Main Disconnects - Do you crack 'em open?

[mgbinspect]

This thread is a spin-off of Phantom Generator. The main reason I didn't try to force the apparently siezed thumb-crews for the Automatic Transfer boxes was I didn't really expect to find anything revealing, and the screws could easily be snapped off.

This all causes me to wonder, though. When a breaker panel is inside and the main diconnect is outside, do you open the outside main disconnect to inspect the wiring? I don't (routinely). I have on a few occassions but it isn't my habit. So I find myself wondering: Do you? If so, Why? Has it ever paid off - have you found anything?

[Richard Saunders]

I always open them unless sealed by the utility co. You need to report if the service is properly grounded and size and type of SEC. I dont usually see issues.

[Phillip]

I open them up. Most of the time I don't find a problem.

[fyrmnk]

I always open them unless sealed by the utility co. You need to report if the service is properly grounded and size and type of SEC. I dont usually see issues.

What he said.

[Brandon Whitmore]

What he said.

Same here.

[mgbinspect]

Interesting. I'll make it a habit. It just never really occured to me that anything could everbe profoundly wrong in there.

If any of the three main lines aren't hooked up, things test crazy anyway. I remember once a meter wasn't pushed fully in so only one hot side made contact. In that case I turned on the oven and lights were coming on all over the house (current back-feeding through the dead oven circuit. That was funny.

So, I am guessing that the only things that won't manifest themself without a look see is a bad overheating connection or a bad or missing ground to a rod?

Am I correct, or are there other conditions that won't manifest themself without viewing it?

[fyrmnk]

Interesting. I'll make it a habit. It just never really occured to me that anything could everbe profoundly wrong in there.

If any of the three main lines aren't hooked up, things test crazy anyway. I remember once a meter wasn't pushed fully in so only one hot side made contact. In that case I turned on the oven and lights were coming on all over the house (current back-feeding through the dead oven circuit. That was funny.

So, I am guessing that the only things that won't manifest themself without a look see is a bad overheating connection or a bad or missing ground to a rod?

Am I correct, or are there other conditions that won't manifest themself without viewing it?

Improperly sized service conductors to the main disconnect from the meter, corrosion, etc.

[Jim Baird]

I found one whose "can" was not fastened at all to the structure...can't believe the guys plugging the meter in did not notice.

[Jim Port]

How would you check to see if the enclosure was properly bonded if you don't look inside?

[mgbinspect]

How would you check to see if the enclosure was properly bonded if you don't look inside?

Yes, an added step does seem prudent.

[mgbinspect]

I always open them unless sealed by the utility co. You need to report if the service is properly grounded and size and type of SEC. I dont usually see issues.

Well, Richard, doesn't it seem appropriate that the very first main disconnect on the exterior that I crack open I find the cable to the ground rod completely disconnected. It doesn't even look like it was ever connected. Sheesh.

Click to Enlarge

55.98 KB

Unbelievable... Hanging my head in shame... What was it Fred Sanford used to say?, "You big dummy!" Well, thanks for the responses guys and the sobering needed adjustment in my inspection proceedure.

"There are no mistakes or failures, only lessons." ~Denis Waitley

[:-graduat

[Rob Amaral]

You now know my motto: "Never Assume Anything"

[msteger]

I always open all service panels and fuse boxes that I can reach and open. Isn't that what the standards tell us to do? When there was ones that I can't access (rusted screws, blocked by furniture, etc.), I take a picture (for my own records) and report that the panel/box wasn't accessible, why, and that a licensed electrician be consulted to make repairs and fully inspect what I couldn't inspect. I never want to assume anything is correct or safe. I don't need the lawsuit or phone call down the road from a PO'd client.

[robert1966]

I normally open both as stated above unless I cannot access the main service panel if it locked out. Most of them around here are converting to the new digital systems. I some thing find issues with older units but not the newer ones.