Beautiful pic of shoddy electrical work

[got3fords]

Just discovered what is looks like some dangerous electrical work. I realize accessing the side knockouts is practically impossible given the framed in wood work, and access through the top is difficult, but is this even remotely up to code? This is the front of my electric service panel.

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[AzScorpion]

Is this your house or a house you're looking to buy? No way that's passing inspection. Being in the construction industry for over 39 years I've seen my share of shoddy work and I'd add this right up there. It's an accident waiting to happen.?

 

[JesseS]

As others have said, a fire waiting to happen. Not sure what the codes are in VA but in Calif you get arrested for doing work like that.

 

[JTDay]

Holy f*ck mate.

 

[FunInTheSun]

Those ain't welding marks. And the black pile isn't tar from the roof. That AWG4 wire appears to be the main feeder coming IN to the panel from the utility connection / transformer (an extremely high-current source). Looks to me like there ALREADY WAS a fire, and they replaced the feeder wire, but didn't fix the actual problem, and now it's arcing and sparking AGAIN. They could (should?) have drilled a hole and installed a bushing / feedthrough to protect the wire from chafing on that edge. I don't know if that would satisfy a code inspector, but it would be safer than THAT. It is UNSAFE right now.

I'm not an electrician, but I have worked closely with them for many years, and the wires are not allowed to touch raw cut sheet metal edges. For exactly this reason. And the shredded ROMEX in the other photo looks unsat too.

 

[got3fords]

Is this your house or a house you're looking to buy? No way that's passing inspection. Being in the construction industry for over 39 years I've seen my share of shoddy work and I'd add this right up there. It's an accident waiting to happen.?

My house.

 

[got3fords]

Those ain't welding marks. And the black pile isn't tar from the roof. That AWG4 wire appears to be the main feeder coming IN to the panel from the utility connection / transformer (an extremely high-current source). Looks to me like there ALREADY WAS a fire, and they replaced the feeder wire, but didn't fix the actual problem, and now it's arcing and sparking AGAIN. They could (should?) have drilled a hole and installed a bushing / feedthrough to protect the wire from chafing on that edge. I don't know if that would satisfy a code inspector, but it would be safer than THAT. It is UNSAFE right now.

I'm not an electrician, but I have worked closely with them for many years, and the wires are not allowed to touch raw cut sheet metal edges. For exactly this reason. And the shredded ROMEX in the other photo looks unsat too.

It goes to the air handler when they replaced the old furnace.

 

[dtech]

Take precautions immediatedly - park your Ranger a min of 100 ft away from the house. I've noticed some posters own Hyundais - they have a abs fire related recall on some models and their current "fix" is to advise owners not to park in a garage or other enclosed area. Protect your Ranger.

 

[OFC Ranger]

I thought this was going to be a thread about my garage.

Holy crap that is even worse than shit I do!

 

[FunInTheSun]

You definitely have a problem there. An electrician can fix it for you. Probably not too expensive (especially compared to burning down the house). I can't advise on what the code says about using holes other than factory knockouts, but the knockouts are for installer's convenience, and you can enlarge them, or make new ones as far as I know. The holes need to have bushings or some other type of strain relief and protection of the insulating jacket form abrasion and cutting. Talk to an electrician. (or several, because it's an unusual situation)

 

[AdamHarris]

Jesus you bought a Chrysler house..

 

[NotBudule]

That is shocking to see ! And , the panel itself might get energized , then it will bite you , if its in a damp basement BE CARFUL !

 

[philanderer]

 

[Kirby808]

That’s a serious serious issue. There is always a way to do the work safely.
I’m a master electrician up here in Canada, you need to get this fixed immediately. Your very very lucky your house hasn’t burnt down and this hasn’t led to a more horrific outcome.
Get this fixed yesterday.

 

[got3fords]

Take precautions immediatedly - park your Ranger a min of 100 ft away from the house. I've noticed some posters own Hyundais - they have a abs fire related recall on some models and their current "fix" is to advise owners not to park in a garage or other enclosed area. Protect your Ranger.

Don't have a garage, so it's always out in the driveway.

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