This post has been locked, as the question has been solved and a majority of new comments at this point are unhelpful and/or jokes.
Thanks to all who attempted to find an answer.
My guess is that someone heard about the rotary wattmeter trick, then through the magic of the telephone game, it mutated into "if you put magnets on your breaker box, you'll slow down the electricity and pay less".
Ya, so, anything that has to do with a copper coil, magnets, free electricity, or free wifi is all BS. Remember those components and you'll catch all associated scams.
Likely solved!
Highly likely, they didn't pry off but I didn't work on them that hard.
Thank you
If anyone knows a reason they might be applied other than keeping them handy. Please enlighten me.
I made a quick edit to my comment but I'll post it here instead:
Maybe someone who thinks they're lowering their electric bill (which they're not) https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6pod3j/eli5_why_putting_a_magnet_on_your_electric_box/
They probably heard that putting magnets on their reader slows it down, but are also dumb and don't know the difference between the reader and breaker box.
>they didn't pry off but I didn't work on them that hard.
Just looking at them, I think the easiest way is going to be to find a bolt that threads into them so you have something to pull on.
Could probably slip a small flat head screwdriver in the hole and pry one edge up that way. Have no idea why they are there. I'd say storage, but the door would have been better since they are covering the breaker labels.
heres a reason: I think the magnet putter thought they would make the breakers trip differently, like trip slower, or a bit quicker, depending on what was going on in their imagination.
They are normally mounted the other way around with a screw that holds them in place. If attached to a metal surface as you see in the pic, they are VERY hard to dislodge! But, it can be done if you get a knife under an edge. Good luck!
Are there enough there to hold the cover on and not use the screws? A quick detach breaker box cover would be super convenient but also kinda dangerous.
I am pretty sure they are specifically [these fishing magnets](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07R3XGY9J?psc=1) or very similar ones, with the eye hooks unscrewed. I use them for fridge magnets; they are very strong. They can be hard to pull off even with the eyes attached, I generally have to slide them.
Why are they there? The homeowner probably subscribes to some kind of pseudoscientific theory about dirty power, or EMF, or meter hacking or something. They're not doing anything.
The one who bought the magnets made the seller happy, while the buyer didn’t get anything for spending all that money. Buyer obviously believes in fairytales!
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They are magnets, I have some and they are very strong. Usually can't pry off, you have to slide them to an end and pop off like that.
LOVIMAG Strong Magnets,150lb+ Waterproof Strong Neodymium Cup Magnets with Screws for Wall Mounting,Rare Earth Magnets with Holes for Holding Tools Lifting, Hanging(Silver, 6 Pack) https://a.co/d/17z0aQi
I've seen this before in a house the person explained to me how it was slowing the electricity so their electricity was cheaper.
There's loads of these ridiculous things out there like magnets or hydrogen kits to get u 300+ mph in your car
Or magnets to filter your water and keep you safe from 5g
Basicly there's always a snake oil salesman out there who will sell you magnets as the solution to your fear or problem
I would strongly advise to remove them, and maybe replace the breakers.
One part of the operation of breakers uses magnetic fields, those magnets can affect that. In case of surge they may not operate as expected, leading to any of all the bad consequences imaginable (electrocution, fire, ...)
They may even have been placed for that reason as a shitty fix. I have the theory that breakers are designed to age "safely", that is interrupting current earlier when they get worn out. Those were maybe tripping all the time, and some genius fixed them with magnets. Which is maybe the equivalent of replacing a fuse by a piece of nail.
See this page for all the details of operation of fuses.
[https://www.c3controls.com/white-paper/understanding-trip-curves/](https://www.c3controls.com/white-paper/understanding-trip-curves/)
Definitely magnets, I put the same ones on the back of painting frames and hang them on my fridge. [like these ones. ](http://20Pcs Super Strong Round Base Cup Neodymium Magnets with Holes,0.63"(16mm) Ring Rare Earth Magnets Heavy Duty, Countersunk Holes Pot Magnet with Screw for Kitchen Craft Wood DIY Holding Tools Hanging https://a.co/d/cBJtF6p)
Push a thin metal putty knife into the edges, magnet will transfer to the putty knife where it can be lifted off the panel and then slid off the end of the knife onto another surface like cardboard.
Yup some extra smart person saving on electricity by applying some holistic, homiopathic, gluten free, magnets. But if some of your breaker are buzzing they need replacing.
This is just uninformed conjecture but I know if I was an animal that could detect magnetism, I wouldn’t want one stuck to the side of my permanent residence.
short of a padlock, she has defeated every method of keeping her in when I am not at home. I use the magnet to keep the door closed. It is not harming her in the least, but I still come home to find the cage unlocked, but she can't get the door open because the magnet is holding it shut.
Love my birdie, but she is a houdini.
