Too much corrosion

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Benjy

Member
Is there a code article I can site that requires replacement of corroded switchboard enclosures (bottom completely rusted away)? 110.7 Wiring integrity?
 

kwired

Electron manager
Location
NE Nebraska
Not really, though it may affect what you do replace it with.

NEC isn't really that much about evaluating what is existing for the purpose of determining if it is safe to continue to use, but such conditions do help set a floor for how corrosive the area may be when it comes to selecting new equipment.

Now depending on circumstances simply drilling weep holes in what was there could possibly have impacted how long it lasts if the reason for corroding away was mostly due to condensation buildup and not because of high amounts of corrosive agents.
 

Benjy

Member
The path forward seems obvious to me, it is time to remove and replace, but, not to the owner. The entire bottom of the switchboard(s) and disconnects are missing due to corrosion. Looks like years of neglect and possible flood damage along with close proximity to salt water.
 

Sahib

Senior Member
Location
India
If the corroded switch board is under the control of technically qualified staff with a safety plan in place, there may not be issue, IMHO.
 

kwired

Electron manager
Location
NE Nebraska
NEC is an installation code not a maintenance code.

The fact the bottom rusted out doesn't mean any NEC code was violated, just that determining conditions of the application may not have been what designer had expected.
 

jmellc

Senior Member
Location
Durham, NC
Occupation
Facility Maintenance Tech. Licensed Electrician
What did the customer call you to do? I’ve gotten tired of arguing with people about unsafe equipment. If I don’t need to go into the equipment, let them keep as is and take the risk.
 

oldsparky52

Senior Member
Is there a code article I can site that requires replacement of corroded switchboard enclosures (bottom completely rusted away)? 110.7 Wiring integrity?

Is it rusted away to the point it is basically open (like you can stick your hand in the enclosure w/out removing a cover)?

Or is it sitting on concrete and the bottom is rusted but still there.

How are the sides of the enclosure?

How about the interior, what condition?

Got pics? :)
 

infinity

Moderator
Staff member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Journeyman Electrician
The original installation should have complied with 110.3(A)(1) and 110.11. The question is if it didn't comply initially does it now need to be replaced?
 
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