[boondocks95]

I’m under contract to buy a house built in 1971. There is an outbuilding on the property in really good shape. It was used for gardening and storage. The house has original 200 amp service but the storage building has a fuse box. Is it possible they actually built and installed a fuse box in the 70s? Or is it likely this building was built prior to them building the home? I wasn’t sure if you could still buy them during that era and maybe they just used a cheaper option?

 

[joed]

It's possible. It could also be a left over used fuse box some one had saved for a small project just like the shed.
Nothing wrong with a fuse box with the proper sizes installed.

 

[boondocks95]

Gotcha. I wasn’t super concerned about lead paint on this property with my small children (new windows, brick - not a lot of places you’d find it in this era) but the fuse box threw me for a loop. It looks like a barn sort of and is red either stain or paint, haven’t paid that much attention so if it’s before the 70s or even 60s I might consider it could be lead on the outbuilding. Thanks for your help!

 

[joed]

There are simple lead test swabs you buy to self test the paint.

 

[boondocks95]

Gotcha. In the event it is lead, what’s the easiest solution? My kids will be out in the yard obviously and items

 

[joed]

Unless your kids like to eat your shed it will not be an issue unless the paint starts peeling.

 

[boondocks95]

It looks like it’s peeling some from the pictures on the listing. It may be stain tho. Hard to tell from a picture.

 

[joed]

You can buy a lead testing kit at Walmart for $9.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/PRO-LAB-Lead-Surface-Test-Kit/28490514

 

[Old Thomas]

I often see barns or sheds with recycled fuse boxes. If installed and wired correctly, there is nothing wrong with them. And check to see that no one put a penny behind a fuse to solve a chronic blown fuse issue.

 

[That Guy]

Look at it this way... given the age, and breakers of that era NOT tripping in some cases...

Fuses are gaurenteed to blow as long as theyre properly rated.

Two things:

Dont stick your finger in the socket
Dont pet a penny in the socket.

Fuses are fine. Tho may not pass some newer 'feel good' regulations

 

[carmusic]

i have a house from 1973 and it had a fuse panel that i replace 10 years ago because it was beginning to overheat (bad fuse blocks and bad contacts) and i would have had to replace all fuse block and clean all the contacts, so it was easier to upgrade to breakers. a fuse panel or breaker panel after 40 years of use needs to be replaced or at least inspected and tested at full load

 

[rjniles]

The first house I bought was in 1968, a new tract house. It had a 100 amp fuse panel which I changed to a breaker panel before I moved in.