Walker panel question

[Robert Foster]

The whole electrical system in this 83 year old house is headed to a "qualified, licensed electrician for further evaluation and correction" but I'm interested in the panel and the time line of the circuit breakers and what they might of replaced.

I'm assuming, maybe incorrectly, that these ITE EQ-P circuit breakers are not the original equipment for this Walker panel. The panel tag indicates there was a handle in the center that indicated the circuit was overloaded. No such handle is present now. Was there an original equipment circuit breaker in this panel that was prone to failure so they all were replaced?

Also...is the main fuse block used as the disconnect a indication that this panel was manufactured during the transition period from fuses to circuit breakers? I assume this setup is atypical.

I did a quick goggle for these items, but didn't come up with anything quickly and I'm trying to write another report this morning...so I figured I'd post it here.

Thanks.

[Kary Krismer]

I think you may be mis-reading that. I think you're reading it as if there was once a breaker switch in the middle of the box???? All it indicates is that when a circuit is tripped, that the handle on each breaker does not go all the way to the off position.

[Scott Patterson]

What is it that you are telling the electrician that needs to be done?

Just saying that it needs "further evaluation" is kind of a cop-out. What we really need to be doing is being specific with our findings and not just giving a general statement like "further evaluation is needed".

Granted, it is an older panel and breaker system but is that really an issue if nothing else is wrong? The cartridge fuse work great when sized properly.

[Robert Foster]

Sorry, I wasn't very clear. I'm not calling for further evaluation based on the questions asked above about this panel. That recommendation is based on dozens of items not mentioned in my above post...from active knob and tube buried in cellulose insulation; double and multi taps in this panel as well as another distribution panel; loose, hot, easily accessable wire terminations; no GEC or EGC's in evidence anywhere....etc.

I posted out of curiosity to learn, what others might care to share, about the time line of the transition from fuses to circuit breakers. It appeared to this rookie, that the mix match of components in this service equipment suggests it might have been altered over time and I wanted to know if this panel was a typical scenario seen during that transition.

That said...isn't mix matched components from different manufacturers used in service equipment of this vintage (unless specifically noted on the component labels) a call for "further evaluation" on it's own ? I thought I learned that around here multiple times?

[Robert Foster]

I think you may be mis-reading that. I think you're reading it as if there was once a breaker switch in the middle of the box???? All it indicates is that when a circuit is tripped, that the handle on each breaker does not go all the way to the off position.

Yeah....you're probably right about that...the little logo looks like some sort of button or push switch...which had me wondering.

Did walker panels come with ITE circuit breakers as original equipment?

[Scott Patterson]

Sorry, I wasn't very clear. I'm not calling for further evaluation based on the questions asked above about this panel. That recommendation is based on dozens of items not mentioned in my above post...from active knob and tube buried in cellulose insulation; double and multi taps in this panel as well as another distribution panel; loose, hot, easily accessable wire terminations; no GEC or EGC's in evidence anywhere....etc.

I posted out of curiosity to learn, what others might care to share, about the time line of the transition from fuses to circuit breakers. It appeared to this rookie, that the mix match of components in this service equipment suggests it might have been altered over time and I wanted to know if this panel was a typical scenario seen during that transition.

That said...isn't mix matched components from different manufacturers used in service equipment of this vintage (unless specifically noted on the component labels) a call for "further evaluation" on it's own ? I thought I learned that around here multiple times?

Well, with knob and tube you might also want to tell your client that they will have a difficult if not impossible time getting insurance on the home. Most if not all of the insurance providers will no longer write a new policy on K&T.

Using replacement breakers is OK as long as they are made for the type/design panel they are going into. I have never seen a Walker brand panel, but it looks like an ITE type panel in its design. Replacement breakers just do not bother me that much as long as they fit the design they are in. With a panel of this vintage, you don't have to worry about the warranty! :)

[H.G. Watson, Sr.]

Bluntly, we have a case of the blind leading the blind. :p :rolleyes:

When you're inspecting bring the cheaters or a magnifying glass with you. When you're looking at your own digital pictures, try enlarging them. ;)

I direct you to your own photo of the "tag" on the panel.:D

It says quite clearly that this is/was ITE:

Walker Electrical Co., Inc.
Division of I.T.E. Circuit Breaker Company :eek:
Atlanta, Georgia

ITE of many names, one of which was ITE Circuit Breaker Company, which had viola: its "Walker" Division.

ITE was purchased by Siemens, who then subsequently dropped the ITE name.

EQ Load Center/EQ Breakers. Walker/ITE/Siemens.

There have been inspection programs and recalls on some of the older ITE panels.

You can call Siemens at 1-800-241-3138.

You can add Gould and Murray to your ITE => Siemens cross reference list.

Reset instructions apparently had you confused.

Nearly identical to most - before attempting to reset from a trip, cycle first to the complete OFF position.

P.S. EGC doen't have to be a "wire", Metalic Conduit such as the EMT pictured, when properly connected/bonded provides the continuity for EGC.

[Robert Foster]

My rate of curiosity outpaced the time I had available to satisfy it...thought this forum might be an enjoyable short cut...my mistake evidently.

[Michael Thomas]

My rate of curiosity outpaced the time I had available to satisfy it...thought this forum might be an enjoyable short cut...my mistake evidently.

My advice is to keep asking about anything you find of interest - I do the same, and end up learning all sorts of useful stuff.

The various wiseacres just come with the territory.