FPE circuit breakers tripping? Well...I guess that sort of thing CAN happen
.
Judging from the PVC pipe and the cord wrapped around it, I'm assuming that there is a sump hole with a pump installed in front of this service location (a workspace violation, maybe...?). Are you going to do your new work in this same spot?
I hope you will take some pix of your new service and send them in.
Mike (mamills)