1, 2. When they upgrade panelboards here, the permitting authority typically requires the upgrade of the receptacles to GFCI protection (with stickers indicating no equipment ground) .
3. That looks like common spiral wrap, often used for LV cable or wire management.
4. Not familiar with the plate over the bus bars, doesn’t look modified though.
5. There is a bonding strap in your photo, and it should only be present if it’s service equipment. This is downstream panelboard.
Yep…this is where I am concerned. The main service disconnect was at the meter outside. This panel is 25 feet across the garage on an interior opposing wall. I have difficulty determining if they are isolated (as a generalist )
Okay, I am about to push the button on this report. Seems you two are awake @ruecker and @ddagostino
This is my narrative. Is my ass covered and does the client have enough information to make an informed decision?
The electrical service and panelboard is more modern equipment. However some branch wiring is older or original. Updating this equipment typically requires a permit and often requires other safety updates such as (not limited to) newer branch wiring and arc fault protected circuits. Some local jurisdictions may allow for exemptions. The older or original wiring in the panel was in poor condition, frayed or deteriorated. The down stream receptacles tested open ground or hot/neutral reversed (GFCI protected receptacles excluded). The list of concerns is not exhaustive.
Based on observed condition, I have safety and reliability concerns with the electrical system. Recommend further evaluation of the entire electrical system for safety issues and subsequent repairs or corrections as needed by a qualified electrical contractor. Recommend asking the seller for any related documentation such as scope of work, invoices, applicable warranties and permits. Permits may also be obtained at the local building department, often online.
Looks like you mentioned enough to get someone’s attention.
The conductor insulation and that wonky low voltage spiral wrap should be addressed, along with the bonding.
Looks like a sparky did it all, but some loose ends. And if your jurisdiction has permitting requirements, I’d hit that also (local AHJ might have their own punch list for panel upgrades). And yes, i see you have that in there too.
I suppose, but I’d prefer to see the paint stripped off the box in that location… or actually removed since that’s not the main disconnect, and there’s a four wire feed to the panel.
While the workmanship is good, it’s not clear that permits or City inspections took place.
Some of the oldest cloth based wiring was apparently moved from an older panel, to a new one. The insulation was protected with a spiral wrap which is not itself a problem, but in some cases the threads on the cloth wiring are showing signs of unraveling. If these wires unravel in a place where wires can touch, this can lead to severe consequences.
Strongly recommend this electrical system be checked by an electrician skilled and used to working with older electrical systems. Strongly recommend mapping which circuits use the oldest wire, and evaluating if there are other options should that wiring need replacement.