House converted into a multifamily dwelling "many" years ago. (2 apartments) each with their own meter base, Waddsworth disconnects (mounted outside) feeding 100Amp Waddsworth panels. Property owner wants to renovate the kitchen in one of the apartments. Need two 20 amp circuits installed to feed new counter top receptacles. Question: Would you feel confortable finding and installing Waddsworth breakers in this panel?? I'm sure I can find some Waddsworth breakers, but I have not dealt with to many "old" Waddsworth panels. Anyone game?? Or would you quote a new panel upgrade??
Waddsworth Panel "Would You??"
- Thread starter lefty08
- Start date
- Status
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
You mean found some for sale and purchased?? Then yes "new". or Purchased "new" from the manufacturer (Not going to happen) then no.
[/QUOTE]Here you must have permission to use 'used' equipment. Allowed but I doubt if the AHJ will sign off on it.
Minuteman
Senior Member
- Location
- The Sooner Nation
I bought some Waddsworths at a Electrical Surplus place. They test 'em and put a year warranty on 'em. But I would've preferred to change the panel so that I can sleep better at night.
al hildenbrand
Senior Member
- Location
- Minnesota
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor, Electrical Consultant, Electrical Engineer
That's really a question for the property owner to sign off on. In my opinion, the Wadsworth breakers, that I've experienced faults with, have had the least response of any of the brands. Even FPE have performed better, in my experience.
Admittedly, this is just my experience. I don't like what I have seen of their fuse curve . . . it is just too high. In my opinion they release way to much energy in a fault situation.
I tell the client this and that I recommend better hardware, in writing. If the client chooses to stay with the Wadsworth, it's on him.
lakee911
Senior Member
- Location
- Columbus, OH
I didn't think code said it had to be new. Anyone?
i know there are local regulations to that effect. I think it was los angeles where i saw it once, if not new has to be approved by the AHJ.
bluesmoke...oops
Senior Member
- Location
- Tri-Cities, Washington
Not new, but you could make a case with 110.3
jxofaltrds
Inspector Mike®
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- ESI, PI, RBO
I look for the exact code but it is here:
http://publicecodes.citation.com/st/oh/st/b4v06/index.htm?bu2=undefined
paul
Senior Member
- Location
- Snohomish, WA
Have your local testing agency run a test and certify them. One of our clients requires this of every circuit breaker we install in their data center.
New panel, no question.
Explain that the parts are obsolete.
Explain to them that the panel is the heart of the system and protects all their wiring.
Explain that GFCI and AFCI breakers are not available for older panels like this.
Explain that the grounding and bonding is not up to current standards (unsafe) and will be addressed with the replacement.
9 out of 10 customers will say "do it".
Explain that the parts are obsolete.
Explain to them that the panel is the heart of the system and protects all their wiring.
Explain that GFCI and AFCI breakers are not available for older panels like this.
Explain that the grounding and bonding is not up to current standards (unsafe) and will be addressed with the replacement.
9 out of 10 customers will say "do it".
Thanks for the input fellas. Quoted the job both ways (used breakers and new panel). Since AFCI and GFCI "breakers" are not needed in this case. That is not an issue. I'll see which way they want to go (my hunch is they want to go the cheapest route). I don't necessarily feel using "used certified" equipment is unsafe if installed correctly. After all, the existing breakers have been working just fine for all these years. (Actually that is an assumption on my part). :roll: I am definitely pushing the new panel, but I think I would feel comfortable with used equipment in this particular case. Thanks again for the opinions.
I'm talking just adding the kitchen circuits to the existing panel of course. Not in a new panel. Thought I would head-off the inevitable before it gets posted.
- Status