Originally Posted By: bking This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Patrick, tell us what all you reported on those, Its hard to see everything with a picture sometimes.
1st pic. looks like 2 meter bases feeding into one panel and 2nd,3rd meter has nothing coming out the bottom. all 16 the same??
I guess the interior panels were all like pic 2 ?
please explain the whole configuration and the problems noted.
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Bruce,
The first photo is of a typical SE panel for all of the units. There were 4 service drops at various locations around the building. Each drop went into a 6' trough. below each trough were a series of meter pans. Most of which were not used (someone was planning for a serious expansion). There were 4 active meters below each trough and each one had the panel in the picture below it.
The second picture is of the typical sub panel located in each apartment. They were all identical in configuration and condition. It was uncanny.
Some of the issues were:
SE panels:
double tapped breakers
no GEC or electrode
some strands cut on the end of the cable so it would fit into the breaker
undersized wires on breakers
no anti oxidant on aluminum cables
not labeled
missing knock outs
Sub panels:
located in clothes closet
grounds and neutrals on common bus
inadequate service space in front of panels
All were Zinsco panels
There were also two bulldog panels out on the pool cabana that did not lock when in the "on" position.
The building was 46 years old. For the age of the building, it was in pretty good shape.
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I guess the direct answer (for me anyway) would be “no.”
To break it down a bit. . .
FPE Stab-Lok Load Center (whether as service equipment or load side equipment) yes, replacement is advised.
FPE fused disconnects, not necessarily. It depends largely on the current condition of the system. Replacement is recommended if the system looks to be deteriorated, unsafe, obsolete, etc., etc.
Zynsco/Sylvania/GTE - Recommendations for replacement are based on the condition of the equipment, its function (SE or LSE) and its location (interior or exterior).
Minimum recommendations for any of the above is complete disassembly and inspection by a state-licensed electrical contractor to determine the safety, integrity and performance of the system and its components.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: hgordon This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
Minimum recommendations for any of the above is complete disassembly and inspection by a state-licensed electrical contractor to determine the safety, integrity and performance of the system and its components.
Excellent Jeff!!! Bravo!!! Finally a recommendation that makes sense!! Very similar to mine:
Quote:
Licensed Electrician to further evaluate panel for safeness
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Doug,
These were located in public walkways around the apartment building. It was one tenants way of dressing them up a bit. 
Originally Posted By: jschwartz1 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
To Add to Jeff’s comment…
SAFETY ALERT ? Property is equipped with FPE electrical panels and breakers. This manufacturer has been known to have documented cases of failure leading to fire. For more information about this manufacturer, it is strongly recommended you visit
http://www.inspect-ny.com/fpe/fpepanel.htm for details