ECN Electrical Forum - Discussion Forums for Electricians, Inspectors and Related Professionals
ECN Shout Chat
ShoutChat
Recent Posts
Increasing demand factors in residential
by tortuga - 03/28/24 05:57 PM
Portable generator question
by Steve Miller - 03/19/24 08:50 PM
Do we need grounding?
by NORCAL - 03/19/24 05:11 PM
240V only in a home and NEC?
by dsk - 03/19/24 06:33 AM
Cordless Tools: The Obvious Question
by renosteinke - 03/14/24 08:05 PM
New in the Gallery:
This is a new one
This is a new one
by timmp, September 24
Few pics I found
Few pics I found
by timmp, August 15
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 265 guests, and 15 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,391
I
iwire Offline OP
Moderator
Went on a service call for tripped breakers and found this.

[Linked Image]

We don't need no stinking lug kits, go to the truck and get me a 1" x 10 SMS and a fender washer.

I believe they pulled off a neutral bar to make space for this modification.

It was definitely a quality job, my call was for "exit signs, EBUs, wall outlets and fire alarm panel not working".

It turns out they where all on one circuit. I did find two conductors on that one breaker and separated that, but the FACP is still not a dedicated circuit.

I have recommend they have us come in and pull some new circuits. I doubt they will spend the money.

Bob


Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
Stay up to Code with the Latest NEC:


>> 2023 NEC & Related Reference & Exam Prep
2023 NEC & Related Reference & Study Guides

Pass Your Exam the FIRST TIME with the Latest NEC & Exam Prep

>> 2020 NEC & Related Reference & Study Guides
 

Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,294
Member
Don't let the batteries go dead on your camera, Bob.
Seems to me anyway that if there isn't a change made in this one, you will be back at some time and posting a picture reminiscent of a couple of others you've posted in the past. [Linked Image]

Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 840
C
Member
This installation looks fairly new, is it not?

Isn't it a local code violation to not have the FA panel on a dedicated circuit?


Peter
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 333
S
Member
What's up with the AL grounded conductor in the lug to the right of the screw/washer? It looks cooked, as does the insulation.

steve


Steve
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 214
E
Member
stamcon- I believe that the browning that makes that right hand grounded conductor look cooked is anti-oxident gel, you can see a little of the same thing on the left hand conductor as well, on the bare wire right above the lug

-Will

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 8
L
New Member
What about the far right lug in looks like it arked... or is that also oxident gel


if some one hands you lemons use the juice to blind them
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,391
I
iwire Offline OP
Moderator
CT I believe that NFPA 72 requires a dedicated circuit for fire alarm systems.


scouter, that is just a glob of anti-oxidant gel.

Bob


Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,520
P
Member
Quote
It was definitely a quality job, my call was for "exit signs, EBUs, wall outlets and fire alarm panel not working".

It turns out they where all on one circuit.

That reminds me of a commercial job my father was involved with pricing way back in the 1970s.

When he examined the plans he found an elevator alarm system was shown as running on the same circuit as the elevator control gear itself. [Linked Image]

Joined: May 2001
Posts: 717
G
Member
Stuck at work on Saturday, so here is the 1999 NFPA 72

1-5.2.5.2 Connections to the light and power service SHALL be on a dedicated branch circuit(s). The circuit(s) and connections shall be mechanically protected. Circuit disconnecting means SHALL have a red marking shall be accessible only to authorized personnel, an shall be identified as FIRE ALARM CIRCUIT CONTROL. The location of the circuit disconnecting means shall be permanently identified at the fire alarm control unit.

Enjoy!!!

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 2
Cat Servant
Member
Nice cite, George. Anybody live where NFPA 72 has been adopted?

As for the sheet metal screw- where's the violation? Doesn't the NEC only address ground screws?

Allright, hold your horses. Hackwork is hackwork. Just pointing out the weaknesses of the code!

I think we went down a blind alley with the "sheet metal screw" provision. If nothing else, it sets the stage for a conflict with 110.14(A).
How about a general provision that connectors will be used as designed? The "sheet metal screw" issue came up, IMO, not because of the screw itself, but because the screws were being used improperly (too large of a hole, etc). Improper use will make any fastener fail.


Meanwhile, back to the pic. Just what is the screw attached to? Are we inadvertantly bonding the neutral to the case with it?

Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5