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#1
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Need to replace my electric panel
My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went
to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor. It's time for a new box, and I'm looking for a brand recommendation if there's sufficient differentation between available boxes and breakers. If they're all pretty much the same, that's fine too. |
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#2
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Need to replace my electric panel
On 1/27/2012 2:38 PM, Keith wrote:
My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor.... How's that even possible if there were a load wire attached????? -- |
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#3
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Jan 27, 3:44*pm, dpb wrote:
On 1/27/2012 2:38 PM, Keith wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. *The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor.... How's that even possible if there were a load wire attached????? -- +1... Could not have fallen on the floor unless it was not connected to a circuit... Brand = Price The bigger question you should be asking yourself is that if you are going to be replacing the panel now, should you also replace/upgrade the service entrance, meter can, grounding facilities, etc at the same time since it is all related work... ~~ Evan |
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#4
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Need to replace my electric panel
On 1/27/2012 3:38 PM, Keith wrote:
My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor. It's time for a new box, and I'm looking for a brand recommendation if there's sufficient differentation between available boxes and breakers. If they're all pretty much the same, that's fine too. Without the cover in place, there is not much holding stab-lok breakers to the buss, but as others have pointed out, it would have to have a pretty long wire attached to reach the floor. I think the general consensus is that Square D- QO are considered the best residential grade breakers |
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#5
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Need to replace my electric panel
On 1/27/2012 2:50 PM, Evan wrote:
On Jan 27, 3:44 pm, wrote: On 1/27/2012 2:38 PM, Keith wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor.... How's that even possible if there were a load wire attached????? .... +1... Could not have fallen on the floor unless it was not connected to a circuit... ....and the cover was off, besides. -- |
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#6
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Need to replace my electric panel
dpb writes:
On 1/27/2012 2:38 PM, Keith wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor.... How's that even possible if there were a load wire attached????? Not sure about all breakers, but mine snap in. If I was the OP, I'd put it back and not worry about it unless it did it again. -- Dan Espen |
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#7
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Need to replace my electric panel
I'd check Consumer Reports. Beyond that, not sure.
Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Keith" wrote in message ... My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor. It's time for a new box, and I'm looking for a brand recommendation if there's sufficient differentation between available boxes and breakers. If they're all pretty much the same, that's fine too. |
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#8
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:38:29 -0600, "Keith"
wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor. If this were The Wheel, you'd have won a Carribean vacation. It's time for a new box, and I'm looking for a brand recommendation if there's sufficient differentation between available boxes and breakers. If they're all pretty much the same, that's fine too. |
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#9
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Need to replace my electric panel
Or, a new insurance carrier?
Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "micky" wrote in message ... On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:38:29 -0600, "Keith" wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor. If this were The Wheel, you'd have won a Carribean vacation. |
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#10
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Need to replace my electric panel
"dpb" wrote in message ... On 1/27/2012 2:38 PM, Keith wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor.... How's that even possible if there were a load wire attached????? -- The breakers just snap in place. This one came loose and popped out when I tried to reset it. |
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#11
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Need to replace my electric panel
On 1/27/2012 8:21 PM, Keith wrote:
wrote in message ... On 1/27/2012 2:38 PM, Keith wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor.... How's that even possible if there were a load wire attached????? -- The breakers just snap in place. This one came loose and popped out when I tried to reset it. well why were your resetting a breaker that has no wire attached to it? -- Steve Barker remove the "not" from my address to email |
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#12
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:38:29 -0600, "Keith"
wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor. It's time for a new box, and I'm looking for a brand recommendation if there's sufficient differentation between available boxes and breakers. If they're all pretty much the same, that's fine too. Was the wire it feeds still attached? Are you sure the panel needs replacing because you had a bad breaker? That seems like you are buying a new car because of a flat tire. But then again, you know better the reason the breaker fell out since you were there. If the panel is from the 60's, so is everything in it and probably feeding it. Now is a good time to check everything that may need upgrading before making a final decision. The electrician we use at wok prefers Square D, but there may be others just as good. I don't buy them often so I don't have much experience with the differences. |
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#13
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:44:09 -0600, dpb wrote:
On 1/27/2012 2:38 PM, Keith wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor.... How's that even possible if there were a load wire attached????? Troll |
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#14
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:15:13 -0500, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:38:29 -0600, "Keith" wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor. It's time for a new box, and I'm looking for a brand recommendation if there's sufficient differentation between available boxes and breakers. If they're all pretty much the same, that's fine too. Was the wire it feeds still attached? Are you sure the panel needs replacing because you had a bad breaker? That seems like you are buying a new car because of a flat tire. But then again, you know better the reason the breaker fell out since you were there. If the panel is from the 60's, so is everything in it and probably feeding it. Now is a good time to check everything that may need upgrading before making a final decision. The electrician we use at wok prefers Square D, but there may be others just as good. I don't buy them often so I don't have much experience with the differences. Up here, Seimens is the brand of choice for most electricians. (every one I asked about changing mine) |
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#15
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Jan 27, 10:37*pm, wrote:
On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:15:13 -0500, Ed Pawlowski wrote: On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:38:29 -0600, "Keith" wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. *The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor. *It's time for a new box, and I'm looking for a brand recommendation if there's sufficient differentation between available boxes and breakers. *If they're all pretty much the same, that's fine too. Was the wire it feeds still attached? *Are you sure the panel needs replacing because you had a bad breaker? *That seems like you are buying a new car because of a flat tire. * But then again, you know better the reason the breaker fell out since you were there. If the panel is from the 60's, so is everything in it and probably feeding it. *Now is a good time to check everything that may need upgrading before making a final decision. The electrician we use at wok prefers Square D, but there may be others just as good. *I don't buy them often so I don't have much experience with the differences. *Up here, Seimens is the brand of choice for most electricians. (every one I asked about changing mine) I see a lot of Seimens switchgear and metering centers as well as breaker panels in commercial buildings... Square D would also be a good name too... Bolt-on breakers are better than snap-in types but those panels and the breakers that are used with them cost a little bit more... ~~ Evan |
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#16
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Need to replace my electric panel
On 1/27/2012 9:15 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:38:29 -0600, wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor. It's time for a new box, and I'm looking for a brand recommendation if there's sufficient differentation between available boxes and breakers. If they're all pretty much the same, that's fine too. Was the wire it feeds still attached? Are you sure the panel needs replacing because you had a bad breaker? That seems like you are buying a new car because of a flat tire. But then again, you know better the reason the breaker fell out since you were there. If the panel is from the 60's, so is everything in it and probably feeding it. Now is a good time to check everything that may need upgrading before making a final decision. ***** The electrician we use at wok prefers Square D, but there may be others just as good. I don't buy them often so I don't have much experience with the differences. Um, is he a Chinese electrician? ^_^ TDD |
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#17
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Need to replace my electric panel
Why replace the whole panel because of one (possibly) bad breaker. Spend around $5 for a new breaker, snap it in, and put the cover on the panel. *DONE! obviously you havent priced FPE breakers lately. if you can find them they are around 30 bucks each. plus its hard to get new homeowners insurance with a FPE panel just google FPE & fire..... then you will understand why the company went out of business........... |
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#18
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Need to replace my electric panel
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#19
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Jan 28, 4:30*am, wrote:
