Noticed the difference between old and new breaker panels today

Honestly, I was swapping out a Federal Pacific panel from the 70s this morning in Portland and the new Square D panel felt like it was made of toy plastic compared to that old heavy steel. How much did those old panels actually weigh compared to modern ones?

2 comments

2 Comments

craig.parker4d ago

Wait, Federal Pacific panels are actually fire hazards? I had no idea. I always thought those old panels were built like tanks. The steel casing felt solid and indestructible compared to the thin plastic on modern panels. But if the breakers don't trip when they should, then the heavy metal box is just a pretty coffin for a house fire. That changes my whole view on those old panels.

amy8584d ago

Oh wait, those old Federal Pacific panels were actually known for being fire hazards, not high quality. They had a bad habit of not tripping breakers when they should, so don't miss that dangerous junk. The new Square D stuff is way safer even if the plastic feels flimsier.