Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
This concerns circuit breakers being sheared off when removing or installing galley storage containers in the aft galley of 787 aircraft. The container in particular is location XXX; which is set perpendicular and adjacent to the circuit breaker panel. If the container is not aligned properly in the slot as it is being moved; more specifically; angled with the front of the container closer to the circuit breaker panel...there will be damage. This container is above or near head level for most crew members and if there is any excessive weight; the momentum can easily shear the circuit breaker if it hits/contacts. The circuit breaker replacement requires removal of the power panel and access is limited. To my knowledge; any circuit breaker in this condition is a No Dispatch Item. The time required to repair can be extensive; factoring in availability of parts; tooling and accessibility of the damaged circuit breaker. Manpower resources are also impacted; two technicians are needed. This is the fifth incident I have personally dealt with; resulting in aircraft dispatch delays each time.[I suggest] a protective guard that is tall enough to prevent damage to the circuit breakers; open or closed; from the galley storage container as it is being removed/installed. On the bottom of the circuit breaker panel; is a handle to facilitate its removal. The handle runs parallel to the floor. If something could be fabricated similar in design to the handle but wider; a little wider than the row of circuit breakers installed. An upper and lower protective guard would prevent any incidental contact from the container.
Pilot reported concern that circuit breaker heads are being broken off by galley carts being moved due to the lack of a guard.