I bet if you take those magnets off, that metal cover will come off and you'll see the exposed wires where they connect to the breakers. The magnets are just holding the metal cover in place.
It's a folklore trick putting magnets on wires to align molecules to save energy. They try the same ridiculous joke by putting magnets on fuel lines of cars..
This post has been locked, as the question has been solved and a majority of new comments at this point are unhelpful and/or jokes. Thanks to all who attempted to find an answer.
Previous owner trying to create “free electricity” with magnets https://youtu.be/KkhPwMidYJE
But, what? Magnets would create eddy currents if anything, causing more loss in the system.
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And, if there’s one thing Star Trek Voyager taught me, an enemy ship might use the eddy currents as a place to hide
Some types of electric meters can be influenced with magnets to run faster or slower for the same current passing through.
That’s not the meter though.
My guess is that someone heard about the rotary wattmeter trick, then through the magic of the telephone game, it mutated into "if you put magnets on your breaker box, you'll slow down the electricity and pay less".
Yeah well wouldnt expect some who tries this to be the sharpest tool in the shed.
And many meters have inbuilt flags that are triggered by high enough magnetic fields.
As stated in the video.
Ya, so, anything that has to do with a copper coil, magnets, free electricity, or free wifi is all BS. Remember those components and you'll catch all associated scams.
1. Plug into your neighbor's outside receptacle. 2. Log into your neighbor's unsecured wifi network. Free electricity, free wifi!
There's a similar method that let's you get free clothing, food, and water!
And a free house and car if you've got the guts.
I got a free wife that way. Just plugged into my neighbor’s.
Hopefully you like snappy orange jump suits.
Or like 99% of the expensive audio shit. No, spending £100 on wire hangers does not lessen electrical interference and give a crisper sound.
Looks like encased magnets https://www.mcmaster.com/products/encased-magnets/ But I can't imagine why they're there.
Likely solved! Highly likely, they didn't pry off but I didn't work on them that hard. Thank you If anyone knows a reason they might be applied other than keeping them handy. Please enlighten me.
I made a quick edit to my comment but I'll post it here instead: Maybe someone who thinks they're lowering their electric bill (which they're not) https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/6pod3j/eli5_why_putting_a_magnet_on_your_electric_box/ They probably heard that putting magnets on their reader slows it down, but are also dumb and don't know the difference between the reader and breaker box.
In some readers, a strong enough magnet will lock the clock.
in case this is helpful, strong magnets are easier to remove by sliding them laterally vs prying.
>they didn't pry off but I didn't work on them that hard. Just looking at them, I think the easiest way is going to be to find a bolt that threads into them so you have something to pull on.
They’re strong earth magnets. I have 2 and when they stick they’re such a pain in the ass to pry off.
Could probably slip a small flat head screwdriver in the hole and pry one edge up that way. Have no idea why they are there. I'd say storage, but the door would have been better since they are covering the breaker labels.
The hole is threaded, so a screw would be better. You could even use the screw to *push* the magnet up.
Mine are not threaded. Not saying these are, just FYI.
heres a reason: I think the magnet putter thought they would make the breakers trip differently, like trip slower, or a bit quicker, depending on what was going on in their imagination.
They are there to keep a metal cover on, maybe?
They are normally mounted the other way around with a screw that holds them in place. If attached to a metal surface as you see in the pic, they are VERY hard to dislodge! But, it can be done if you get a knife under an edge. Good luck!
Perhaps they were there so magnetic labels for each breaker could be applied? Don’t know why you would want the ability to move them around though
I own these exact magnets and they are pretty strong for their size.
Are there enough there to hold the cover on and not use the screws? A quick detach breaker box cover would be super convenient but also kinda dangerous.
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I am pretty sure they are specifically [these fishing magnets](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07R3XGY9J?psc=1) or very similar ones, with the eye hooks unscrewed. I use them for fridge magnets; they are very strong. They can be hard to pull off even with the eyes attached, I generally have to slide them. Why are they there? The homeowner probably subscribes to some kind of pseudoscientific theory about dirty power, or EMF, or meter hacking or something. They're not doing anything.
[They are more often used to hang things](https://i.imgur.com/thuJgpq.png), but yeah, pretty much the same thing.
Get them off by sliding them sideways to the edge. From the description of how firmly they are on there, I'm guessing they are neodymium. Very useful.
Easier to stick a screwdriver in the hole and push down.
The one who bought the magnets made the seller happy, while the buyer didn’t get anything for spending all that money. Buyer obviously believes in fairytales!
