Luc
Member
We are doing some renovations in our 50 years old building and I would like to know if it would be a good idea to redo the electrical distribution.
Thanks,
Luc
Thanks,
Luc
50 year old electrical service enterance
- Thread starter Luc
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GabeS
Remodel Contractor
If the electrical is inadequate, it's always a good idea to rewire.
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Luc
Member
Thanks GabeS for the reply.
How about the panelboards? What is usually the service life for the breakers, panleboards, and transformers?
Luc
How about the panelboards? What is usually the service life for the breakers, panleboards, and transformers?
Luc
Alectrician
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50 years, it's time to upgrade.
It is rare to find equipment from 1959 that is in good shape.
MOST of the damage to the system comes frome 50 years of uinqualified people adding on crap.
It's time for a new service, panels and grounding/bonding. It's also a good time for GFCI breakers on any ungrounded recep circuits. Also, do a check of your ceiling light jboxes. 50 years of 100 watt lbulbs will really cook the wiring.
Add smokies too.
It is rare to find equipment from 1959 that is in good shape.
MOST of the damage to the system comes frome 50 years of uinqualified people adding on crap.
It's time for a new service, panels and grounding/bonding. It's also a good time for GFCI breakers on any ungrounded recep circuits. Also, do a check of your ceiling light jboxes. 50 years of 100 watt lbulbs will really cook the wiring.
Add smokies too.
Billy_Bob
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I would redo the electrical if there are problems. If breakers/fuses blowing. Too many things on the same circuit. No grounded outlets. Etc.
Or if there are not any problems now, but you plan to add additional electrical loads in the future.
Or for better surge protection (grounded outlets) of electronic gizmos and maybe whole building/house/whatever surge protection.
Or if small children around, modern electrical systems are much safer with GFCI protection.
Or just because you need to bend the prongs of plugs to get them to work in the old outlets and this is a daily irritation!
Or if there are not any problems now, but you plan to add additional electrical loads in the future.
Or for better surge protection (grounded outlets) of electronic gizmos and maybe whole building/house/whatever surge protection.
Or if small children around, modern electrical systems are much safer with GFCI protection.
Or just because you need to bend the prongs of plugs to get them to work in the old outlets and this is a daily irritation!
Luc
Member
Thank you all for your answers. I will try to get an electricien or inspector to look at the wiring/panels and give me their reccomendations.
Luc
Luc
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50 year old service.
Upgraded service.
Side by side
Upgraded service.
Side by side
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Billy_Bob
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Much nicer!
And plenty of extra slots for the future. That's the way to do it! (Thinking ahead....)
When done, get the electrician or someone to remove the old service mast and panel. You can get a metal cutting blade for a circular saw at the hardware store and cut right through it. Then cover hole with roofing cement.
It is so easy to remove these, I don't know why people leave them up???
And plenty of extra slots for the future. That's the way to do it! (Thinking ahead....)
When done, get the electrician or someone to remove the old service mast and panel. You can get a metal cutting blade for a circular saw at the hardware store and cut right through it. Then cover hole with roofing cement.
It is so easy to remove these, I don't know why people leave them up???
hj
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panel
Once the electrical system is disconnected from the old panel ANYONE can remove it, you do not need an electrician to do it.
Once the electrical system is disconnected from the old panel ANYONE can remove it, you do not need an electrician to do it.
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Come on....I didn't leave the old one up
