I recently came across this panel where the circuit neutrals did not extend to the sub-panel along with the ungrounded conductors. Are there any potential risks here worth recommending an electrician to take a further look? Thanks for your time.
Main
What is the sub panel for? It looks like it could be all 240 loads like electric heaters that don’t need a neutral, or a break out for a backup generator.
Also it appears handle ties are missing in the first panel (likely the second too depending on what it’s running).
If there are 120v loads in the sub, I believe technically the neutral has to come with the hot.
It looks like an amateur mess. Yes the neutrals need to be run with the ungrounded condcutors for their respective circuits. The sub-panel has EGC’s landed on the neutral bus which is incorrect. The #8 AWG red conductor cannot be reidentified as a neutral. Looks like MWBC’S without handle ties.
Theres probably more things wrong than just that.
I did not know that.
Once you get to #4 AWG or larger then the red conductor can be re-identified with the white tape as shown in the photo.
200.6(A) Sizes 6 AWG or Smaller.
An insulated grounded conductor of 6 AWG or smaller shall be identified by one of the following means:
(1) The insulated conductor shall have a continuous white outer finish.
(2) The insulated conductor shall have a continuous gray outer finish.
(3) The insulated conductor shall have three continuous white or gray stripes along the conductor’s entire length on other than green insulation.
(4)Insulated conductors that have their outer covering finished to show a white or gray color but have colored tracer threads in the braid identifying the source of manufacture are acceptable means of
identification.
(5)A single-conductor, sunlight-resistant, outdoor-rated cable used as a solidly grounded conductor in photovoltaic power systems, as permitted by 690.41, shall be identified at the time of installation by markings
at terminations in accordance with 200.6(A)(1) through (A)(4).
(6)The grounded conductor of a mineral-insulated, metal-sheathed cable (Type MI) shall be identified at the time of installation by distinctive marking at its terminations.
(7)Fixture wire shall comply with the requirements for grounded conductor identification as specified in 402.8.
(8)For aerial cable, the identification shall comply with one of the methods in 200.6(A)(1) through (A)(5), or by means of a ridge located on the exterior of the cable so as to identify it.
200.6(B) Sizes 4 AWG or Larger.
An insulated grounded conductor 4 AWG or larger shall be identified by one of the following means:
(1) A continuous white outer finish.
(2) A continuous gray outer finish.
(3) Three continuous white or gray stripes along the conductor’s entire length on other than green insulation.
(4) At the time of installation, by a distinctive white or gray marking at its terminations. This marking shall encircle the conductor or insulation.
Write hard on this one, definitely a mess. Uncle Bubba special-“he knows lectric”
And the feeders (#8) are likely too small for that load
Speaking of more things wrong, I did see 14ga wires at 20amp breakers
Number 4 and larger can be reidentified with paint or tape.
