Old service equipment

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tonype

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Is there any rule of thumb on when one should consider replacement of old (50+ years) service equipment? I've been to seminars where it has been stated that typical life cycles are about 40 years. Is there a time when one should just bite the bullet and upgrade (since I guess code changes make old equipment obsolete), even if there are no "apparent" problems? This questions pertains to residential and commercial/industrial type uses.
 
IMHO "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" At some point though, the cost could get too great to repair the equipment(breakers...) and it will be cheaper to buy new.
 
Reminds me of a guy who told me he didn't what to shut off a old large breaker at a hospital because as far(30 years or more) as anyone can remember it has never been shut off. He was worried it would blow up or never come back on. Not a good thing at a hospital.
When I look at resi work and they choose not to change the panel. There are a couple of old brands (not to mention any names; I think one starts with a Z) that just make me chringe.
I am really not aware of any guide lines. Maybe some else has more info???
 
iaov said:
I've wondered about this too. How long can you keep a spring compressed and still expect it to work??
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Did yoy know that steel is more elastic than rubber?
 
Fused or CB's?
Moving parts that need lubricating?
Springs under tension?
Excessive moist or dirty environment?
 
If the service is 40 plus years old would not the rest of the system be as old?

Would just replacing the service make the entire system safe?

If replacing the service, is it not a good idea to replace the entire system?

Which will open quicker a fuse or a breaker?

Just my opinion--- replacing the service does nothing to make the entire system safer. If there are signs of over fusing there are other methods of curing this problem than changing the service.
 
Would just replacing the service make the entire system safe?
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It might it might not. Depends on too many variables that is a case by case decision, to be made by a professional.

I think a complete visual inspection, meggering the distribution and panel along with a good bit of common sense is the answer to this question.

Oh and the estimate will be the turning factor, Free they jump on it, expensive and they go for the new tile floor in the front foyer.

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Reminds me of a guy who told me he didn't what to shut off a old large breaker at a hospital because as far(30 years or more) as anyone can remember it has never been shut off. He was worried it would blow up or never come back on. Not a good thing at a hospital.
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and we have had calls were they were locked up another was able to open but not close and another blew up
 
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it is case by case, upgrading a residential service in a 50 year old house is just a starting point for upgrading the entire electrical system, commercial & industrial systems may need upgrading when there electrical needs change, but if there is no problems leave it alone
 
brian john said:
and we have had calls were they were locked up another was able to open but not close and another blew up
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I can remember turning off a larger framed breaker one time, and ending up with the major part of the handle free in my hand. I can remember winding up another older breaker, and hearing the clockworks inside let loose with a sickening 'ker-pling'. I'm not sure what the solution to these is. In each event, it was "my fault", and I'm not sure how to make it someone else's fault. All I did was what you're supposed to do. (I think)
 
There are frequent building renovations--if the gear is 20 years old (480v) why would you keep it if your building owner will be using the building for anther 20+ years?

I've advised replacing the gear and any other electrical we can get to.
 
supermanhicks said:
There are frequent building renovations--if the gear is 20 years old (480v) why would you keep it if your building owner will be using the building for anther 20+ years?

I've advised replacing the gear and any other electrical we can get to.
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You're an employee, I see. It's easy to spend other people's money, isn't it? :roll:
 
jwelectric said:
If the service is 40 plus years old would not the rest of the system be as old?

Would just replacing the service make the entire system safe?

If replacing the service, is it not a good idea to replace the entire system?

Which will open quicker a fuse or a breaker?

Just my opinion--- replacing the service does nothing to make the entire system safer. If there are signs of over fusing there are other methods of curing this problem than changing the service.
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Even if it's our favorite type of FPE panel ?
 
There are frequent building renovations--if the gear is 20 years old (480v) why would you keep it if your building owner will be using the building for anther 20+ years?

I've advised replacing the gear and any other electrical we can get to
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And who's budget is this coming out of YOURS?

Actually with proper testing and maintenance the answer would be easier to arrive at.
 
TwinCitySparky said:
Even if it's our favorite type of FPE panel ?
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Is there something wrong with FPE?
When you see FPE do you cringe with fear or something?
Does FPE mean that it is somehow bad?
Just what part of FPE mandates an immediate service change?
 
There is a tremendous amount of information regarding certain types of FPE products on the internet outlining the dangers involved.

If you are unfamilier with the product, (hard to believe with you having over 3K posts:roll: ) might I suggest you start obtaining your information by doing a search on this site. ;)


Edited for spelling
 
TwinCitySparky said:
If you are unfamilier with the product, (hard to believe with you having over 3K posts:roll: ) might I suggest you start obtaining your information by doing a search on this site. ;)
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Trust me-- Mike knows all about FPE breakers.
 
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