On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:21:29 -0600, "Keith" wrote: "dpb" wrote in .... On 1/27/2012 2:38 PM, Keith wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. *The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor.... How's that even possible if there were a load wire attached????? -- The breakers just snap in place. *This one came loose and popped out when I tried to reset it. All brands of breakers snap in place. *None do it exactly the same, but they all do. I garee with others. *In order to pop out, the breaker panel cover had to be off. *If it fell on the floor, there was no wire attached. Therefore, it's not being used, so why did you reset it? Why replace the whole panel because of one (possibly) bad breaker. Spend around $5 for a new breaker, snap it in, and put the cover on the panel. *DONE! Do you demolish and build a new house when the carpeting needs to be replaced? Maybe the breaker is not even bad, and just was not snapped in tightly. You'll have to carefully check this breaker and make sure the contacts are that snap in place, are not broken. *If this breaker is not being used, just eliminate it, but buy a special cover made for the breaker hole so fingers cant be shoved in the hole (likely required by code). All brands of breakers DO NOT just "snap into place" older ones like the Stab-lok ones being discussed here wedge into place and not all that well... Many commercial electrical panels use breakers that BOLT into place using large machine screws to attach an input flange on the breaker to the panel bus bar... Why replace the panel ? LOL... Stick to things you know, a 40 year old panel should be replaced, not only are newer breakers tested in better ways than the older ones were, many circuit breakers deteriorate and wear out over time so that they might not trip like they are designed to do or might not be able to be switched back on after you turn them off if something has failed inside... Your comment about demo'ing a house to change the carpeting is not a good comparison -- a carpet is an appearance issue, carpeting won't kill you from a shock hazard or burn down the house if it is overloaded or wears out... Consider replacing the electrical panel an investment in safety... ~~ Evan |
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#20
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Need to replace my electric panel
On 1/28/2012 10:53 AM, Evan wrote:
On Jan 28, 4:30 am, wrote: On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:21:29 -0600, wrote: wrote in ... On 1/27/2012 2:38 PM, Keith wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor.... How's that even possible if there were a load wire attached????? -- The breakers just snap in place. This one came loose and popped out when I tried to reset it. All brands of breakers snap in place. None do it exactly the same, but they all do. I garee with others. In order to pop out, the breaker panel cover had to be off. If it fell on the floor, there was no wire attached. Therefore, it's not being used, so why did you reset it? Why replace the whole panel because of one (possibly) bad breaker. Spend around $5 for a new breaker, snap it in, and put the cover on the panel. DONE! Do you demolish and build a new house when the carpeting needs to be replaced? Maybe the breaker is not even bad, and just was not snapped in tightly. You'll have to carefully check this breaker and make sure the contacts are that snap in place, are not broken. If this breaker is not being used, just eliminate it, but buy a special cover made for the breaker hole so fingers cant be shoved in the hole (likely required by code). All brands of breakers DO NOT just "snap into place" older ones like the Stab-lok ones being discussed here wedge into place and not all that well... Many commercial electrical panels use breakers that BOLT into place using large machine screws to attach an input flange on the breaker to the panel bus bar... FPE breakers are famous for that. Remove the cover without a few extra hands to help and guaranteed 5 breakers will pop out. Why replace the panel ? LOL... Stick to things you know, a 40 year old panel should be replaced, not only are newer breakers tested in better ways than the older ones were, many circuit breakers deteriorate and wear out over time so that they might not trip like they are designed to do or might not be able to be switched back on after you turn them off if something has failed inside... Your comment about demo'ing a house to change the carpeting is not a good comparison -- a carpet is an appearance issue, carpeting won't kill you from a shock hazard or burn down the house if it is overloaded or wears out... Consider replacing the electrical panel an investment in safety... ~~ Evan |
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#21
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Need to replace my electric panel
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#22
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:15:55 -0800 (PST), Evan
