1

I have an old 3-fuse subpanel (screw in fuses) that currently has two 15 amp fuses and one 20 amp fuse. I want to replace it with a new breaker panel. There is no ground, only hot and Neutral. I bought an Eaton 125 amp load center and I am planning on adding 2 new dedicated lines.

How do I make up for not having a ground wire and/or do I need the ground? Can I use the wiring currently supplying the fuse panel already there? My service is in an apartment and the panel is 4 buildings away so running a new line would be most difficult.

Improve this question
3
  • Making up for the lack of a ground usually involves GFCIs as far as I can tell. – RedGrittyBrick Feb 12 '16 at 11:06
  • 2
    Can you legally do electrical work in an apartment?? Typically no. ....Also, sounds like a really old installation that really should have a professional look at. It's not like you are the only one at risk if something should go wrong. – Speedy Petey Feb 12 '16 at 12:47
  • If I own the apartment why would I not be legally allowed to do electrical work? – AGar Feb 13 '16 at 5:08
2

While the electrical code grandfathers existing installations based on the code at the time of installation, as soon as you start a new installation, you will be required to adhere to the current code. With that in mind, regardless of the difficulty involved, you will be required to run a new line that meets all current requirements (wire type, size, burial depth, etc.) , including a dedicated ground.

If you are lucky, the existing cable is in a conduit, and assuming the new cable will fit (conduit size as required by code), you should be able to pull through a new cable with relative ease.

When in doubt, consulting a licensed electrician is always advisable.

Improve this answer
3
  • See NEC 2014 250.32(B)(1) ex. 1, which allows the existing feeder to be used, as long as a few conditions are met. So if the conductors are the size you want, and are in good condition, there shouldn't be a problem using them. – Tester101 Feb 12 '16 at 17:09
  • Isn't that basically the grandfather clause for existing installations, not an upgrade/new install? Did I misunderstand? – Steven Feb 12 '16 at 18:08
  • Yes it is the "grandfather clause", but it's grandfathering in the feeder which is not being changed. You surely couldn't pull a new 3-wire feeder, but you can use an existing 3-wire feeder. As long as it was installed to meet a previous version of the code, and the other conditions are met. I always recommend pulling a new 4-wire feeder, but it's not necessarily required. – Tester101 Feb 12 '16 at 18:50

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.