Panel rusted / corroded & breakers failing

jbfan

Do not put anything on the buss connections except the grease that is on the breakers.

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idlplumb

My suspicion is that your basement isn't temp controlled and during the colder times, the heat being generated inside the panel is causing condensation.

stevekem

Thanks guys... Once the panel change is done, a dehumidifier is being put into use down there to cut down the moisture level. He is also going to be checking the panel monthly to see if any new rust/corrosion starts forming as well.

We got the new panel and breakers today and will change out the panel soon...

If I need to extend 1 branch conductor in panel, is it acceptable to wire nut (and cover with tape) a pigtail on?

Also, previous owner ran NM cable stapled to bottom of floor joists which is very visible near panel, is inspector going to have a problem with this if we are only doing a panel change?

frenchelectrican

Depending on the inspector mood some case they may let it slide and some will say move it or put a 1 X 4 running board to protect it. so the real answer is depending on inspector itself and they will know what is exsting and what not.


Merci,
Marc

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The answer will be based on NEC ( National Electrical code ) or CEC ( Cananda Electrical code ) or ECF ( Electrique Code France )

stevekem

Thanks for the reply.... Yes we pulled a permit and have the disconnect/inspection scheduled. I have used this inspector previously when I changed out the panels at my previous houses and he was always very forgiving, so hopefully he is still the same

stevekem

I may just drill the joists and route the branch feeders through the joists while they are disconnected from panel.

They are all 12/2 NM cable, is there any chart available that shows the proper hole size for running multiple runs of 12/2 wire through joists?

frenchelectrican

For most of the Electricans we typically use 7/8" ( or 25 mm )augar bit or speedbore bit that can take up to 3 X 12-2 NM's

But keep it in the centre of joints if possible.

Merci,
Marc

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The answer will be based on NEC ( National Electrical code ) or CEC ( Cananda Electrical code ) or ECF ( Electrique Code France )

stevekem

Well my friend, you were right on the money.... Pulled old service cable out of the panel and water just started POURING out. It corroded the neutral conductor to the point that every time you bent it, the strands were just breaking off...

Funny thing is, the meter base was perfect with no signs of rust at all or any water stains... Just the neutral from the weather head had some corrosion too, but not nearly as bad as the SE cable going into the panel.

Changed the whole thing out and ran conduit from weather head to meter base, so hopefully we tacked the issue once and for all.

Thanks again for the help!

stickboy1375

I've seen enough of these to know the signs...

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ddawg16

Just for my one edumencation........

Water was weeping down the SE cable through the jacket?

Didn't the connection between the PoCo's wire and SE cable have tape over it?

My connections are angled down, and taped...so there is no way for water to get in there....

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stickboy1375

Water will follow the triplex down to the drip loop, where it normally loses its adhesion and falls to the ground, but... if the drip loop is not severe enough, the water will follow the drip loop back up into the weather head and enter the jacket of the SEU...

I see it all the time, this also happens when the weather head gets broken after a storm and water will just run right into SEU...

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