wrote: On Jan 27, 10:37Â*pm, wrote: On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:15:13 -0500, Ed Pawlowski wrote: On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:38:29 -0600, "Keith" wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. Â*The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor. Â*It's time for a new box, and I'm looking for a brand recommendation if there's sufficient differentation between available boxes and breakers. Â*If they're all pretty much the same, that's fine too. Was the wire it feeds still attached? Â*Are you sure the panel needs replacing because you had a bad breaker? Â*That seems like you are buying a new car because of a flat tire. Â* But then again, you know better the reason the breaker fell out since you were there. If the panel is from the 60's, so is everything in it and probably feeding it. Â*Now is a good time to check everything that may need upgrading before making a final decision. The electrician we use at wok prefers Square D, but there may be others just as good. Â*I don't buy them often so I don't have much experience with the differences. Â*Up here, Seimens is the brand of choice for most electricians. (every one I asked about changing mine) I see a lot of Seimens switchgear and metering centers as well as breaker panels in commercial buildings... Square D would also be a good name too... Bolt-on breakers are better than snap-in types but those panels and the breakers that are used with them cost a little bit more... ~~ Evan And don't associate "square D" necessarily with quality. The Square D Homeline? panel is the replacement for the FPE. Both made by the same company, by the way. Schneider Electric builds both Square D and FPE. |
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#23
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:16:58 -0600, The Daring Dufas
wrote: On 1/27/2012 9:15 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote: On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:38:29 -0600, wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor. It's time for a new box, and I'm looking for a brand recommendation if there's sufficient differentation between available boxes and breakers. If they're all pretty much the same, that's fine too. Was the wire it feeds still attached? Are you sure the panel needs replacing because you had a bad breaker? That seems like you are buying a new car because of a flat tire. But then again, you know better the reason the breaker fell out since you were there. If the panel is from the 60's, so is everything in it and probably feeding it. Now is a good time to check everything that may need upgrading before making a final decision. ***** The electrician we use at wok prefers Square D, but there may be others just as good. I don't buy them often so I don't have much experience with the differences. Um, is he a Chinese electrician? ^_^ TDD OK -- Where "R" U Wok, Work - it's only one stupid little letter ;} |
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#24
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:23:14 -0800 (PST), bob haller
wrote: Why replace the whole panel because of one (possibly) bad breaker. Spend around $5 for a new breaker, snap it in, and put the cover on the panel. Â*DONE! obviously you havent priced FPE breakers lately. if you can find them they are around 30 bucks each. plus its hard to get new homeowners insurance with a FPE panel just google FPE & fire..... then you will understand why the company went out of business........... No problem getting insurance with an FPE panel if it is in good shape .. |
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#25
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:53:09 -0800 (PST), Evan
wrote: On Jan 28, 4:30Â*am, wrote: On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:21:29 -0600, "Keith" wrote: "dpb" wrote in ... On 1/27/2012 2:38 PM, Keith wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. Â*The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor.... How's that even possible if there were a load wire attached????? -- The breakers just snap in place. Â*This one came loose and popped out when I tried to reset it. All brands of breakers snap in place. Â*None do it exactly the same, but they all do. I garee with others. Â*In order to pop out, the breaker panel cover had to be off. Â*If it fell on the floor, there was no wire attached. Therefore, it's not being used, so why did you reset it? Why replace the whole panel because of one (possibly) bad breaker. Spend around $5 for a new breaker, snap it in, and put the cover on the panel. Â*DONE! Do you demolish and build a new house when the carpeting needs to be replaced? Maybe the breaker is not even bad, and just was not snapped in tightly. You'll have to carefully check this breaker and make sure the contacts are that snap in place, are not broken. Â*If this breaker is not being used, just eliminate it, but buy a special cover made for the breaker hole so fingers cant be shoved in the hole (likely required by code). All brands of breakers DO NOT just "snap into place" older ones like the Stab-lok ones being discussed here wedge into place and not all that well... Many commercial electrical panels use breakers that BOLT into place using large machine screws to attach an input flange on the breaker to the panel bus bar... Why replace the panel ? LOL... Stick to things you know, a 40 year old panel should be replaced, not only are newer breakers tested in better ways than the older ones were, many circuit breakers deteriorate and wear out over time so that they might not trip like they are designed to do or might not be able to be switched back on after you turn them off if something has failed inside... Your comment about demo'ing a house to change the carpeting is not a good comparison -- a carpet is an appearance issue, carpeting won't kill you from a shock hazard or burn down the house if it is overloaded or wears out... Consider replacing the electrical panel an investment in safety... ~~ Evan I still say the green hairy hunchback lives under a bridge. |
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#26
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:24:39 -0500, George
