Any idea what might cause this?

Originally Posted By: jtedesco
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



You are welcome icon_smile.gif


Kevin: Looks like a condition often caused by loose connections and terminations. Did you recommend that some maintenance such as torquing be done by a qualified person?

Quote:
Hi Joe,

Thanks for the recent seminars at the NACHI convention.

I ran into a weird condition in the main panel today. Panel had copper
branch wires that had turned black. The panel is about 4 years old.

Wire insulation was not black, bubbling or showing any other signs of
overheating. Normal temperatures found at all breakers and connections.

Per homeowner never lost power or had a lighting strike.

Any idea what might cause this?

Kevin Grants
Residential Inspection Consultants
http://www.residentialinspection.net









--
Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant

www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm

Originally Posted By: Brian A. Goodman
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



Joe,


I don’t think that’s a loose connection problem. I remember a thread just like this a year or two ago on one of the other boards, exact same circumstances. Copper wires in a panel all turned black, but no other signs of heat (like partially melted jackets that would have to be there if there were enough heat to turn the wires black). One of the vets came on and posted the unusual explanation, but for the life of me I can’t recall what it was. I do recall who posted the answer though. I’ll email him and get back to you.


Originally Posted By: Kyle Kubs
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Looks like typical corrosion due to chemical vapors. Very often you see this in a basement or garage where things like chlorine, photo developer, and car batteries are stored… What did the copper water pipes look like near the ends where the protective coating was removed for soldering?



Those that say it cannot be done should stop interupting those of us who are hard at work, doing it…

Originally Posted By: tallen
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Did you recommend that some maintenance such as torquing be done by a qualified person?



I never recommend what a professional should do to fix a problem.

I point out the problem, and recommend a professional evaluation and repair as needed.


--
I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.

www.whiteglovehomeinspections.net

30 Oct 2003-- 29 Nov2005

Originally Posted By: whandley
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It definitely maybe loose connections. I was inspecting a vacant condo


2 months ago. Inoperative outlets and lighting at 2 of 3 bedrooms and the a/c condenser was inoperative. If I turned the thermostat to the a/c setting the bedrooms became energized, but the condenser was still dead. The owner called an electrician who found loose/burnt main lug


connections at the remote main service disconnect located at end of


the common building. It looks very similar to your photo. icon_idea.gif