Home was built in 1949. Main panel has been updated but the SEC appears to be the original.
Main breaker was rated 100 amps.
The hot conductors are tinned coated and are 100 amps.
The incoming neutral conductor was 2 sizes smaller. This is pictured and is the wire at the bottom of the bar.
Now after reading a book called electrical inspections of existing dwellings it states the following:
" *In older installations it is not uncommon(or defective) to find that the incoming neutral is one or two sizes smaller then the hot conductors.
Because the neutral carries only the difference between the loads on the two hot conductors, it does not have as much current on it."
*I just want to make sure I report and understand as it makes sense.
Now the exterior weatherhead and mast support were severely rusted and the SEC was older. It would make sense to replace the exterior components and update the older SEC.
sounds as though it was replaced with out a permit does the panel have an inspection sticker showing the new panel was inspected by the AHJ. maybe it is in an area not requiring inspections. my understanding is as an inspector it is not our job to know if the codes have been followed but we should report what we see and possibly refer to a quailified contractor for futher evaluation. any other thoughts welcome
