[Amps] AC wiring

[Gudguyham@aol.com]

In a message dated 10/21/2005 10:38:28 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
rob at sherweng.com writes:

After  that I did some research on FPE, and found there were know 
problems with  their breakers not opening under a serious fault.  I had 
the panel  replaced within the month. 
73, Rob, NC0B




Hi Rob, these are called "stab-lock" breakers, indeed they are old and  
electricians run for the hills when they see them in a house Hi Hi.  Good  that you 
had them changed.  Lately, some banks will NOT loan money on a  house that is 
fitted with fuses.  Truly, fuses are probably the most  reliable BUT it is 
too easy to screw in a 30A fuse in a 15 A circuit, that is a  recipe for DANGER! 
 It is for this reason that breakers are required.   Someone is less likely 
to open up an electrical panel and start changing  breakers as easily as a fuse 
can be replaced.  The new electrical code for  bedroom circuits now call for 
"arc-fault" circuit breakers.  They cost  about $50.00 each.  They detect 
arcing connections that could cause a fire,  and then shut down the circuit.  
BUT...don't plug in a lamp with the switch  on or else your breaker will trip.  In 
fact you can't plug anything in that  has a load high enough to cause a 
momentary spark at the outlet or else there  goes the breaker.  Louie