New Subpanel from Old Fuse Panel

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DSamson

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I have a customer who has created a minor electrical horror show at their house.

For example, a power strip, running to an extension cord, running out of the bottom of the kitchen cabinets, through the floor, to a porcelain fixture in the garage, with a receptacle adapter screwed in to the bulb socket. This feed is running the dishwasher, disposal, and a few small appliances.

I want to correct this and other violations and add some new circuits and receptacles.

View attachment 2063


My question is, can I feed a subpanel from the fuse panel in the attached photo. There's a two fuse pull-out block (labeled PC-1 in the photo). I believe it takes Class K-5 fuses. I'd like to run a set of feeders out of there to a new subpanel.

This district has one of the toughest inspectors in the city and I just want to be prepared.

Also, the existing panel, pictured in the photo, does not have required clearances. By running a feeder to a subpanel, am I triggering a need to comply with 110.26 for the existing equipment.

Thanks for your help as always.

David
 
DSamson said:
My question is, can I feed a subpanel from the fuse panel in the attached photo. There's a two fuse pull-out block (labeled PC-1 in the photo). I believe it takes Class K-5 fuses. I'd like to run a set of feeders out of there to a new subpanel.

You can use the pull out fuse block for a feeder but, your limited to the amount of load you can put on it. I'd be surprised if there more than 60 amp holders.Pluse if the fuse block is being used, you'll have to relocate that load as well.
DSamson said:
Also, the existing panel, pictured in the photo, does not have required clearances. By running a feeder to a subpanel, am I triggering a need to comply with 110.26 for the existing equipment.
Your only responsible for the new work your doing. Looks like it passed inspection back in 1957.
 
That's a 30 amp fuse on the top right. Is that clear one under it also a 30.
If so may be it's the water heater
Would it be possible to talk them in to a total service upgrade.
 
Thanks for the input everyone. Regarding a new service. The place is 1150 sq. ft. Everything that makes heat in the place (hot water, range, dryer, furnace) runs on gas.

The current service is 90A. I come up with 38 amps with a very conservative calculation (counting a countertop microwave as a fixed appliance, and 3 SABC for a very tiny kitchen).

Adding the new panel is really just about distribution, not load. Also, I'm adding receptacles in the bedrooms, so I need to accommodate AFCI.

Thanks for the heads up about the 30A fuse in the picture. I had the owner change it before I left the estimate. That's supposed to be a 20A circuit. It's not an electric water heater.
 
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