Ran into a different service panel today. Is this ok.

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my88r

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This is a 60amp service with the main at the bottom. It has 50amp breaker for the subpanel. Other then not having a clip on the main. Do you guys see any other issues?. Looking for a second opinion.

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There are a few issues. Looks like there are 3 or more equipment grounding conductor's under the same screw, there are white wires untaped under a breaker and I am not sure what is going on with the main- can't read it and it looks like tape over it for some reason. Also, wires don't appear to be stapled within 12"
 
That panel can't be more than a couple of years old. It's a SqD plug-on neutral. What are you doing with it?

The main backfed breaker doesn't appear to have a hold-down screw.

There are a lot of breakers in there for a 60 amp main and a 50 amp sub-feed, but if it's overloaded the main breaker should trip so no danger.
 
Costumer wants to get up to NEC so inspector will pass it. They bought the small commercial building this way. Most this service runs is a computer and some lights.

Looking for opinions on this.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
There are a few issues. Looks like there are 3 or more equipment grounding conductor's under the same screw, there are white wires untaped under a breaker and I am not sure what is going on with the main- can't read it and it looks like tape over it for some reason. Also, wires don't appear to be stapled within 12"
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I could be wrong, but I think that the white wires are not on the breakers.

Possible the camera angles make it just look like that.
 
Is that big bare copper wire going out of the bottom the GEC, meaning it is going to the grounding electrode making this the point at which the neutral is bonded? If not, then you can't mix the ground and neutrals on the same bars. If the neutral is bonded in that Murray panel above it (with the seal on it), then this is NOT the Service Entrance and the G and N bars would have to be separate.
 
Jraef said:
Is that big bare copper wire going out of the bottom the GEC, meaning it is going to the grounding electrode making this the point at which the neutral is bonded? If not, then you can't mix the ground and neutrals on the same bars. If the neutral is bonded in that Murray panel above it (with the seal on it), then this is NOT the Service Entrance and the G and N bars would have to be separate.
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This is the service. That murry box is the for the a-base meter. That is the ground wire to water main.
 
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Dennis Alwon said:
There are a few issues. Looks like there are 3 or more equipment grounding conductor's under the same screw, there are white wires untaped under a breaker and I am not sure what is going on with the main- can't read it and it looks like tape over it for some reason. Also, wires don't appear to be stapled within 12"
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Appears to be stranded wire tho idk any stranded #8 with 3 braids... maybe old NM with reduced sized ground.

NM entering doesnt have 1/4" of jacket in the clamps.
 
The meter encloser and panel are both grounded to the same water line.Two ground wires. No outside ground bars. As this meter is inside.
 
I don't think Square D makes a hold down kit for use in this panel. If they do it probably only works in top space not any space.

They do make main breakers for that panel in 60 amp version though, all NEC standard sizes between 50-225A IIRCC. You just won't find a "stock" load center with anything but 100 or 125 amp already installed or 150, 200, 225 on the 225 amp frame size units.
 
I have the hold down kit. From another job. Was going to see if the inspector would let me make something to hold down the 60amp breaker.
 
my88r said:
I have the hold down kit. From another job. Was going to see if the inspector would let me make something to hold down the 60amp breaker.
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Requirement is in 408.36(D)

Plug-in-type overcurrent protection devices or plug-in type main lug assemblies that are backfed and used to terminate field-installed ungrounded supply conductors shall be secured in place by an additional fastener that requires other than a pull to release the device from the mounting means on the panel.

Nothing in there prohibits you from making your own hold down device - inspector still must approve whatever that may be. Square D does make devices identified for this purpose - kind of hard for an inspector to turn such a thing down - but only one they make that works in that panel fits the top right position. HOM4RK2LA is catalog number.
 
Depending on what code cycle you are on you may be required to have an arc flash label printed and placed on the panel cover, look at NEC 2014 110.26.

Some inspectors may ding you for not having a bushing on the bare stranded GEC.

Definitely need to be able to see the rating of the main breaker. It being taped will stand out to an inspector and he will scrutinize the entire installation more intensely.

If the water pipe is the only grounding electrode present, you will need a supplemental grounding electrode per 250.53(A)(2). Easiest option is a ground rod driven through the slab right at the panel then bonded (either mechanically or cadwelded) to the existing GEC.
 
kwired said:
What code section do they state is in violation?
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Haven't experienced it myself, just heard through other people so i don't know what was cited. I do know that some inspectors make up there own codes and that it is often easier to comply than rock the boat and kill the project schedule.

I personally send stuff like that directly to the local AHJ and ask for their opinion than have them tell me on site. It is much easier to argue via email than in person.
 
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