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Need Breaker box advice

Posted on 5/10/22 at 9:19 pm
Posted by alajones
Huntsvegas
Member since Oct 2005
35696 posts
Posted on 5/10/22 at 9:19 pm
I’m trying to replace the 60 amp breaker in my box. I’ve replaced one before on this box, but these two wires aren’t giving me a warm fuzzy. The ones that are soldered to the main bus bar. Am I going to electrocute myself if I pull the wires out of that defective breaker?



Also, there is no main shutoff.

Posted by kengel2
Team Gun
Member since Mar 2004
33437 posts
Posted on 5/10/22 at 9:35 pm to
For more than one reason, I'd have someone replace that panel.
Posted by alajones
Huntsvegas
Member since Oct 2005
35696 posts
Posted on 5/10/22 at 9:37 pm to
I know Stab locks are bad…but I’m moving and don’t want to put that kind of money into anything.
Posted by FrankDrebin
The Port o'Potty
Member since Sep 2018
979 posts
Posted on 5/10/22 at 9:40 pm to
I’m trying to understand what is going on but what I see doesn’t make much since.

Based on what I see it seams your bus bar is split after that 60amp and the 60amp is feeding the bus bar below it.

How do you know the 60amp is bad?
Is it because the breakers below aren’t getting power?



No matter the issue here I would also recommend just replacing that whole panel as well.
Posted by bee Rye
New orleans
Member since Jan 2006
34357 posts
Posted on 5/10/22 at 9:41 pm to
quote:

know Stab locks are bad…but I’m moving and don’t want to put that kind of money into anything.


Are you selling the house? If so, you might have to change it out anyway after the inspection process.
Posted by No8Easy2
in these ( . ) ( . ) 's
Member since Mar 2014
11828 posts
Posted on 5/10/22 at 9:44 pm to
That’s an older federal Pacific split bus panel that’s 60 amp
is the “main” the breakers underneath it
Like kengel said that’s whole panel should be replaced asap
Posted by alajones
Huntsvegas
Member since Oct 2005
35696 posts
Posted on 5/10/22 at 9:47 pm to
I think it’s bad because it keep tripping. I’ve had to replace the 30 amp one below it a few years ago.

If a home inspection requires it to be replaced, I can deal with that then. Right now I can’t run my dryer and the upstairs A/C.

Those two wires which seem to be soldered on the bus bar is what is bothers me.
Posted by FrankDrebin
The Port o'Potty
Member since Sep 2018
979 posts
Posted on 5/10/22 at 9:55 pm to
Once you turn the 60amp off it should kill everything below it including the short wires to the bus bar. TEST IT WITH A METER.

You can then replace it like you would any other breaker.

BUT……

* I’d be very concerned about damaging the soldered connections as those wires are pretty short*

I definitely suggest replacing the panel asap.

Posted by Jack Daniel
Gold member
Member since Feb 2013
28468 posts
Posted on 5/10/22 at 10:10 pm to
Sweet dreams, prince
Posted by keakar
Member since Jan 2017
30152 posts
Posted on 5/10/22 at 10:14 pm to
quote:

Are you selling the house? If so, you might have to change it out anyway after the inspection process.



this ^^^^^^

you will have to replace it or drop the selling price at least 3 times the cost to get it replaced and make them question every square inch of your home for the slightest issues.

spend $500-$600 and get it replaced with receipts from licensed electrician and permitted or it can cost you many thousands off selling price if you dont
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
16262 posts
Posted on 5/11/22 at 6:41 am to
This is not expensive to replace if you can DIY. I just did the same. Looks like it's a subpanel anyway.
Posted by Cracker
in a box
Member since Nov 2009
19072 posts
Posted on 5/11/22 at 7:01 am to
DIY it
Posted by CoachChappy
Member since May 2013
34066 posts
Posted on 5/11/22 at 7:55 am to
quote:

If a home inspection requires it to be replaced, I can deal with that then. Right now I can’t run my dryer and the upstairs A/C.



I wouldn't be able to sleep at night with that in my house. replace it for your piece of mind/ family's safety. that's a very old system that someone has done some Cajun engineering in.
Posted by Major Dutch Schaefer
Location: Classified
Member since Nov 2011
38010 posts
Posted on 5/11/22 at 8:08 am to
quote:

I know Stab locks are bad…but I’m moving and don’t want to put that kind of money into anything.


If you are selling, it may come up during the home inspection.
Posted by Boomer 3
Member since May 2022
11 posts
Posted on 5/11/22 at 9:08 am to
OMG this is totally jury rigged. He backfed you 60 amp breaker, so your load lugs are now the line lugs which if you turn off the breaker those lugs are still hot. FPE went out of business over 20 years ago, split bus has bee illegal for some time, replace this panel, this is very dangereouse.
Posted by bee Rye
New orleans
Member since Jan 2006
34357 posts
Posted on 5/11/22 at 1:21 pm to
As everyone has said, change it now. FPE went out of business because they were a known fire hazard. It’s just not worth piecing that thing back together, a new 2 pole 60 is going to run you north of $100 either way. And your incoming lug on the left side already shows signs of trouble
This post was edited on 5/11/22 at 1:22 pm
Posted by alajones
Huntsvegas
Member since Oct 2005
35696 posts
Posted on 5/11/22 at 8:10 pm to
I sincerely appreciate all the concern and advice. I changed it without killing myself.



Probably not one of the smartest things I’ve ever done.
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
16262 posts
Posted on 5/11/22 at 9:38 pm to
Tell me this is the before picture.
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