Hi All, new inspector here and I came across an old panel today that I’m not sure about. There was no obvious main disconnect. The bottom left has a label “main” but is this one of those panels where all the breakers need to be off to be certain that the power is off?
My observations were that the panel itself was secure, no signs of moisture intrusion. There is one available knockout in the panel with an appropriate cover. Panel does not have AFCI or GFCI breakers and is not up to current code. I’m not sure the amp rating on the panel. I was going to say 100 because of the labeling on that main breaker at the bottom.
Should I be recommending an upgrade for the disconnect issue? Anything else I should be noting here?
It is not unusual to see the main breaker being back fed and have an odd location on older panels, especially smaller distribution (sub) panels. If it is the biggest breaker (you indicated it was 100-amp) that is another clue that it could be back fed and is indeed the main breaker. In your case, it was nicely (correctly) identified as such.
Note: Back fed breakers should have “tie downs” or “hold downs” because when you remove them, unlike normal breakers, they are possibly still electrified and dangerous.
Don’t assume!
Back in the day, it was common for some manufacturers to require backfed “Main” breakers to leave an open/unused space beside it… for cooling purposes.
Note: That’s a lot of tandem breakers for that old of a panel. You really need to get over your fear of opening panels!
That is Amalgamated Electrical enclosure. Obsolete. No longer manufactured under Amalgamated. Defunct brand.
Amalgamated was a Canadian manufacturer of electrical equipment that was active until the 1980s after which it was sold and its products were phased out or incorporated into other brands such as Federal Pioneer not to be confused with Federal Pacific. Eventually those parts purchased by Schneider electric.
Appears there is a main disconnect. Bottom left hand side 100 Amp - 2 Pole - 240 Volt main disconnect.
Poor overall panel clearance.
Missing dead front fasteners.
Mixed brands of OCPD’s.
Vintage enclosure.
I would be recommend further review for replacement/updating and safety by a licensed electrical contractor, due to the enclosure age and being vintage/obsolete. Amalgamated Electric Corporation Limited Uni-center enclosure’s no longer produced. Defunct manufacturer.
Act upon any recommendations therein.
I’m ok with newer panels but this older one made me nervous. Electrical is my weak spot in this, so yes, I’d like to find someone who can take me out on a few ride alongs. I’ve reached out to inspectors in my city but I either haven’t heard back or they’ve declined. I’m thankful for the help on this forum!
Morning, Pamela. Hope to find you well and in great spirits today.
Pamela, try reaching out to InterNACHI mentors. I think I helped over 15 inspectors by bringing them on ride alongs to shadow how I inspected including hands or participation. Some made my day harder and I guess my short fuse drove some away but either or, I offered. Safe and practical shadowing means listening closely.
I want to say this. After 10 plus years of opening up panels I stopped for safety reasons.
To find a mentor within InterNACHI®, you need to log into the InterNACHI® Mentoring Program on the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors website, where you can access the program and find experienced members willing to provide informal advice and tutoring. You must be an InterNACHI® member in good standing to participate in this peer-to-peer learning program. Mentors are experienced inspectors who volunteer their time to help newer members with training, certification, and business questions.
Give it a shot. You having nothing to loose and everything to gain.
Pamela, you may want to contact some Mentors, CMIs or CPIs within 80 to 100 miles, or closer, to your area and communicate with them. Maybe one, or more, will help you. Be discerning, as some inspectors feel as though they are training their competition by ride-alongs or mentoring or hiring and some are into it just for the $.
Prudent and good move. That one looks to be restricted by something on the top of the photo. However, instead of being “too chicken”, you need to have rules and reasons for not opening the panel. Safety is the issue. If I cannot remove the screws without obstructions and then pull the cover directly back and away, I disclaim the panel interior. No sliding the panel cover to the side in order to remove it.
