Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi to all,
Dan, as far as I'm aware there is no standard reference work that identifies the age of service panels, I wish there were, as I get asked a lot about ages of electrical components.
I guess figuring it out is based on experience and a process of deduction, as Jeff said if you can post pitcures we stand a better chance of helping you.
Originally Posted By: Dan Spy This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I have been told to pull a breaker and take it to a electrician and he would be able to give a window of age by type of breaker and serial numbers on it.
what do you think? would that be a reliable guesstimation?
i have to go back in a couple days i will try for a pic. The hard part will be trying to figure out how to upload it to the site.
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Dan, I doubt taking a breaker to an electrician is much of a test. There really isn’t much on a breaker to “age” it other than some minor style changes. That still may not indicate when it was installed. These things can sit around for years.
There should be a permit on file for any service upgrade or panel swap. The lack of a permit may be more significant than the age of the parts.
Of course some building departments are better than others about maintaining their paperworek but if you regularly work in that area you will soon find out if you look at public records on every inspection.