inspector49
New member
Reference a 100A 120/240V 1P 3W bulldog service panel (original installed around 1957) serving a single-family residence. With the exception of 1-20A 120V overfused general purpose/lighting circuit (20A breaker w/#14 AWG copper), the service panel constitutes a proper installation, i.e., #3 AWG copper service entrance conductors, no illegal double taps present, sufficient number of grounded neutrals for multi-wire branch circuits, labeled, grounded to water pipe, bonding jumper present at the water meter, etc.. While the panel enclosure is mounted up against the concrete foundation wall as opposed to being isolated from it (better practice), this doesn't appear to be the source of the problem.
My concern is that the breaker and neutral bus wire terminations have sustained significant rust (see photo images attached hereto). This is attributed to prior water penetration into the basement (how often or how much I don't know) creating a damp/moist environment in the past whereby the breaker/neutral bus fasteners have become severely rusted. In contrast, the enclosure contains little to no other rust inside. The wire connections were found to be tight and secure without any signs/evidence of overheating at this time.
Other than the fact that an electrician would no doubt have a difficult time working inside this panel due to the rusted connections whereby one would no doubt literally have to cut the wires at their terminations to replace a breaker, I'm wondering if by chance any of the breaker/s internal parts may have been adversely affected by moisture/dampness in the past. As such, my recommendation would be to replace the neutral bus and all of the breaker devices inside given their age and the rust condition cited herein. Any thoughts, suggestions, or experience regarding this subject matter are appreciated.
My concern is that the breaker and neutral bus wire terminations have sustained significant rust (see photo images attached hereto). This is attributed to prior water penetration into the basement (how often or how much I don't know) creating a damp/moist environment in the past whereby the breaker/neutral bus fasteners have become severely rusted. In contrast, the enclosure contains little to no other rust inside. The wire connections were found to be tight and secure without any signs/evidence of overheating at this time.
Other than the fact that an electrician would no doubt have a difficult time working inside this panel due to the rusted connections whereby one would no doubt literally have to cut the wires at their terminations to replace a breaker, I'm wondering if by chance any of the breaker/s internal parts may have been adversely affected by moisture/dampness in the past. As such, my recommendation would be to replace the neutral bus and all of the breaker devices inside given their age and the rust condition cited herein. Any thoughts, suggestions, or experience regarding this subject matter are appreciated.
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