Inspection of a Main Electric Panel Box

Home Inspection of a electrical system.

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• Home Inspectors
• inspections
• electric
• panel boxes
• breaker
• box

[McCbull]

Great videos. How do you know when the jumper bar should be removed and when it shouldn't?

[TexasHomeInspector]

@McCbull Typically the main electric panel will have a 3 wire cable from the meter box but I believe the latest code requires the service cable to be a 4 wire cable into the main. The feeder cable between the main and any sub panel box should be a 4 wire cable (there are a few and rare exceptions).

[TexasHomeInspector]

@McCbull If the box (main or sub) is serviced with 4 wire cable (two hot, one neutral, one equipment ground wire), then the ground and neutral branch wires need to be separated. There are various types of “bonding” devices (screws, straps, bars) that would then have to be removed to prevent electrical continently between the ground and neutral wires. The ground wires will be bonded to the box, neutral wires on independent bus bar.

[TexasHomeInspector]

The trailer panel is basically a sub, therefore I would think that according to your description it is wired incorrectly. Not sure why but the wiring method you describe is common for trailer homes. Bringing the two boxes up to current building standards would provide a safer electrical system.

[alex681219]

Thanks for share! Why my electric metter have 2 wires in and 2 out (I supose l1 and neutral) and my braker box have 3 vires L1 L2 and neutral, where the other wire comes from?

[loobydude]

You forgot to mention that the grounded conductors(neutrals) cannot be doubled up under a lug also.

[Dishfarm]

Have an answer?

A meter box on a pole contains a single 100A Breaker.

Three feeder wires are routed through conduit underground to a trailer home. One large insulated ground wire (no conduit) is routed to the soil from the meter.

In the trailer is a single 100A Panel. The ground and Neutral bar are bonded together. The breaker panel is not bonded to the ground bar. No other grounds are made such as to water pipes or a spike in the soil. Is this a correct installation?

[AugustKrueger]

proper amperage?

[chrisleblay]

wher can I get your plastic tool to inspect electrical panel. It seems very good to me.

Very good work !

[mattyice11]

Yes, u were helpful. I always put a ground wire in any subpanel installations I do and its for the reason u mentioned. I just wanted to make sure it was nessesary and i wasnt just taking up space with an extra wire. But I will feel better in doing it now, thank you.