Opened a breaker panel to swap a regular breaker for a G.F.I. breaker and to my suprise, found there were three main lugs. Instead of the usual two for incoming power, the red wire is on the left lug with a small ‘U’ shaped piece of the same guage bridging to the center lug. The black wire is on the right lug. I’m guessing this was a three phase panel repurposed when the house was built; early 70’s Alaska. No codes and a do it yourself with what you got paradigm. The house is outside municipal jurisdiction. I’ m guessing code would say no on this one, but the more important question; Is it dangerous?
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It very well could be a dangerous installation.
First of all, loads should be pretty well balanced between the two feeders. This is hard to do when most of the circuits are on one leg. Amp measurement should be taken to see if this is the case.
Secondly, it is common for two circuits to "share" a neutral wire. If each circuit is from a different feed, no problem. If they are from the same feed, that neutral might very well be overloaded.
The good news is that the same maker probably has a single phase interior that will fit right into place. If that is the case, replacing the guts is pretty straightforward.
On balance, though, I think this is probably better handled by an electrician; there's likely some other shady stuff done as well.
Anything thats been working for 30 plus years is not very high on my danger list.
Ozlander
I've recycled 3 phase panels. No inherent problem that I'm aware of. I'm having a (new) service put into one this week. Balance the load like you would in any panel.
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
"....that I'm aware of." It may seem a small detail, but using a 3 phase panel on a single phase service is a code violation, as the equipment is not listed, or identified, for such use. Balance as you always do? Use the correct panel, and things tend to even out. Use the wrong one, and it's an uphill battle all the way. In homes, the loads vary widely, as almost every circuit is a 'general purpose' circuit. It can be a small step from frugality to MISERy.
Not unlike the OP, my service has been in place for 8 yrs. No problems. I'm only adding a meter this week. I don't see that using a 3 phase panel was any more difficult than a single. Saved some money when I needed to.
This is an outbuilding. I have a lot of stationary machinery, which is why I'm adding the meter- need more current. Wouldn't risk the potential resale problem with a house. And I'd expect the BI wouldn't like it. Which has nothing to do with the OP's question.
Gotta go hop on the hoe to finish the trench. Thanks for your thought.PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!