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#152053 11/02/03 01:54 PM
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[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
Quote
This was installed in the early 1950's, and was replaced this year by a Square D panel (we needed more circuits).

- wa2ise

#152054 11/02/03 02:12 PM
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I didn't know there were breakers in the 1950's. When did breakers become common?

#152055 11/02/03 07:06 PM
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In general applications, the late '30s was when they were introduced as an alternative to fuses. The price for them didn't become competative with fuses until the '60s.

What I find fascinating about this Federal Panelette is that both the upper and lower breakers have ON in the UP position.


[This message has been edited by ElectricAL (edited 11-02-2003).]


Al Hildenbrand
#152056 11/02/03 08:41 PM
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were these federal breakers anything like the federal pacific of today? they look like they would trip when overloaded.

#152057 11/02/03 11:37 PM
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What I find fascinating about this Federal Panelette is that both the upper and lower breakers have ON in the UP position.
That is interesting. I didn't notice anything different about them until you said that.

Bill


Bill
#152058 11/03/03 11:15 AM
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perhaps they just didnt care which side should be line and load?

#152059 11/03/03 11:24 AM
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It's interesting to note that these breakers in this little panel are bolted in to the line side, much like larger panelboards seen today. It also looks like there are a variety of other breakers (Westinghouse and G.E.) in there, in addition to Federal. i may be mistaken, but I believe the Federal breakers are in spaces 1,3,4 and 8 - I bought some of these old style Federal breakers some time ago on eBay to add to my collection of vintage equipment.

This is a very nice panel, and a nice addition to a collection...(you don't want to sell it, do ya [Linked Image])

Mike (mamills)

#152060 11/03/03 04:52 PM
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This is a very nice panel, and a nice addition to a collection...(you don't want to sell it, do ya )

Mike (mamills),

I don't have a use for it, and I collect old radios but not circuit breakers, so sure I'll sell it. Name a price plus shipping from zio 07649. I have a few more breakers that fit as well. Even a 5 amp breaker. Didn't think they made them that low of amperage.

Bob

#152061 11/03/03 05:55 PM
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I think I see a 5a breaker in space 6?
I at first thought it was a 15A with the 1 worn off. Did you ever get one of these to trip? [Linked Image] Maybe this is better than those good old Nevertrips..... I mean Stab-Locks [Linked Image]

[This message has been edited by sparked (edited 02-22-2004).]

#152062 11/04/03 12:18 AM
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{quote]Did you ever get one of these to trip?[/quote]

A few times we did trip these. We have a table saw in the basement, and it was on the same circuit (15A) as the room lights (400W total). Occasionally the saw might jam or otherwise overload and the breaker would trip.

We also had a stab lock sub panel, but I don't think we ever had an overcurrent event happen on it. I replaced it with a Square D panel last year.

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