Driving panel screws into wires

[Eddie702]

I agree the panel MFGs could easily include screw pockets.

Best not to mention it. The code revision would go on for decades and take at least 4 more pages of code.

 

[jim dungar]

I agree the panel MFGs could easily include screw pockets.

Best not to mention it. The code revision would go on for decades and take at least 4 more pages of code.

It would never make it into the NEC as they would likely say it should be a UL Listed equipment construction requirement.

 

[VirutalElectrician]

I am generally a Square D residential fan, but I've been finding the new Loadcenter tubs have tendency to strip out on first use (double cut 10/32 panel cover screws). My cheap solution is to drill it out and use rivet nuts instead. These give much more holding power than threading into sheet steel and with the proper length screw, there is no screw projection past the rivet nut.

View attachment 2581685

What a cool idea.

 

[kwired]

I agree the panel MFGs could easily include screw pockets.

Best not to mention it. The code revision would go on for decades and take at least 4 more pages of code.

If it should be addressed it should be addressed in listing requirements more so than by NEC.

Sorry Jim, I didn't see your post.

 

[busman]

You don't need to apply full power from your impact driver when installing them. Square D is just about all I install and can't recall stripping out a new panel cover screw hole.

Seen plenty of them in old installs but assuming it took some time before they became that way in most cases.

I have never used a battery tool on panel cover screws.

Mark

 

[jim dungar]

I have never used a battery tool on panel cover screws.

Oh, you young guys, always bragging.

I like the inline style electric screwdriver for screws into threaded holes. I save the impact driver for bolts and construction screws.

 

[busman]

Oh, you young guys, always bragging.

I like the inline style screwdriver for screws into threaded holes. I save the impact driver for bolts and construction screws.

I wish. Turned 60 this year. Some arthritis in the hands. Mostly use manual because most are #2 square drive which is never in my driver.

However, got a few of these from Amazon and love them.

 

[ptonsparky]

I wish. Turned 60 this year. Some arthritis in the hands. Mostly use manual because most are #2 square drive which is never in my driver.

However, got a few of these from Amazon and love them.

View attachment 2581729

I see them but need an example, see, how they function.

 

[busman]

I see them but need an example, see, how they function.

They just hold your hex bits. I used to keep them in my pocket, but the pocket would get a small hole and then I would have hex bits in my boots.

Mark

 

[ptonsparky]

They just hold your hex bits. I used to keep them in my pocket, but the pocket would get a small hole and then I would have hex bits in my boots.

Mark

 

[Dsg319]

Call me what you want. Except for terminations I try and use my M-12 impact for everything. But it takes some using to learn the ugga duggas and how many.

I also will sometimes on sensitive things just use it to get mostly tight and finish off my hand

 

[NJTommy]

Wow,, I have done that before. I put a screw threw a wire when installing a panel cover. It was an existing panel that we were adding new circuits to it. The panel was a mess and so it mad it hard to work on. I agree that it is up to the installer to make sure your wires are safe from being damaged. With that said I also know we are all human and so yes a better design would be nice. Just an FYI I had an inspector fail me for using zip ties in the panel. Southing about bundling wires.

 

[tthh]

New product for Arlington....small styrofoam block with sticky tape on it. Put it over the inside holes and never worry.

 

[VirutalElectrician]

New product for Arlington....small styrofoam block with sticky tape on it. Put it over the inside holes and never worry.

Or Rack-a-Tiers, LOL.

 

[NJTommy]

Thanks

 

[letgomywago]

Oh, you young guys, always bragging.

I like the inline style electric screwdriver for screws into threaded holes. I save the impact driver for bolts and construction screws.

I am partial to the m12 screwdriver not impact for this.