MPdesign Posted May 9, 2012 Report Share Posted May 9, 2012 What's your opinion of these in-use old panels. Most are Walker Electric Company (WECO) Atlanta. Yes, all are in use. I have seen not this type of GE main disconnect before. Any input there would be appreciated. All are circa 1950. This was a world class high strength long life facility when it was built (built to withstand bombs and has vault to secure the president if he is in town when and if we were bombed while he was here) I already know how I am handling it all; but a second set of eyes and the experience of others never hurts. Besides - this is fun stuff - very rare Click to Enlarge 29.85 KB Click to Enlarge 27.89 KB Click to Enlarge 27.52 KB Click to Enlarge 24.3 KB Click to Enlarge 25.95 KB Click to Enlarge 32.52 KB Click to Enlarge 34.39 KB Click to Enlarge 27.15 KB Click to Enlarge 29.25 KB Click to Enlarge 35.96 KB Click to Enlarge 32.6 KB Click to Enlarge 24.72 KB Click to Enlarge 26.8 KB Click to Enlarge 29.24 KB Click to Enlarge 28.4 KB Click to Enlarge 30.5 KB Click to Enlarge 30.21 KB Click to Enlarge 26.06 KB Click to Enlarge 26.06 KB Click to Enlarge 30.18 KB Click to Enlarge 30.18 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kogel Posted May 10, 2012 Report Share Posted May 10, 2012 There are a number of 200 amp fuse pulls, with the wire handles. The GE main is an 800 amp disconnect. That looks like the type of setup you would find in a commercial building or a multi residential building. Do you have more pics of those terra cotta blocks? Any cracks in those? It would be better if you rename your pics so that the whole world can't see the address. Not that it matters to us, but the owners might object someday. [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted May 10, 2012 Report Share Posted May 10, 2012 Great pictures. Thanks for posting them. As I was looking through the pictures, I could actually smell that old-electrical-equipment odor that I love. The only input I can offer is that it's wonderful old equipment, but it's antiquated and obsolete today. If they're running serious loads through those panels, they should be replaced soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MPdesign Posted May 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2012 Thanks for the heads up on the pic names. I will have to change that... The structure is actually cast in place with caste in place columns 16' on center and the terra cotta are not structural. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lamb Posted May 10, 2012 Report Share Posted May 10, 2012 You are probably familiar with the NFPA study: http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/re ... report.pdf Recent studies have shown that the frequency of fires in residential electrical systems is disproportionately higher in older homes. I don't know if they needed a study for that but I warn my clients that the older the electrical stuff, the greater the fire hazard. Time invites deterioration, misuse and abuse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norcal Posted May 29, 2012 Report Share Posted May 29, 2012 Just for some additional info, the Walker gear later became part of the I-T-E Circuit Breaker Company, which later became I-T-E Imperial Corp, before being bought by Gould Inc in 1976, after a few more name changes it's now Siemens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Amaral Posted May 29, 2012 Report Share Posted May 29, 2012 You know that old adage about 'exercising your breakers' ? Well, I'd say 75% of all 'oil burner emergency shut-off switches' I see 'don't work anymore'. Reason: They don't get used.. they fail.. if not used (or exercised). Old panels are not great .. .there is a reason they recommend upgrades after 40 or so years.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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