Old Commercial Federal Pacific Panels Need Changed

[cashafer]

I work as a maintenance electrician for a very large company. The entire building was built in the late 60's and uses all Federal Pacific Commercial electrical panels. For obvious reasons that I don't need to mention they want them all changed out. The issue is we have about 40 panels recessed into block walls that all have EMT running into them. This, of course, is going to be extremely expensive to replace all panels in the building (about 50 panels). I have researched the NEC and online and have found nothing yet on switching out the busbar of the panel with a newer more modern one. I know it is not UL listed to take the bus bar and breakers from one enclosure and put them into another enclosure that they are not UL listed for. Does anyone know of any companies that make UL listed almost retrofits, if you would call them that, for older panels? I have no clue if they actually exist and figured it would be a shot in the dark but I figured I would try. I know UL standards are constantly changing and wondered if their were any companies that have started to offer products like this.

 

[masterinbama]

Siemans makes retro fit guts for existing tubs

 

[tom baker]

I have retrofitted large fuse panels in poured concrete walls by gutting and installing smaller load centers inside. Then had a trim cover made to close the gap. Wiring was spliced and run into new load center via chase nips

 

[tom baker]

Also there will be custom fabricators that can make new guts for existing. With the number you have it could be cost effective

 

[roger]

I had SQ D and Eaton field services help with retrofits. Their field service people came and took pictures and measurements and gave prices.

Neither was cheap but it kept shut downs shorter.

 

[Jraef]

Siemens makes retro fit guts for existing tubs

Only their own or ITE (which is who they bought).

 

[Jraef]

You will not see any changes in UL on this issue, because from their standpoint, anything that needs listing needs listing TOGETHER.

But is UL listing important in this situation? Are these going to be done with permits and inspected by an AHJ?

 

[Buck Parrish]

I work as a maintenance electrician for a very large company. The entire building was built in the late 60's and uses all Federal Pacific Commercial electrical panels. For obvious reasons that I don't need to mention they want them all changed out. The issue is we have about 40 panels recessed into block walls that all have EMT running into them. This, of course, is going to be extremely expensive to replace all panels in the building (about 50 panels). I have researched the NEC and online and have found nothing yet on switching out the busbar of the panel with a newer more modern one. I know it is not UL listed to take the bus bar and breakers from one enclosure and put them into another enclosure that they are not UL listed for. Does anyone know of any companies that make UL listed almost retrofits, if you would call them that, for older panels? I have no clue if they actually exist and figured it would be a shot in the dark but I figured I would try. I know UL standards are constantly changing and wondered if their were any companies that have started to offer products like this.

I'd have to look at it. But I'm thinking if their is a drop cieling above. I could change them all to a Siemens snap in for about 110K. Is that about what you're thinking?

 

[jim dungar]

You will not see any changes in UL on this issue, because from their standpoint, anything that needs listing needs listing TOGETHER.

But is UL listing important in this situation? Are these going to be done with permits and inspected by an AHJ?

I thought the back box was listed indepently from the interior/bussing and trim. Companies like Square D have been building interiors and trim modifications for use in existing back boxes for at least 40 years.

 

[Little Bill]

Eaton makes reto "Guts" for panels. I've personally changed several by getting a similar panel and swapping the guts. Sometimes you have to drill another hole in the cabinet to match the cover but it works well. Even inspected and passed.