Can moisture in electrical panel cause arcing?
Well what do you think?
That looks like insulation from here!
Cheers
what made You think there was moisture or arcing in the panel ? did You remove the front cover ?
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It was not properly sealed more positions within the front panel cover. It was -21° out and that was ice crystals formed from condensation. Yes there was moisture behind the panel cover
Yes, I remove the cover and there was ice covered around the areas where the gas can be seen from the front panel cover
do You have a picture with the cover off ? there is not much in that first picture to be helpful…
I guess what I am asking should I report this as a potential fire hazard, safety concern, or is this just a minor defect?
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How did the snow get in there? Was the panel an outdoor panel? Weatherized?
Start there and note concerns as well as the consequence of long term moisture in a panel. Then any evidence of corrosion, over heating etc.
This was on a new build. Temperature was reaching a chill factor of -20° at the time of inspection. This was an outdoor panel and a lot of condensation buildup was on the inside and then my worry would be that moisture we get into where the main disconnect in the breakers we’re not properly flush with the panel cover.
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No offense Brent but from that one picture there is not enough information for me to tell You if there is any defect at all let alone how serious it might be…
Do you have a photo of the entire panel, wide shot?
Ok, thank you
Was the panel cover completely closed and properly latched? It looks like snow blew in from Oklahoma.
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It was closed properly when I arrived
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Was there ice / snow behind the dead front as well?
Not sure if there is a defect or long-term problem. I am thinking someone possibly left the panel door open or it was not shut properly prior to a snow event… it looks like snow and ice coming from the outside.
If I were the buyer, I would have the builder (seller) dry everything out, make sure the door is able to be closed tight, and then inspected by an electrician for any damage (corrosion).
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My codebook reads that the outdoor panelboard must be “raintight” (and not merely “rainproof”) and must be placed or equipped to “prevent moisture or water from entering and accumulating within” the enclosure. The presence of ice indicates that the panel might not be preventing moisture or water from entering and accumulating within the enclosure. Whether this condition causes arcing, or the proper equipment prevents arcing, is not mentioned. [see 312.2(A)]
A 1/4" airspace is also required between the enclosure and the wall or surface upon which it is mounted.
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That’s interesting, the service conductor should be sealed from the panel to the wall penetration. Possibly warm indoor air leaking into the panel.