Thread: Loose neutral.
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Old 04-14-2008, 03:00 PM
David Banks David Banks is offline
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Southborough, MA
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Re: Loose neutral.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
Sounds like it can be, but ...

In the second photo you posted, of the panel with the cover off, the metal bus (bar) which goes from the equipment grounds on the left to the neutrals on the right, is there a bond screw through the neutral terminal bar into that metal bar?

If not, than it might be okay (look closely to make sure the neutral terminal bar is isolated from ground).

If yes, then look closely, it is likely that if that bond screw was removed that the neutral would be isolated from ground.

I can't tell from the photo.

When used as "Suitable for use as Service Equipment when main breaker is installed.", I'm guessing there will be an additional requirement to install a bonding jumper (typically a screw into that bar) to bond the neutral terminal bar to ground. Without that bonding screw, you are probably okay - look closely to make sure.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matthew Barnicle View Post
Here is another example of a loose neutral. Notice the lug is backed out further than the rest and the wire is burned. This would never trip the breaker because it only heats up at the loose connection, not at the breaker - scary to think this could happen at any junction box or splice with a loose connection and not trip a breaker. Maybe an AFCI would trip this condition, I don't know.
There is also a cut in insulation 4 neutrals down.
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