electrical panel life span

[formula1]

how do you know what the life span of an electrical panel is and when to change it

 

[mdshunk]

how do you know what the life span of an electrical panel is and when to change it

Depends to a large degree on the environment in which it is installed. I have a many customers with 50-60 year old panels still in service, and many more that look like Edison himself did the install. Unless certain visual indications exist, you'd need to rely on testing to condemn a panel.

 

[formula1]

probably triping a breaker could be a test this is for resi. panels i just do not like anything that is not Q.O.

 

[formula1]

No more opinions on this it is something that comes up a lot when we go into houses for the first time anyone else experience this

 

[JohnConnolly]

THIS..needed to be changed

THIS.....needed to be changed

THIS...needs to be changed.

If it's loaded with twins,

If there are signs of burned buss,

If there are bonding or other code/safety issues to be addressed,

Change it.


When in doubt
Change it out

 

[formula1]

Yes it would be easy to convince someone that s&%* needed to be changed out.

 

[petersonra]

My inclination is to leave well enough alone, as long as it is well enough.

I don't think that minor code violations that might not have been violations when they occurred are adequate reason to worry too much.

I don't think I would worry a whole lot about whether the GEC and GES was in the best of shape, as its role in electrical safety is limited.

I would be more concerned about things like K+T wiring, and 2 wire systems (w/o EGCs) in the house.

I do think it is wise at some point to rip it all out and start over. Same thing with the plumbing and HVAC. Everything has a limited life span.

 

[formula1]

It always just makes the job easier when you have a good new pref. q.o. panel if a panel is 20 or more years old why not change it with all the money people spend on t.v. s etc why not

 

[celtic]

if a panel is 20 or more years old why not change it ?
with all the money people spend on t.v. s etc why not?

Why?
20 years old is not that old...the main is my house is 50 years old.

People have a tendency not to care about the things they cannot see....I see my 50A FPE main everyday




(As a note - and not meant to bash you - a little puncuation goes along way)

 

[peter d]

People have a tendency not to care about the things they cannot see....I see my 50A FPE main everyday

LOL.

That was funny. Only an electrician would have FPE in his own house, and 50 amps to boot.

 

[celtic]

LOL.

That was funny. Only an electrician would have FPE in his own house, and 50 amps to boot.

...and it only gets better....
That 50A FPE main feeds a 200A panel. (at this point it's really only a 30ckt 50A panel )