Introduction

Replacing blown fuses in old knife switch panels found in vintage commercial buildings can be daunting for even experienced electricians. These antiquated electrical systems with exposed live parts present serious hazards that must be addressed with extreme caution and the proper safety protocols.

In this comprehensive guide, I will walk through all the steps I take to safely replace blown fuses in these vintage commercial knife switch panels while avoiding electrocution and arc flash hazards.

Gather Proper Safety Gear

Before touching any part of an old electrical panel, you must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for arc flash protection:

Do not attempt to access an old knife switch panel without the proper PPE. The risks of arc flash are too great.

De-Energize and Lock-out the Panel

If possible, fully de-energize the panel by shutting off the main disconnect switch and padlocking it in the off position. This is the only way to eliminate the arc flash hazard.

However, in some cases it may not be feasible to shut down power to the entire panel. In that scenario, you must:

De-energizing just the specific circuit branch significantly reduces the arc flash risk. But always assume the panel busbars and other branches are still live when working inside the panel.

Inspect Panel Condition

Before replacing any fuses, conduct a thorough inspection of the overall panel condition looking for:

Any major issues need to be corrected before proceeding with fuse replacement. The outdated design and aging components require diligence to identify potential hazards.

Remove Old Fuse Properly

With the branch circuit verified de-energized, you can now work on safely removing the blown fuse:

Removing the old fuse properly is key to avoiding issues with inserting the new replacement fuse. Take it slow and easy.

Insert New Fuse and Restore Power

You're now ready to install the new replacement fuse:

With the new fuse installed securely, the branch circuit can safely be re-energized. But proceed cautiously and be observant.

Follow Precise Safety Steps When Done

Once the new fuse is tested and the repair complete, you must follow safety protocol before closing up the panel:

By adhering to safety steps and best practices, knife switch fuse replacement can be done with greatly reduced risk of an arc flash event. But stay vigilant of hazards every step of the way.

Conclusion

Vintage commercial electrical panels with old-fashioned knife switch fuses can still be serviced safely provided the proper precautions are taken. Always wear the required PPE, eliminate hazards where possible, and work cautiously to avoid relying on those outdated fuse systems. When in doubt, consult a qualified electrician for assistance. Follow the guidelines outlined here, and you can replace blown knife switch fuses while avoiding needless electrocution and arc flash risks. Stay safe!