Question about changing breaker panel

[tpaairman]

Hello all. I have a couple questions about chaining a breaker panel, and I was told this might just be the place to ask.

I have a family member looking to buy a house. There is one that looks might be the house to go with, but it has Zinsco breakers in it, which I know are junk, and the replacements are expensive. I've well versed in residential electrical, but I've never changed a breaker box before, though I've changed plenty of breakers.

Other than having the power company pull the meter, change the box, and be sure to use arc fault breakers for the bedrooms, are there any other code items I need to think about? I'm told I might need to add a second ground rod??

 

[rockwithjason]

you need a second ground rod if you can't prove that your ground resistance is less than 25 ohms so most forgo the test and add a second rod. it needs to be 6ft away from the other rod and connected with connectors listed for the purpose. the entire 8 ft length must be driven. i like to use those little hand holes that home depot sells for irrigation valves to cover the rods and to be able to find them easily.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Afcis are generally not required on a panel change out for existing circuits.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Not only does the meter need to be pulled but the incoming feed also needs to be disconnected if its a meter main panel.

Yes Zinsco is junk.

Do u have a pic of the panel?

U may wanna check on the AFCI requirement. Dont think u need em on panel swaps...

 

[theoldwizard1]

Not only does the meter need to be pulled but the incoming feed also needs to be disconnected if its a meter main panel.

If you do NOT have a meter main panel (i.e you have a separate meter and panel) it would be a good time to change the feed from the meter to your panel. I know mine is over 60 years old and if quite weather worn.

 

[bgeery]

Even if CACFI breakers are not required, they are still a very good idea. You will have a new panel, but the same old wire and insulation (possibly overheated) in the walls. Older houses tend to have a lot fewer circuits anyway, so the cost of going all CAFCI is not a big deal, and will meet the new 2014 NEC code, and keep an eye on wire you can't practically inspect.

It's also a good time to replace all the plugs and switches. Lots of fires caused by bad loose (but not arcing) connections, and replacing everything allows you to also make sure everything is wired safe and correctly. Cheap insurance.

 

[Wirepuller]

Afci's aren't required for a panel change and depending on wiring methods they may cause a lot of nuisance trips or don't work at all. Replacing the feed is a good idea but if going that far building a new service isn't much more work.

 

[woodzy]

Please check with your inspector - some of them if you replace the panel - the house needs to be brought up to the latest code. So - ask first...

 

[bgeery]

Afci's aren't required for a panel change and depending on wiring methods they may cause a lot of nuisance trips or don't work at all.

Yes. MWBC wiring would be an issue, and a normal breaker would be needed there.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Afci's aren't required for a panel change and depending on wiring methods they may cause a lot of nuisance trips or don't work at all. Replacing the feed is a good idea but if going that far building a new service isn't much more work.

 

[rsieracki]

im in the process of rewiring my built in 1952 ranch home... more of a pain in the *** than anything but I had 12ga solid copper HR grade wire... rubber insulated with cloth jacket at 63+ years old the insulation had failed and when changing switches and light fixtures, outlets etc the insulation would crack/fall apart etc... not much more expense is involved othere than just a few 500ft rolls of copper stranded wire as i have almost all conduit but a filthy mess pulling that all wire out and a figuring out where lines go to/tie in etc.. more time consuming than anything.

If using stranded wire i suggest SPEC GRADE receptacles and switches etc (with back clamp/wire NOT back stab) either Pass & Seymour if you shop at Menards or Leviton if you like home depot... they are the more expensive item in the single cardboard packages... better made and sturdier than the 'builder grade' **** on the bottom shelf... and for my home it was worth an extra $100 or so.

Id like to upgrade my panel also but as that requires pulling the meter i'm going to have to hire that done so i'm getting everything else done first. the current panel is from the late 80's and I'm out of room and rated at 100 amps.

 

[Mustang51js]

Yes. MWBC wiring would be an issue, and a normal breaker would be needed there.

Seimans is only company I know of right now that make a two pole arc fault

 

[tpaairman]

The panel does not include the meter - that is a separate box. But the main is in the panel, so the meter will have to be pulled.

The house she's looking at was built in 1980, so it's got some years, but it shouldn't be that bad.

After some digging I found out that the 2014 NEC code requires AFI breakers for new construction, though I can't find anything about changing an existing panel, but as was stated here that may not be required, however the permit apps say that it has to conform to 2008 NEC codes, so looks like the AFI's would not be required whole house.

I'm thinking though that if this place does work out to just have her hire an electrician for the panel change and use that as leverage to drop a couple thousand off the selling price.

 

[_Dock_]

Hello all. I have a couple questions about chaining a breaker panel, and I was told this might just be the place to ask.

I have a family member looking to buy a house. There is one that looks might be the house to go with, but it has Zinsco breakers in it, which I know are junk, and the replacements are expensive. I've well versed in residential electrical, but I've never changed a breaker box before, though I've changed plenty of breakers.

Other than having the power company pull the meter, change the box, and be sure to use arc fault breakers for the bedrooms, are there any other code items I need to think about? I'm told I might need to add a second ground rod??

Where do you live? What are the permit requirements? In most places if you are not the owner then you need to be licensed to do the work. Most power companies will require an inspection before hooking the service back up.

 

[Wirepuller]

^ Hiring a pro is always my first recommendation. I used to write a lot of estimates for exactly the scenario you describe. The home inspector should also note it. Usually it works as a bargaining chip when negotiations are under way. Best of luck.

 

[CNGsaves]

First off . . . . Welcome to GJ.

However, your first lesson is NEED INFO / NEED PICTURES to get the best advice.

WHERE are you located ??? Update GJ Profile with City/State/Country.

Post up PICTURES of Main Electric Panel . . . . with Cover ON . . & Cover OFF.