Can I use sheet metal screws to put a panel cover on?

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Can I use sheet metal screws to put a panel cover on?

  • Only the manufactures supplied hardware?

    Votes: 78 40.8%

  • Any short machine screw that fits?

    Votes: 88 46.1%

  • Sheet-metal screws?

    Votes: 9 4.7%

  • Tek-Screws?

    Votes: 5 2.6%

  • Nail it on with Ramset?

    Votes: 9 4.7%

  • Why would I put the cover on?

    Votes: 14 7.3%
  • Total voters
    191
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I do not believe there are any specific bonding requirements to meet. Consider the hinged cover of a disconnect switch.
 
iwire said:
:grin:


How about this, now you can compare it's size against a Fluke T5 tester.

3012Tek.jpg
Click to expand...

Didn't know they made the Fluke T5 in a jumbo size.
 
marti smith said:
iwire,

I think it is wrong to use those screws. Yes, they'll do in a pinch, but I'm still going with 250.8(5), (6), and(7) because if we look at 408.2, Art 314 is included. 314.40 (B) goes over thickness of the metal:
Click to expand...
So is the screw or cover a switch, circuit breaker, or overcurrent device?
marti smith said:
and two of the threads of the shown screws are greater in depth than that of the thickness of the metal, and so ideally(sp?) there is not 2 threads engaged.
Click to expand...
What has grounding and bonding got to do with it?
 
We have had inspectors look for this. OEM are prefered but machine screws will be accepted. Drilled and tapped with correct length. Sheet metal screws are for sheet metal {HVAC installs} sheet rock screws are for sheet rock,.
They will look for installers using self drilling screws in place of ground screws and bars. Some guys use green nail polish to get past that one.:roll:
 
iwire said:
So you agree I can use sheetmetal screws. :grin:

Panel cabinets and panel covers are sheetmetal.


(Generally flat metal thinner than than 1/4" is considered sheet metal, 1/4" and thicker is steel plate)
Click to expand...
Oooooooh. That waskaly wabbit.
 
I think we are required to use the parts that come with the product to meet code. That includes the wire nuts we all throw away because they are crap and it includes using only the original screws to hold the cover on or an exact replacement.

Now, do I think it really matters? No, not in the case of disposing of the crap wirenuts and using real ones. Nor do I think it matters when we use a different screw to hold the cover on. But there is an exception. When the replacement cover screw is not original and it causes a problem.

So I think it is a code violation to substitute parts and in some cases it is immoral to use the provided parts.
 
I bet Iwire was expecting me, of all people, to absolutely go *bonkers* over this poll....**



;)






**I took some powerful medication to calm myself down enough just to write this post...:roll:
 
A little digging and I found a typical SquareD Panel Installation Guide...

http://ecatalog.squared.com/pubs/Electrical%20Distribution/Load%20Centers/Homeline%20Single%20Phase%20Load%20Centers/40271-419-04.pdf

On page 4 of that instruction:
INSTALLING THE COVER
1. Remove the cover twistouts.
a. Remove only enough twistouts to match the number of circuit
breakers being installed.
b.Twist out with pliers at the center of the twistout. See Figure 8.
c.Close all unused open spaces in the cover using filler plates
as listed on the cover directory label.
2. Attach the Spanish translation label, if supplied with the load
center, to the rear of the cover. See Figure 9.
3. Identify the branch circuits on the directory label.
4. If the load center is used as service equipment, apply the
“Service Disconnect” label to the part of the cover nearest the
main circuit breaker handle. If the load center is not used as
service equipment, apply the “Main” label to the part of the cover
nearest the main circuit breaker handle.
5. Install the cover using the screws provided.
Click to expand...

Here are some spare parts you can carry...

http://ecatalog.squared.com/pubs/Electrical%20Distribution/Load%20Centers/Accessories,%20QO%20(LK,%20PK,%20QO,%20QON)/1130DB0502.pdf



Now, if you lost the screws or they were not in the package, I guess there would be a bit of a problem...;)
 
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LJSMITH1 said:
A little digging and I found a typical SquareD Panel Installation Guide...

http://ecatalog.squared.com/pubs/Electrical%20Distribution/Load%20Centers/Homeline%20Single%20Phase%20Load%20Centers/40271-419-04.pdf

On page 4 of that instruction:


Here are some spare parts you can carry...

http://ecatalog.squared.com/pubs/Electrical%20Distribution/Load%20Centers/Accessories,%20QO%20(LK,%20PK,%20QO,%20QON)/1130DB0502.pdf



Now, if you lost the screws or they were not in the package, I guess there would be a bit of a problem...;)
Click to expand...


That is nothing more than typical instruction aimed at a 12 year old. They felt the need to tell you to put the cover on.
Perhaps Bob should have worded this pole bit differantly. Like as to the inspectors would they demand factory screws. Yes they could but only if they enjoy writing stupid tags, How can he be sure what came with it ? If you get tagged over machine screws other than originals then look out cause he is trying to get you.
 
mivey said:
BTW, not all panel covers use machine screws.
Click to expand...

Some have specialty threads. Look close. Some have two threads so the taper is different than with a single thread of the same cut.

I guess my question is why the manufacturer would go to such extent to make a double threaded screw and then allow a sheet metal screw to be used in it's place? To me, such a substitution would constitute a modification.

Do the panels still maintain their UL status if modified with an unapproved means?
 
If you must use only the manufacturer supplied screws for a panelboard cover, shouldn't the same logic apply to device and cover plate mounting screws?
 
K8MHZ said:
Some have specialty threads. Look close. Some have two threads so the taper is different than with a single thread of the same cut.

I guess my question is why the manufacturer would go to such extent to make a double threaded screw and then allow a sheet metal screw to be used in it's place? To me, such a substitution would constitute a modification.

Do the panels still maintain their UL status if modified with an unapproved means?
Click to expand...

But alot of panels have self tapping screws with them as someone pointed out.
 
K8MHZ said:
..I guess my question is why the manufacturer would go to such extent to make a double threaded screw...
Click to expand...
A) Because someone in the design department had too much time on their hands.

B) Because the proprietary sales department was losing money on third-party replacement breakers.

Take your pick.
 
LJSMITH1 said:
I bet Iwire was expecting me, of all people, to absolutely go *bonkers* over this poll....**



;)






**I took some powerful medication to calm myself down enough just to write this post...:roll:
Click to expand...

:grin:

I thought about sending you a PM to invite you here but I figured you would find it.

OK here is the other shoe dropping.

This screw

301Tek-1.jpg


Is a factory supplied screw.


Tek4.jpg


So once these screws strip out, and they already are I guess we have to replace the panel tub because we have to use factory screws?
 
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