I inspected a new construction that had an exterior main panel and an interior sub panel. My question regards the grounding screw in the sub panel. I can’t tell if the screw bonds the neutral bar to the or not. Not only that, but it looks as though there is some attachment that is used to allow the screw to be applied. My question is, is the neutral improperly bonded to the panel? Any input would be appreciated.
It appears that the bonding screw is set at factory install and not screwed in to actually bond this panel. Others will be more helpful, but I believe the screw has to be screwed completely in before bonding occurs. If bonding is not needed here, the screw should probably have been removed to prevent any confusion.
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I agree with Thomas. It’s just shipped that way from the factory and is not connected. I would have removed it if I installed the panel.
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Is that a subpanel? If so, as it appears, and if the bonding screw is not threaded into to the panel box, then there is nothing wrong. However, if it’s a main panel, then the bonding screw should be threaded into the panel box.
Good observation!
When I find them like that I pull the screw and throw it in the bottom of the panel… as others have said, not bonding neutral to the panel but just a few turns of the screw from doing so.
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According to the OP yes it’s a sub-panel. The 4-wire feeder and the lack of a service disconnect would confirm that.
Thanks to everyone for their responses. Yes, it was a subpanel.
Matt, you’re a braver man than I. If I were to attempt to remove the screw it would likely fall down, touch something that results in lots of sparks, which I’m sure would be accompanied with loud buzzing and popping, followed with flashes, bangs, and me standing there, charred, emitting nothing but a high pitched squeal.
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I was thinking the same thing, lol.
No, no, no…I used to flip unused breakers to the off position (way safer than sticking a screw driver into a panel) But then had an epiphany that I am an observer as a home inspector. I know an inspector who will not replace a pointed cover screw. He has a jar of flat tipped screws that he replaces the pointed screws with. I disagree with doing that, too. Fellers…you own that panel whenever you modify it.
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The installer should have removed it and thrown it away during installation of the panel. Given that the work looks like it was done by a slob I can see why they didn’t bother.