Replacing a Bulldog Fuse Panel with a Circuit Breaker Panel

Question: I am helping a friend replace an old bulldog electric fuse box with a 100 amp breaker box.

• The old box has 60 amp main and range cartridges with (4) 30 amp Edison fuses.
• The 2 lead braided wires had one going to the main and one going to the range with the neutral going to the neutral bar.
• There are only 3 other braided electrical wires for the outlets.
• It is an old house with no light switches, only outlets.
• One of the braided wires was tied into 2 of the Edison fuses, and the other braided wire into the other 2, with that braided neutral wire going to the neutral for the Edison fuses,
• We know to wire the main and range wire into the 2 main leads on the new breaker box and the braided neutral wire into the neutral bar of the new box.
• We are not sure about the 2 braided positive lead wires for the outlets.
• I don’t think they would fit into the breaker. (there are about 6 wires braided in each of the 2 outlet wires) and the 3rd braided wire is a neutral and would go into the neutral bar.

How can we tie in the 2 braided positive leads into the new electrical meter box?

This electrical question came from: Kevin, a Homeowner from Waverly, Ohio.
See more about Home Wiring for Ohio

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Kevin.

Upgrading Home Electrical Wiring and the Main Service Panel

1. I would highly recommend replacing the old braided electrical wring with new wiring.
2. New dedicated circuits should be installed into the kitchen bathroom and laundry area of the home.
3. Consider bring the home up to current codes , at least one major area at a time.
4. Safety devices should also be a high priority
   • Smoke Detectors
   • GFCI Circuit Protection or Receptacle Outlets

Be sure to plan and install these electrical wiring projects by permit and obtain all inspections from your local building department.

Am electrical project such as this is best installed by a licensed electrical contractor for best results and to ensure efficiency and accuracy.

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