Rust under paint in a new Siemens Panel

[c2500]

I was installing NM and breakers today into a brand new 200 amp Siemens panel. When I was removing the knockouts on the top of the panel, I noticed that the paint was coming off. When I studied the knockouts, they had a fair amount of surface rust. I must admit I am disappointed that the factory would paint over an obvious problem. The side and bottom knockouts did not have the same problem. Also, the panel has not been exposed to water since in my possession.

I wonder how the paint will hold over the long term?

Anyone else run into this problem?

c2500

 

[ultramegabob]

there was a time when I thought siemens was a reasonably quality product, but I think they started going downhill about ten years ago.

 

[mivey]

Outdoor storage can cause rust to develop under the paint. I stored a junction cabinet in a garden shed for several years. The shed had wood siding walls & a shingled roof but no insulation.

When I decided to use the box, rust had worked its way under the paint from the outdoor humidity and/or sweating. Came real close to loosing an eye while cleaning the box with a 1/2" drill & wire brush combo when the wire brush caught my shirt and ran up my face. It takes a moment to stop a strong drill. My glasses kept the wire brush out of my eye but my face was chewed up.

[edit to add: The storage issue could have been the supplier. Was the box crisp and straight or wavy? I would think the rust would continue to get worse if not in a lower humidity environment.]

 

[quogueelectric]

I was installing NM and breakers today into a brand new 200 amp Siemens panel. When I was removing the knockouts on the top of the panel, I noticed that the paint was coming off. When I studied the knockouts, they had a fair amount of surface rust. I must admit I am disappointed that the factory would paint over an obvious problem. The side and bottom knockouts did not have the same problem. Also, the panel has not been exposed to water since in my possession.

I wonder how the paint will hold over the long term?

Anyone else run into this problem?

c2500

A lot of stuff out of louisianna flooded areas is finding its way around. A friend bought a slightly used car and thank god we have a lemmon law in new york 3 strikes and you are out. Money back!

 

[c2500]

The boxes were fine, no sign of moisture damage. I think it was a factory issue. I was working over there for a while today, and noticed the inside of the top section had rust visible under the paint. I will still say there was a factory issue.

Besides that, I must have been eating the heck out of Wheaties. I have broken several of the screws that the nuetral and ground busses have. I think Seimens has some quality control issues.

c2500