps and molded asbestos-phenolic side plates to withstand the magnetic-blowout arc, particularly on DC crane, mill, and mining control panels from the 1940s through the 1980s.

Replacing burned tips, swapping arc-chute assemblies, and cleaning fault-damaged panels allegedly disturbed friable asbestos plate residue inside the cubicle.

Workers Exposed

  • Motor control center technicians rebuilding Cutler-Hammer contactor buckets
  • Plant electricians servicing DC crane and mill control panels
  • Industrial maintenance electricians replacing arc chutes on production lines
  • Industrial electricians (IBEW) maintaining Cutler-Hammer switchgear lineups