ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Photos for General Discussion 1930s Eatery

Here are some pics I took while at a 1930's era eatery to troubleshoot a tripping breaker... The owner stated that she had recently replaced a toaster with a new one and it was making a circuit trip (In an FPE panel at that!) The rats nests below comprised her electrical system... I read between 17 and 19.5A on almost every circuit in that place... The main for the overly packed FPE panel seen here is the 40A breaker that was more than content to allow 71A to flow on one leg of the panel!... The open pullcan is outside facing a parking lot with the poco feeders coming in.. Found it just as you see.... The SO cord on the other FPE panel was attached to a female twistlock cordcap for ???? The label on the bus feeding the restaurant and 2 adjoining businesses shows a 100A capacity, and just one panel in the restaurant was pulling 71A.... the cover was pretty warm..... Owner in talks with a bank for a loan....

-lostazhell (Randy)