Panelboard Life Cycle

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spsnyder

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I have a panelboard I am concidering replacing. It's almost 30 yrs old, GE, not experiencing problems that I know of. We're renovating the area this panel serves so 95% of the loads (conductors too) will be removed and new loads and conductors pulled in. What are your opinions as to a reasonable age to replace a panelboard?

Thanks as always.
 
In your situation, its nice to have MORE physical space in a newer panel... other than that not sure why you would change one out other than obvious damage...
 
Another reason I am leaning toward replacing it is the area is unoccupied at the time. This may not be the case again for easily 10-20 yrs.

You are correct in that the new panelboard interior is smaller than the existing. Requires a custom cover also.

Thanks.
 
Panelboards can live on for many years as evidence by some that are still with us and the company long out of business. That being said I would opt to upgrade the panel esp. if I wanted more circuits then the original had. There tends to be more space in the newer panels so cutting in the wires is easier. You could still use all the old breakers if you stayed with GE
 
stickboy1375 said:
I dont think I would reuse 30 year old breakers...:cool:
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Why not? You can always replace them if they go bad. If it is an outdoor panel or a damp area I probably wouldn't but I don't see a problem with it. I would, of course, prefer to use new ones but if money is an issue I would use the old ones.
 
stickboy1375 said:
I guess i'm just used to changing out panels in basements with dirt floors and no dehumidification...
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When you work in those houses do you suggest replacing the breakers since they've been in there 30 years? Breakers are pretty durable. I wish there was an easy method to testing them.
 
I would replace the panel and the breakers and here is why. Up over and beyond adding additional spaces, breakers 30 years ago were relatively slow in operating times. I have am old GE Push-O-matic and cut through an extension cord cutting my hedges last week, didn't even trip the breaker! Molded case circuitbreakers of today are 2-3 times quicker within their shortciruit areas. I also would add AFCI's in the bedrooms & GFCI's for the kitchen bathroom & garage. An Option they didn't have 30 years ago.
just my $.02
 
Dennis Alwon said:
When you work in those houses do you suggest replacing the breakers since they've been in there 30 years? Breakers are pretty durable. I wish there was an easy method to testing them.
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I only replace them if i'm doing the panel upgrade, the way I see it, they are paying for NEW so they are getting NEW.... It's included in the price, if they don't like the price they can shop around...
 
I would go ahead and replace it since you are renovating and have access to do this at this time. It would truly be a bummer once you got finished and a year or two down the line you started having problems. Doesn't cost a lot extra vs the future cost of trying to do it without renovating. Is it a 3 wire or 2 wire? If 2 wire I would def go for it. Besides you can change around things a little while your at it update the lighting add outlets etc....
 
I would replace the panel.. Although it may be far from the end of its useful life why leave any 30 year old component in a completely new system.
 
infinity said:
I would replace the panel.. Although it may be far from the end of its useful life why leave any 30 year old component in a completely new system.
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I agree. There is an opportunity to install a new panel without much inconvienence, and the other panel is 30 years old. I would also change the circuit breakers. Breakers that are that old and have not had maintenance to them could easily not be working properly.
 
A 30 year old GE i spossibly a split-bus panel with no 'Main' breaker.

I would possibly change it at this point.
Up-to-date Cutler Hammer breakers are better than 30 year old GE's IMO.
 
Thank you all for your comments. I am going to replace the panel. All of your points make a lot of sence.

"Is it a 3 wire or 2 wire? " It's a 3PH, 4W panel (Commercial).

Regards.
 
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