GE panel

[SGKent]

Forgive me if you get questions like this all the time.

Since asking some questions on a sub-panel it got me thinking again about the main panel. The issues are many including it is crowded and all 20 slots are taken although several are disconnected breakers where something that was has been removed. The panel is the service entrance on the left side, built into the outside of the house and surrounded by T-111 siding. It was made by GE in 1979 and is a 125 amp service.

One option would be to hire an electrician to replace it with something more modern. That would be the most expensive solution and I don't really think there is any gain in that. Another solution would be to try to buy parts for it, example the door that won't stay up on its own anymore, a replacement shield so that the unused breakers can be pulled and the panel cleaned up by an electrician. To me that would be preferable to plastic covers, which I've tried before and they simply get in the way when the shield is being put back on - say a breaker goes bad - which has happened because these are mostly 40 year old breakers. I had flickering in a circuit a few years ago and it was a breaker going bad. At any rate, if I could get parts it would probably make sense to have an electrician clean it up and replace the worn door and shield that has been fully punched out.

Are parts like this available in the industry anymore? It is a 40 year old item.

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[alfredeneuman]

Are parts like this available in the industry anymore? It is a 40 year old item.

It's very doubtful if it's 40 years old.

 

[Bert_]

The parts have changed a little over the years so don't expect new ones to be the same. If the panel is in overall decent shape just leave it be, otherwise replace the whole thing.

You won't be in there very often so the minor inconvenience of the lid not staying open and a few breakers labeled spare is not a big deal.

 

[Bert_]

It's very doubtful if it's 40 years old.

Why not? That's '79 like he said. Plenty of equipment that age still in service around here.

 

[SGKent]

Thanks Bert. Will change "disconnected" to "spare."

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Reach out to GE to see if you can source parts for it.

I have contacted them before and they gave me a timely response.

the shield is actually called a deadfront.

 

[SGKent]

Ok - will do

 

[alfredeneuman]

Plenty of equipment that age still in service around here.

Still in service doesn't necessarily mean that parts will be available.
GE's Customer Service Dept is better than most. You'll have your best results there.
I've bought LOTS from GE Supply.

 

[SGKent]

Thanks - I looked online but the web indicates GEXPRO or something like that bought G E Supply. Do you know if there a special unit that deals in older parts? I am thinking of just following Bert's advise and labeling the disconnected ones as "spare." Maybe rigging an eyelet, piece of parachute cord & hook to hold the panel up and out of the way when it is open.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Yes, GEXPRO bought GE Supply.
You could just take the outer cover off with the removal of 2 screws as an option to propping it up.
I don't know of any special dept. for old parts. We left that up to our Inside Sales Rep @ GE.

 

[Bert_]

Still in service doesn't necessarily mean that parts will be available.
GE's Customer Service Dept is better than most. You'll have your best results there.
I've bought LOTS from GE Supply.

Never mind my comment I read your post wrong. I agree parts will not be available. I read it as you didn't think the panel could be that old.

 

[SGKent]

Never mind my comment I read your post wrong. I agree parts will not be available. I read it as you didn't think the panel could be that old.

Thanks for clarifying that Bert. I am going to label the last two as spares. An eyelet screwed into the siding above it with a piece of parachute cord and a small hook will be enough to hold it without getting in the way. When I have time I will hire an electrician to look over the panel to be sure that the PO's and time have been good to it. I have no reason to believe otherwise but while I am going thru the house looking for accumulated maintenance, why not.