When reviewing the electrical conditions of a project, the system should be designed to avoid or replace certain panel and breaker manufacturers to ensure code compliance.
Key Disclaimer: Interconnection (upstream or downstream) of any DQ panel types is prohibited under LightReach policy.
Some specific brand name equipment needs to be replaced regardless of overall conditions. If any one of these conditions are met, replacement is required: (Must Perform if Within the CIRCUIT PATH)
Thermal damage
Knob and tube wiring
Rusted or corroded equipment
Existing code violations, clearance issues, or overall safety concerns.
Palmetto LightReach follows a "Freedom within the Framework" approach. Installers are responsible to comply with our policies at help.palmetto.finance at all times.
Equipment | Considerations | Photos |
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok | High rate of breaker failure, breakers often fail to trip, leading to overheated wiring that can lead to house fires. |
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Pushamatic / Bulldog: | Obsolete, difficult to maintain. Circuit breakers fail to trip. Arching of the contacts within the breaker which causes them to weld together. All these concerns are considered to be potential shock and fire hazards. |
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Zinsco / GTE Sylvania: | Obsolete. Circuit breakers fail to trip - failure rate much higher than what is considered an acceptable margin of safety. Potential fire hazard. |
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Split Bus Panels | Not compliant for interconnection per NEC |
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Hot Bus Panels | Not compliant for interconnection per NEC |
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Fuse Box / screw in fuses and/or cartridges:
| Not as reliable as circuit breakers, constant maintenance, need modification with bigger fuses due to higher demands for houses nowadays. The circuits are only rated for a specific amount of amps, so putting a larger amp fuse onto a smaller amp rated circuit is potentially dangerous. |
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Challenger Issues / Dissimilar Breakers and UL Classified replacement | Supply side/Line side tap is OK.
Backfeed breaker interconnections shall be done using a non-challenger breaker. |
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60A Meter Button/Can | Old houses with 60A service likely to hav a 60A meter. Is not typically enough for modern electrical usage. |
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60A Service | Old houses with 60A service are not typically enough for modern electrical usage. |
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General Red Flags |
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