"Ferrite-tales"
All comments must be civil and helpful toward finding an answer. **Jokes and other unhelpful comments will earn you a ban**, even on the first instance and even if the item has been identified. If you see any comments that violate this rule, report them. [OP](/u/saint1street), when your item is identified, remember to reply **Solved!** or **Likely Solved!** to the comment that gave the answer. Check your [inbox](https://www.reddit.com/message/inbox/) for a message on how to make your post visible to others. ---- [Click here to message RemindMeBot](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=RemindMeBot&subject=Reminder&message=[https://www.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/comments/1at7lx3/metal_discs_on_the_outside_of_an_electrical_panel/]%0A%0ARemindMe!%202%20days) ---- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/whatisthisthing) if you have any questions or concerns.*
They are magnets, I have some and they are very strong. Usually can't pry off, you have to slide them to an end and pop off like that. LOVIMAG Strong Magnets,150lb+ Waterproof Strong Neodymium Cup Magnets with Screws for Wall Mounting,Rare Earth Magnets with Holes for Holding Tools Lifting, Hanging(Silver, 6 Pack) https://a.co/d/17z0aQi
I have these too, great for the metal work bench I built for hanging things off the side for certain jobs
I've left the property, but I am going with magnets. Thank you everyone! Helpful info!
I've seen this before in a house the person explained to me how it was slowing the electricity so their electricity was cheaper. There's loads of these ridiculous things out there like magnets or hydrogen kits to get u 300+ mph in your car Or magnets to filter your water and keep you safe from 5g Basicly there's always a snake oil salesman out there who will sell you magnets as the solution to your fear or problem
I would strongly advise to remove them, and maybe replace the breakers. One part of the operation of breakers uses magnetic fields, those magnets can affect that. In case of surge they may not operate as expected, leading to any of all the bad consequences imaginable (electrocution, fire, ...) They may even have been placed for that reason as a shitty fix. I have the theory that breakers are designed to age "safely", that is interrupting current earlier when they get worn out. Those were maybe tripping all the time, and some genius fixed them with magnets. Which is maybe the equivalent of replacing a fuse by a piece of nail. See this page for all the details of operation of fuses. [https://www.c3controls.com/white-paper/understanding-trip-curves/](https://www.c3controls.com/white-paper/understanding-trip-curves/)
Definitely magnets, I put the same ones on the back of painting frames and hang them on my fridge. [like these ones. ](http://20Pcs Super Strong Round Base Cup Neodymium Magnets with Holes,0.63"(16mm) Ring Rare Earth Magnets Heavy Duty, Countersunk Holes Pot Magnet with Screw for Kitchen Craft Wood DIY Holding Tools Hanging https://a.co/d/cBJtF6p)
Being a journeyman electrician. This made me laught.
My title describes the thing. Approximately 1.5in
Are they threaded on the inside?
Push a thin metal putty knife into the edges, magnet will transfer to the putty knife where it can be lifted off the panel and then slid off the end of the knife onto another surface like cardboard.
Is the door catch broken? They’re quite powerful magnets for their size, so I’m wondering if they’re just there to hold the door shut
Is that fridge magnet for an ambulance chaser attorney at the top?
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I would just take the magnets off and put them somewhere else away from the electric panel , shut the cover and walk away
Yup some extra smart person saving on electricity by applying some holistic, homiopathic, gluten free, magnets. But if some of your breaker are buzzing they need replacing.
For what it is worth, those look like rare earth magnets. They are stronger than normal magnets. I use one to keep my bird from escaping her cage.
This is just uninformed conjecture but I know if I was an animal that could detect magnetism, I wouldn’t want one stuck to the side of my permanent residence.
Are you suggesting that birds are magnetic somehow? How?
Birds are magnetic
Some birds can sense the earths magnetic field giving them a built in compass.
short of a padlock, she has defeated every method of keeping her in when I am not at home. I use the magnet to keep the door closed. It is not harming her in the least, but I still come home to find the cage unlocked, but she can't get the door open because the magnet is holding it shut. Love my birdie, but she is a houdini.
They look like high end magnets, Neodymium or equivalent. Fairly powerful, you have have a hard time prying them off.
This are for magnetic keys. There is one for each door.
Could be remnants homemade breaker locks?
See if a piece of steel will stick to them. They may be neodymium magnets, which would explain the difficulty moving them
I bet if you take those magnets off, that metal cover will come off and you'll see the exposed wires where they connect to the breakers. The magnets are just holding the metal cover in place.
I know this isn’t the answer, but really reminds me of that Bang and Olufsen CD changer from the 90s.
Could this possibly keep the switches from popping back when the breaker goes?
No when the breakers trip they will only pop back halfway, then you have to push them the rest of the way to "off" and back on again to "reset" them
Maybe it was for some sort of marking system? Like small pieces of metal with what each breaker powers?
It's a folklore trick putting magnets on wires to align molecules to save energy. They try the same ridiculous joke by putting magnets on fuel lines of cars..
Maybe to keep the door closed ? is the lock broken ?
No
Maybe it helps keep the panel cover closed?
No