[Stapler]

Most likely this information is available on the official NEC or NFPA site, I am curious about circuit breakers, partially in breaker boxes. My question is, have breaker boxes changed much over the decades? Mere curiosity, but I looked at my breaker box and I had to guess this is about 50 years old.

Apparently, some licensed trades people frequent this site, hence my question.

 

[ddawg16]

Depends on the brand. For the most part, they don't really wear out as long as they are not exposed to the elements.

 

[Stapler]

Depends on the brand. For the most part, they don't really wear out as long as they are not exposed to the elements.

From what I've gathered Square D, seems to be one of the better brands, but I am not truly sure.

Thankfully, my breaker box does have a cover, similar to a great deal of other breaker boxes, mine is outdoors.

 

[Arrow3030]

50 years is a long time for anything mechanical.
Times have changed.
That doesn't mean driving a stock '66 mustang isn't cool.
If the panel and it's branch circuits haven't been abused, it's probably fine.
If you plan on any upgrades or repairs to your house though, expect updates to your panel.

 

[joed]

Breakers are mechanical devices. However they should get very little use in a properly functioning electrical box.
If you still want to compare it to the Mustang, Imagine that mustang sat in a dry heated garage and was only started once every couple of years. The mechanics of the car would be like new.

 

[Stapler]

50 years is a long time for anything mechanical.
Times have changed.
That doesn't mean driving a stock '66 mustang isn't cool.
If the panel and it's branch circuits haven't been abused, it's probably fine.
If you plan on any upgrades or repairs to your house though, expect updates to your panel.

To be honest, I am not sure if mechanical branch circuits have ever had any work done with them, but somehow I doubt this based on what I've seen.

What exactly has changed with breaker boxes and the mechanics generally speaking? This isn't a knob and tube system however.

 

[Arrow3030]

A well functioning 50 year old breaker will have no noticeable differences to a brand new breaker if the circuit it's protecting is in good condition. There are many new standards on circuit breakers and electrical wiring methods that can not be met by an antiquated load center.
Trying to make something 50 years old keep up with today's standards isn't usually practical though.
Basically, plastic from the 80's has greatly improved wiring methods and electronics, and requirements of electronics, since the late 90's have increased safety overall.
However, I have been in many homes with knob and tube and edison fuses that I consider in better condition than hack job installs with newer standards.

 

[Stapler]

Arrow3030, after a rudimentary query on the official NFPA website, there was a mention of arc fault circuit interrupters. Naturally, this makes sense new regulations would occur after half a century, but I was merely curious if anything truly major difference has occurred.

Given the high amperage with circuit breakers, this isn't work I am ever going to do myself, but this information is mildly interesting to see the progress over the decades. Anyone can buy pretty any tools with the modernization of business venues, however doesn't mean just anyone is qualified to perform certain jobs.

Hence why if I am going to have work done, I want this to be by a licensed, insured, bonded and knowledgeable person or company. Especially with electricity, cutting corners is not worth the risk.

 

[Know A Little]

The estimated life of circuit breakers is considered to be 30-40 years. Though I have tested circuit breakers that were 60+ years old, on one project about 1/4 of those failed the test. Most facilities we work at with 60 year old distribution equipment rely on fuses, so I have limited experience with 60 year old CB's

Additionally as noted environment plays a major factor in the life span.
If the open under a bolted fault condition the CB should be replaced.
It is recommended that the CB be operated on/off once a year.

For the cost of a CB and considering they are Square D (most likely QO's and are readily available) I would replace the CB's if they were mine. The panel if there is no evidence of rust or corrosion and the bus looks good it should last for a long time.

 

[Stapler]

Given that except for the Ikea light fixtures, all of the light switches, outlets and seemingly overall wiring haven't changed since the house was built, there is potential scenario that these breaker box circuits haven't been shut off that often.

Except for images on a search engine, I haven't seen any houses with fuses, but then again this is a residential area. Thank you for the information by the way.
Surprisingly for a unit that half a century old, there isn't any rust, corrosion or any noticeable paint chipping off.

As with some home owners, there is work to be done, but with this particular project, I am not in any rush since there is no immediate need at this point.