This week, CWC Electric, LLC replaced a Bulldog Pushmatic panel for a local Topeka homeowner. Bulldog Pushmatic panels were the "Cadillac's" of electrical panels in the 1950's and '60's. As their name implies, the breakers were reset by being pushed rather than flipped.
Unfortunately, everything made by man has a life expectancy, including electrical panels. When this electrical panel was installed in 1961, most of today's electronics did not exist. A 100-amp panel was sufficient to power a few small kitchen electrical devices, the house lights and if you were lucky, maybe a small black and white television in a gigantic cabinet .
Unfortunately, everything made by man has a life expectancy, including electrical panels. When this electrical panel was installed in 1961, most of today's electronics did not exist. A 100-amp panel was sufficient to power a few small kitchen electrical devices, the house lights and if you were lucky, maybe a small black and white television in a gigantic cabinet .
Today, many homeowners own a air conditioner, large screen television, multiple computers, microwave oven, dishwasher, electronic games, washer and dryer, hair dryer, hot iron, space heaters, over-size refrigerator in the kitchen plus a beer refrigerator in the garage, induction cooktops, hot tubs, heated floors and much, much more! An older 100-amp electrical panel was not designed to handle these kinds of electrical loads.
So how do you know if your panel needs replaced? Unfortunately, it is not obvious when a panel has exceeded it's life expectancy. Electrical panels can stop functioning properly - meaning tripping a breaker to prevent electrical overload - but continue to still "work" as far as the homeowner is aware. The homeowner may have lost her panel's protection while everything within the home continues to receive power and function.
Any electrical panel installed more than 20 years ago, should be inspected to ensure it has the minimum amperage, is properly grounded, does not have double taps (two wires terminated in a lug rated for only one) and has the proper wire size and breakers.
So how do you know if your panel needs replaced? Unfortunately, it is not obvious when a panel has exceeded it's life expectancy. Electrical panels can stop functioning properly - meaning tripping a breaker to prevent electrical overload - but continue to still "work" as far as the homeowner is aware. The homeowner may have lost her panel's protection while everything within the home continues to receive power and function.
Any electrical panel installed more than 20 years ago, should be inspected to ensure it has the minimum amperage, is properly grounded, does not have double taps (two wires terminated in a lug rated for only one) and has the proper wire size and breakers.
While a Bulldog pushmatic panel is not as dangerous as some older panels (see our website for information on Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels), they are considered obsolete as parts for the panels are no longer manufactured. In addition, Arc Fault Circuit Interupter (AFCI) breakers were never available for Bulldog panels. AFCI breakers, which new panels are required to have by the National Electrical Code, sense arcing within an electrical circuit, a common cause of house fires in older homes. Immediately upon sensing the arc the circuit breaker will trip, de-energizing the circuit, minimizing the risk of a house fire.
The homeowners (pictured right) seemed satisfied to be rid of the "Bulldog" panel and have a new Square D Homeline panel set in it's place. Only one difficulty was encountered during the installation of the panel. While installing new outlet plates, some parts were stolen. The parts were later recovered and properly installed.
While the electricians at CWC Electric, LLC said they had heard of "cat burglars", they indicated they had never actually encountered one on a job site! This furry fiend nabbed an electrical plate and carried it back to his den in his mouth.
This is one inside job we which we wish would have caught on video!
Contact CWC Electric, LLC at 785-215-8775 for a personal consultation on replacing your home's electrical panel.
This is one inside job we which we wish would have caught on video!
Contact CWC Electric, LLC at 785-215-8775 for a personal consultation on replacing your home's electrical panel.
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