New home questions

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tonype

Senior Member
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New Jersey
New townhouse (had "Final" approval on the main box)

1. Wiring to fire pump - are zip ties supports to the water pipe legit?

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/TonyPE/IMGP0528.jpg

2. Terminal bar in main panel not plumb - can this inadquate inadequte securing to the panel (I have never seen this before)?

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/TonyPE/IMGP0521.jpg

3. HVAC plenum return duct - took the cover off - 2 open boxes (I think at least one was for a receptalce that was abandoned when they realized it interfered with the return grill). Even if cover plates are provided to these boxes, are these allowed in a return plenum?

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/TonyPE/IMGP0530.jpg
 
I'm not an inspector, so I can't speak for the zip ties. But I might call you on 'subject to physical damage'.

The ground bar in #2 is a Square D bar and requires two screws to install per instructions. 110.3(B) then.

#3 will be directed to 300.22(C).
 
Ken got exactly what I would have said except that the ground bar may have 2 screws-- I have been know to drill and tap my own threads. My bet there is only one screw.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Ken got exactly what I would have said except that the ground bar may have 2 screws-- I have been know to drill and tap my own threads. My bet there is only one screw.
Click to expand...


Every SqD I've ever put in has two. Maybe the overseas manufacturer missed putting in the two screws into the little plastic bag, but they probably require two per the instructions.

With only one, the whole bar will twist just like the photo shows when you tighten any of the terminals.

Some times, in existing panels, it's a royal pain to install the bar in the factory holes, so I drill & tap my own in a more convenient location. But it still gets two.
 
480sparky said:
The ground bar in #2 is a Square D bar and requires two screws to install per instructions. 110.3(B) then.
Click to expand...

That looks like a Siemens bar. Sq D grd bars use square drive set screws with a shoulder on them, those are slotted like Siemens uses. The second screw securing the bar to the can should be behind the neutral wire where you can't see it.

I don't see anything wrong with installing it crooked, other than asthetics. But, seeing how it's the wrong brand bar for that panel, it's installed over the warning stickers and most likely not using the factory screw holes to secure it to the can I'm sure the inspectors over here would want you to remove the paint under it.
 
In follow-up to your comment that the terminal bar is a Siemens, a few breakers in this panel, as well as most in a sub-panel, are Siemens (even though Square D Homeline panels are present).
 
You guys got better eyes than I do!
phiphi.gif
 
tonype said:
In follow-up to your comment that the terminal bar is a Siemens, a few breakers in this panel, as well as most in a sub-panel, are Siemens (even though Square D Homeline panels are present).
Click to expand...
110.3(B) on the Siemens breakers in the Homeline panel, as well, then.

Man, that's pretty depressing work for a new home.
icon9.png
 
Is that large green conductor at the bottom of the grounding bar an GEC? if main service panel it should be on the neutral bar, if sub panel it should be to the main disconnect, if it is the EGC from the main service disconnect then non of the above applies:grin:

It looks like the JB box in last photo was an add on to extend the wires, and the grill was installed to make it accessible?
 
tonype said:
New townhouse (had "Final" approval on the main box)

1. Wiring to fire pump - are zip ties supports to the water pipe legit?

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/TonyPE/IMGP0528.jpg

2. Terminal bar in main panel not plumb - can this inadquate inadequte securing to the panel (I have never seen this before)?

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/TonyPE/IMGP0521.jpg

3. HVAC plenum return duct - took the cover off - 2 open boxes (I think at least one was for a receptalce that was abandoned when they realized it interfered with the return grill). Even if cover plates are provided to these boxes, are these allowed in a return plenum?

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/TonyPE/IMGP0530.jpg
Click to expand...


Why do they have all those EGCs twisted together?
 
if those zip ties are on the hot water line I am not liking that. plenum stuff is shoddy at best . looks like only one screw on the gnd bar also. our ahjs would never buy the siemans breakers in the homeline panel. panel left contaminated with dust. ugggghhhhlllyyy. gotta wonder what the covered stuff looks like in my opinion.
 
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