wrote: On 1/28/2012 10:53 AM, Evan wrote: On Jan 28, 4:30 am, wrote: On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:21:29 -0600, wrote: wrote in ... On 1/27/2012 2:38 PM, Keith wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor.... How's that even possible if there were a load wire attached????? -- The breakers just snap in place. This one came loose and popped out when I tried to reset it. All brands of breakers snap in place. None do it exactly the same, but they all do. I garee with others. In order to pop out, the breaker panel cover had to be off. If it fell on the floor, there was no wire attached. Therefore, it's not being used, so why did you reset it? Why replace the whole panel because of one (possibly) bad breaker. Spend around $5 for a new breaker, snap it in, and put the cover on the panel. DONE! Do you demolish and build a new house when the carpeting needs to be replaced? Maybe the breaker is not even bad, and just was not snapped in tightly. You'll have to carefully check this breaker and make sure the contacts are that snap in place, are not broken. If this breaker is not being used, just eliminate it, but buy a special cover made for the breaker hole so fingers cant be shoved in the hole (likely required by code). All brands of breakers DO NOT just "snap into place" older ones like the Stab-lok ones being discussed here wedge into place and not all that well... Many commercial electrical panels use breakers that BOLT into place using large machine screws to attach an input flange on the breaker to the panel bus bar... FPE breakers are famous for that. Remove the cover without a few extra hands to help and guaranteed 5 breakers will pop out. Never had it happen. |
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#27
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Need to replace my electric panel
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#28
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Need to replace my electric panel
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#29
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Need to replace my electric panel
just google FPE & fire..... then you will understand why the company went out of business........... *No problem getting insurance with an FPE panel if it is in good shape . check the net FPE panels are bad news, often the breakers dont trip even under a direct short. insurance companies often inspect homes before writing new policies, for known risks....... this wasnt the case years ago |
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#32
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:42:22 -0500, RBM wrote:
On 1/28/2012 3:14 PM, wrote: On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:15:55 -0800 (PST), Evan wrote: On Jan 27, 10:37 pm, wrote: On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:15:13 -0500, Ed wrote: On Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:38:29 -0600, wrote: My existing panel is a Federal Pacific from the 1960s. The other day I went to reset a breaker, and it popped out and fell on the floor. It's time for a new box, and I'm looking for a brand recommendation if there's sufficient differentation between available boxes and breakers. If they're all pretty much the same, that's fine too. Was the wire it feeds still attached? Are you sure the panel needs replacing because you had a bad breaker? That seems like you are buying a new car because of a flat tire. But then again, you know better the reason the breaker fell out since you were there. If the panel is from the 60's, so is everything in it and probably feeding it. Now is a good time to check everything that may need upgrading before making a final decision. The electrician we use at wok prefers Square D, but there may be others just as good. I don't buy them often so I don't have much experience with the differences. Up here, Seimens is the brand of choice for most electricians. (every one I asked about changing mine) I see a lot of Seimens switchgear and metering centers as well as breaker panels in commercial buildings... Square D would also be a good name too... Bolt-on breakers are better than snap-in types but those panels and the breakers that are used with them cost a little bit more... ~~ Evan And don't associate "square D" necessarily with quality. The Square D Homeline? panel is the replacement for the FPE. Both made by the same company, by the way. Schneider Electric builds both Square D and FPE. Square D was known for their high quality, and Federal Pacific was known for their low quality long before Schneider had anything to do with them. ANd all I'm saying is THINGS HAVE CHANGED. The high end Square D is still good stuff - but they are putting the Sqare D name on the FPE quality product now as well. Just because it says Square D on it does not mean it is the quality product you have come to associate with Square D. |
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#33
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:57:53 -0800 (PST), bob haller
wrote: just google FPE & fire..... then you will understand why the company went out of business........... Â*No problem getting insurance with an FPE panel if it is in good shape . check the net FPE panels are bad news, often the breakers dont trip even under a direct short. insurance companies often inspect homes before writing new policies, for known risks....... this wasnt the case years ago I work for an insurance company half time. THEY do not inspect. They may require an inspection. They will not fail a house for having FPE breaker panels. They will fail it for having an unsafe panel. The FPE problem is basically limitted to several years production 30 or so years ago. Their current product (well - up untill they changed it to Square D - and the FPE is still available at Home Despot in Canada, for instance) the product was actually pretty fair quality - with virtually no higher incidence of problems than with any other major manufacturer. As an electrician, my dad said he saw as many Square D and other panel failures as he did FPE. |
