electrical services - Damage

ELECTRICAL SERVICES - DAMAGE

Sector 2 

Take a look at the left main lug at the top of this panel:

• Behind the lug, there is a scorch mark or residue consistent with an arc flash event. 

• The wire coating also appears to be melted.

THIS SHOULD BE FLAGGED FOR ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

In this example, it appears that there are two main disconnects in this panel. one is feeding an interior sub while the other is feeding the bus in this enclosure. It looks as though the main breaker for the bus may have been at the top most space at some point in time but may have been moved down a couple spaces:

• It was likely moved due to continuous issues with arcing

• This is poor workmanship and the ark damage needs to be addressed.

THIS SHOULD BE FLAGGED FOR ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

WHAT IS CORROSION?

• Corrosion appears as a white chalky substance usually presenting on main lugs and neutral/bus bars.

  • Mainly on aluminum components

• Corrosion is another result of increased oxidation and exposure to moisture much like rust.

HOW DOES CORROSION AFFECT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM?

• Corrosion breaks down the secure electrical connections between wires and lugs

• Corrosion can cause increase resistance and heat and could even lead to fire.

For Site Survey:

• Document and clearly notate this damage in Field Pro

For Design & Engineering:

• Send for Preliminary Electrical Review (PER) if you see this.

TYPES OF EQUIPMENT THAT CAN BE BENT OR BROKEN

For PV designers and installers, maintaining a professional reputation is crucial. Leaving a damaged service mast unattended can reflect poorly on the professionalism and competence of the individuals involved. Timely repairs demonstrate a commitment to safety and reliability.

• Conduit that is not securely connected to junction boxes, meter sockets, MSPs and other equipment

  1. Building codes and electrical regulations require that electrical installations meet certain safety standards. A damaged or loose service mast may violate these codes, leading to potential legal and regulatory consequences. Ensuring compliance helps avoid fines and penalties.

For Site Survey:

• Document and clearly notate this damage in Field Pro

For Design & Engineering:

• Send for Preliminary Electrical Review (PER) if you see this.

This is common, even on newer homes. The underground riser has separated from the meter enclosure due to the ground underneath settling.

THIS NEEDS TO BE FLAGGED FOR ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

This type of damage is less common but we should still look for it. This LB fitting was cracked at some point and now wires are exposed. 

• make sure to check every visible conduit and conduit fitting.

THIS NEEDS TO BE FLAGGED FOR ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Older homes might have cloth insulated wires. Ilsco piercing taps are not compatible with this type of wire insulation according to the manufacturer. Note that at times the outer layer may be cloth while the inside is still thermoplastic sheathing underneath; when this is the case, we can still use the Ilsco taps.