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

[electricmanscott]

Oh by the way you should have asked "may i use sheet metal screws " Yes you can use sheet metal screws but you should get tagged.

Code reference?

 

[electricmanscott]

Only a screw listed for the purpose. They can be purchased seperatley.
.

Can you point me to some screw listings? I'd hate to be using unlisted screws.

 

[Hendrix]

I say any screw that fits. But I just had to vote for the last option.

Me too

 

[jwjrw]

You do not see it because that is not what I wanted to know.

My question is what screws are we allowed to use by the NEC, not what screws does 480 feel we should use.

I was taught if it holds the cover its ok BUT...... the HUB had to be machine threads.

 

[480sparky]

................My question is what screws are we allowed to use by the NEC, not what screws does 480 feel we should use.

I think you misinterpreted that.

It's not about what I feel everyone should use. It's about what the NEC, UL, etc. say we should use.

I can use anything. I should use what they say to.

 

[mivey]

I think you misinterpreted that.

It's not about what I feel everyone should use. It's about what the NEC, UL, etc. say we should use.

I can use anything. I should use what they say to.

But he was wanting to know what the NEC wants you to use, not what you want you to use.

 

[rcarroll]

Do I have to install screws in all the panel cover holes as well

 

[mivey]

But he was wanting to know what the NEC wants you to use, not what you want you to use.

The Last Resort choir has left the building.

 

[iwire]

I think you misinterpreted that.

It's not about what I feel everyone should use. It's about what the NEC, UL, etc. say we should use.

I can use anything. I should use what they say to.

My question is what will the NEC allow me to use and not allow me to use, it has nothing to do with 'should'.

 

[iwire]

Could I use either of these to put the cover on?

 

[jwjrw]

Could I use either of these to put the cover on?

I have never seen anyone turned down here for that but as to whether the NEC allows it no clue.

 

[billsnuff]

i voted for #2

i voted for #2

I'm going with the two threads for bonding.......JMSO

 

[Cavie]

I have turned down many jobs for sheet metal screws. There are machine threads in the panel. They get machine thead screws installed.

 

[iwire]

I have turned down many jobs for sheet metal screws. There are machine threads in the panel. They get machine thead screws installed.

Based on what NEC section?

 

[Cavie]

Based on what NEC section?

The bosses section. He stated 110.3 (A) (2)

.....Parts designed to enclose and protect........


The same reason you cannot use sheet metal screws to install a lug in a panel.

 

[zappy]

That's you should always use acsr rated lineman pliers. Cuts those point right off.

It would still be jagged after cutting off. I would also file it, till its nice and dull, Like me.

 

[iwire]

The bosses section. He stated 110.3 (A) (2)

.....Parts designed to enclose and protect........

Not following you.

The same reason you cannot use sheet metal screws to install a lug in a panel.

No not the same at all, there is a specific code section that prevents the use of a sheet metal screw for grounding. I have to imagine they added that section because no other section prevented it.

 

[LarryFine]

Added: I'd have to say that it's not specified, but if I had to nake the decision, I'd say factory or equivalent. So, B.

I have turned down many jobs for sheet metal screws. There are machine threads in the panel. They get machine thead screws installed.

Typically, for most panels without captive hardware, the cover screws form the threads the first time they're installed.

I rarely see factory-threaded holes like the ones troughs and wireways usually come with for their covers.

 

[iwire]

Added: I'd have to say that it's not specified, but if I had to nake the decision, I'd say factory or equivalent.

Again based on what?

I have never seen an instruction that said 'use our hardware'

 

[jmellc]

Don't have my book handy, but I don't think code specifies. I remember working lsots of WH/Cutler Hammer Powerline panels with the spring clips on the can, 1/4 x 20 bolts and cone washers. Clips were terrible for breaking. I fixed that by placing 1/4 x 20 nut in the space and packing epoxy putty (coldweld) around it. Let it dry a few hours and that worked well.

I keep extra SqD cover screws in my stuff, can usually find them now at Big Blue or Big Orange. Strangely, supply houses often don't have them around here. I've often used ground screws too, as someone else mentioned. Main thing is keep them short and blunt tipped. I'd also like to see panels made with shielding around the screws. Would eliminate any possibility of a problem.

I've also sometimes ripped out cover clamps and drilled/tapped for screws. I have nothing good to say about clamps. Nothing but trouble and I've seen them pinch wires more than once.