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#34
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:06:05 -0600, Steve Barker
wrote: On 1/28/2012 2:17 PM, wrote: On Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:23:14 -0800 (PST), bob wrote: Why replace the whole panel because of one (possibly) bad breaker. Spend around $5 for a new breaker, snap it in, and put the cover on the panel. DONE! obviously you havent priced FPE breakers lately. if you can find them they are around 30 bucks each. plus its hard to get new homeowners insurance with a FPE panel just google FPE& fire..... then you will understand why the company went out of business........... No problem getting insurance with an FPE panel if it is in good shape . ****ing bob has this hairbrained idea that an insurance agent is coming around to SEE what your panel and wiring looks like. I've insured a total of 12 houses (8 in the last 6 years) and no one has looked, asked, or gave a **** about the wiring, plumbing, or the vacuum system. I even ASKED the state farm agent i got a quote from (way out of sight price wise) and he said, "we could care less". Well, there is State Farm, and then there is INSURANCE. But I agree - the AGENT doesn't look at the house. The agent/broker asks questions. Depending on the answers, an inspection by the relevant electrical safety authority or an authorized electrician may be required to get coverage - and lying on the questionaire to avoid inspection can cause the insurance company to deny a claim if it can be found beyond reasonable doubt that you knew you were lying. Get caught cheating with one company and just try getting insurance from ANYONE at a reasonable price in the future. Lotsa Luck. |
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:49:58 -0600, The Daring Dufas
wrote: ***** The electrician we use at wok prefers Square D, but there may be others just as good. I don't buy them often so I don't have much experience with the differences. Um, is he a Chinese electrician? ^_^ TDD OK -- Where "R" U Wok, Work - it's only one stupid little letter ;} I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. ^_^ TDD Typos provide some of the best entertainment on USENET. |
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#36
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:23:14 -0800 (PST), bob haller
wrote: Why replace the whole panel because of one (possibly) bad breaker. Spend around $5 for a new breaker, snap it in, and put the cover on the panel. *DONE! obviously you havent priced FPE breakers lately. if you can find them they are around 30 bucks each. plus its hard to get new homeowners insurance with a FPE panel just google FPE & fire..... then you will understand why the company went out of business........... Ok, I was not aware of that, but if those breakers are or were so bad, how come another company dont just make a better breaker for the same panels? |
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#37
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Need to replace my electric panel
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#38
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Need to replace my electric panel
On 1/29/2012 9:12 AM, RBM wrote:
On 1/29/2012 9:59 AM, wrote: On Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:23:14 -0800 (PST), bob then you will understand why the company went out of business........... Ok, I was not aware of that, but if those breakers are or were so bad, how come another company dont just make a better breaker for the same panels? Since FPE went out of business, other companies have and continue to make replacement U.L. approved breakers for those panels. To correct another of haller's mistakes - FPE did not go out of business. It was sold to Reliance Electric. It is still being made in Canada (clare says by Schneider - I have no idea). One of the oddities of FPE is that you turn breakers on by switching them away from the center, which tends to unplug them. -- bud-- |
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#39
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Need to replace my electric panel
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#40
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Need to replace my electric panel
On Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:58:15 -0500, wrote:
On Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:59:02 -0600, wrote: On Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:23:14 -0800 (PST), bob haller wrote: Why replace the whole panel because of one (possibly) bad breaker. Spend around $5 for a new breaker, snap it in, and put the cover on the panel. *DONE! obviously you havent priced FPE breakers lately. if you can find them they are around 30 bucks each. plus its hard to get new homeowners insurance with a FPE panel just google FPE & fire..... then you will understand why the company went out of business........... Ok, I was not aware of that, but if those breakers are or were so bad, how come another company dont just make a better breaker for the same panels? Simple answer? Same company does. The old (dangerous?) breakers have been "superceded" for over 20 years. Then the solution would be to simply replace the breakers with all the new ones. Of course I recall earlier in this thread there was mention they cost $30 each. In that case, replacing the whole panel could be cheaper for a DIY guy, but to hire an electrician, it would likely still be cheaper just to replace the breakers. I'm glad I dont have one of them!!! |
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