I didn't know there were breakers in the 1950's. When did breakers become common?

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).]

were these federal breakers anything like the federal pacific of today? they look like they would trip when overloaded.

That is interesting. I didn't notice anything different about them until you said that.

Bill

perhaps they just didnt care which side should be line and load?

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 )

Mike (mamills)

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

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? Maybe this is better than those good old Nevertrips..... I mean Stab-Locks

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

{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.

I'd have to look for the brand, but my Grandmother's hous was built in the early 1950s, and had a breaker panel (Her husband worked for an electrical supply house).

In a bunch of stuff, I have a 6 1/2 amp Slo-blow edison fuse, code colour brown.

Classicsat, could you take a picture and post it or send it to photos@electrical-contractor.net? I would like to see it.

Edit- I mean of the fuse, sorry

[This message has been edited by sparked (edited 11-15-2003).]

mamills, did it arrive yet?

Bob

Hi Bob: Yes, it did - been having ISP problems which were finally resolved late yesterday. The panel is wonderful - a great addition to my collection. I owe you a little more for shipping. Thanks again!!

Mike (mamills)

The panel, no, the house has long been sold, but I do have a breaker around somewhere, I'd have to look for it.