I found this service panel in a 1965 condo yesterday. No identifying brand name. The screws on the cover were stripped, so could not be removed. Any ideas on the manufacturer, typical amps (60 or 70?), and how you would report this panel. I also removed a cover plate on a receptacle and found copper wiring. Was that typical of that era? Thanks for the help.
Looks like an I-T-E Bulldog Pushmatic panel. Sometimes the amperage is written on the edge of the breakers.
I agree with a Push-matic.
Being in a “condo,” it’s much more likely to have been a distribution (sub) panel, rather than a “main” or “service” panel. * Understanding and recognizing the difference is critical in determining proper wiring of the panels as it relates to grounding and bonding.
Although the panel will have its own rating, the service capacity of the unit is determined at the service equipment, which is generally located in a common location for all units of the building.
I agree, it appears to be an ITE Bulldog Pushmatic. Great equipment, but getting more and more difficult to obtain affordable parts/breakers.*
As Jeff said, it likely a sub-panel, not a service panel. Sub-panels in condos and apartments often have a main breaker but it is still a sub-panel if the service disconnect is upstream. There are a few good reasons to have a main breaker even though it does not need to be there. One reason is that contractors sometime buy load centers in large quantities so they can get the best pricing. It is often less expensive to buy a panel box with a main breaker than a Main Lug Only (MLO).
Pushmatics have been around for a long time. They have two characteristics that you should be aware of. They are thermal-only breakers unlike most breakers, which are thermal-magnetic. They are also what is sometimes called a grease-fed breaker. They will become very stiff over time if not exercised. If you push the breaker and if feels like it doesn’t want to move, it probably hasn’t been exercised in a couple of years.