1930s Eatery

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1930s Eatery #120188
03/19/05 10:41 AM 03/19/05 10:41 AM

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NY, USA

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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)

[This message has been edited by Webmaster (edited 03-19-2005).]

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Re: 1930s Eatery #120189
03/20/05 05:22 AM 03/20/05 05:22 AM

e57

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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,876
S.F.,CA USA

Tear it up Randy! Mentioned this in another topic here that restuants are notorius for over-loaded circuits. I have seen 20A breakers that take 25+ amps, dont trip, and then I get the call when that breaker finally fails, or they get that new coffee machine. (.2 amps more than the old one!)

Years ago I told a resteruant owner in a simulat situation, "would you rather schedule to be closed or find out mid-shift?" Called back a few weeks later when he found out.

Mark Heller
"Well - I oughta....." -Jackie Gleason

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