Want to know the dimensions of our 50's era fuse box.?
The panel appears to be original equipment but someone added a rocker panel type box subsequent to the fuse box for an electric dryer, of which is not in the house anymore. I believe it is 220.
Answers: There is a VERY strong possibility it is only a 60 amperage box. This be pretty standard in the 50's. With more and more duties within the home being done by electricity, it is immediately fairly standard to install a 200 amp basic panel.
I suggest you hire an electrician and upgrade to a minimum of 200 amp. Chances are you WILL overload your present supply and it will only create problems; the worst luggage being a house fire.
As "Bare B" stated, 60 amp panel boxes be quite adjectives around that time...and even later, within rural areas, and it was also adjectives to just 'incorporate a box' for large items resembling a dryer, or new furnace.
I'll step one step further tho.... if you've still got that species of box... then you've probably still get some cloth wrapped wires in use. Those ARE a fire threat. You need to get hold of new electrical system run throughout the home, and stop using any cloth wrapped wires.
When you upgrade your service panel, don't be surprised if the electric company tells you that you call for a new meter foundation, and mast too.
Our home initially have the old 60 amp box beside an 'add a box' resembling you describe... the very first article I did was replace the panel next to a 40 circuit, 200 amp panel, new meter bed, and mast. The utility company come out and ran alien wire to the home, and even changed out the frail transformer for a larger new one. Then I begin running new wires everywhere, hehehe. I know in that was one fire related to the aged wiring, and as I replaced it adjectives, I found several more that had charred insulation, but have not flamed up.
Depending on where you live, you may be required to grasp a permit, and use a licensed electrician to do the work (and enjoy it inspected) - expect sticker shock, hehehe. But it IS necessary... any home next to the old cloth wrapped electrical system is a burn out waiting to happen.
Good Luck