Federal Pacific Main and Sub panel.. DYI?

10 years ago

I just bought a house that has a 150AMP main and 100 AMP sub Federal Pacific. I know the potential danger and want to replace them. My question is.. I am quite handy and versed in electrical work, mostly DC but have done some AC. If this were DC I wouldnt hesitate to replace myself. Is this a DIY kind of operation? I was planning to swap out the boxes with a new Cuttler Hammer or similar. Label, draw diagrams, take photos and have an excellent picture of what wires need to go where. Just remove all wires, and replace in the new box. Nothing fancy, change like for like.

I thought starting with the sub panel and seeing how it goes. I can turn that off at the main likely. I have an AC meter that lights the end if I have current or not to test to make sure current is not coming in.

After changing this out, I would tackle the main. I dont think there is an outside shutoff, or one before the main so think a call to the power company is needed. SInce its 150, I dont need to bother to go 200 and again hopefully can swap out old box and reattach wires where needed.

Comments??

This post was edited by Dan.NY on Fri, Dec 27, 13 at 14:21

Comments (3)

randy427
10 years ago
Though it could be done by a handy DIYer, I don't recommend it. A number of pertinent codes have changed on things such as grounding, AFCI and GFCI protection and bending radii of cables since yours was installed. Your new panel will likely be at least twice the size of the current one. You'll need to do the installation according to whichever code your AHJ requires.
You'll need a permit before doing the work and an inspection afterwards. Your POCO, or an electrician approved by them, will have to pull your meter to cut off the power before you go to work service entry cables and reinstall it after the connections are made at least as far as your main disconnect.
The subpanel would not be as tricky as the main, providing the old one was correctly installed, with the grounds separated from the neutrals, and 'excessive' splicing is not required. This panel will also be significantly larger than the old FedPac.
JMHO
btharmy
10 years ago
I would verify if the sub panel even has a separate ground and neutral before diving into this project. The fact that you refer to current instead of voltage leads me to believe it would be safer to have a professional do the work.
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fa_f3_20
10 years ago
I'm fairly experienced at DIY residential wiring, but I would not tackle this. The problem is that due to the unknown (but likely not good) condition of the FPE main panel, there's no telling what kind of complications you will find once you get into the job, including the possibility that you will have to replace the service all the way back to the meter. Keep in mind that if you mess something up while the FPE main is still live, you may not be able to shut the power off.

You might could handle the subpanel, but I would definitely call a pro to do the main panel. And since he's already going to be there, it won't cost a lot more to have him do the subpanel too. Panel replacements are a PITA. Save yourself the aggrevation.