Thread: cupric sulfide

I am familiar with the term cupric sulfide as learned from Jeff Hooper. I have found this condition at least 4 times in my career but yet I cannot logically explain how and why this happens in an electrical panel where corrosive conditions do not exist. An internet search reveals a bunch of pool stuff and chemical engineering. I found this condition again today on a 5 year old town house. The power company just happened to be present in the neighborhood and a power company rep who has been an electrician since the 60's says he has never seen this condition while lucky me in my 40's have found it at least 4 times. This is my first post and I'm hoping one of you old timers or others smarter than me (shouldn't be hard) can enlighten me. I've attached a few pics for your viewing pleasure.

Thanks in advance!
Jon Bolton
the INSPECTAGATOR

Originally Posted by Jon Bolton

I am familiar with the term cupric sulfide as learned from Jeff Hooper. I have found this condition at least 4 times in my career but yet I cannot logically explain how and why this happens in an electrical panel where corrosive conditions do not exist. An internet search reveals a bunch of pool stuff and chemical engineering. I found this condition again today on a 5 year old town house. The power company just happened to be present in the neighborhood and a power company rep who has been an electrician since the 60's says he has never seen this condition while lucky me in my 40's have found it at least 4 times. This is my first post and I'm hoping one of you old timers or others smarter than me (shouldn't be hard) can enlighten me. I've attached a few pics for your viewing pleasure.

Jon,

That's pretty impressive. From the pics that you posted, it looks like the panelbox itself is essentially untouched. That would indicate a corrosive that affects copper and does not affect steel. Unless the panel itself is newer than the wiring. Possibly a corrosive gas? Other than that, I haven't a clue. Sorry.

Jon. This has been discussed before and is in the archives somewhere. Since this is your first post just to let you know the weekends have light postings and you will probably get some more responses starting Monday.

Jon - Welcome to the board!
Here is one similar thread from the archives:
Copper Wire Discoloration - InspectionNews.com .
Please complete your user profile so we can see where you are from when you post. You know what the realtor$ say - location, location, location.

Well, since I have not heard cupric sulfide I had to do a little Googling..

Noun 1. cupric sulfate - a copper salt made by the action of sulfuric acid on copper oxide.

Found this for you in the archives. I knew I'd seen pictures similar to yours.
Go here.....
http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_i...in-panels.html

WOW! Gentlemen, thanks so much for the education and support. I could get addicted to this posting stuff. I've copied peoples explanations as well as those in the archives a couple of you sent me and will attempt some guidance for my client.

I will also look into updating my profile as advised. I was unaware, thanks again.

Jon Bolton
the INSPECTAGATOR

Another possiblility is that it is due to anydrous ammonia. Anhydrous ammonia attacks copper leading to a dark bluish-green discoloration. Anhydrous ammonia is commonly used in the farming industry, and is a key ingredient of the manufacture of methamphetamine.

More great advice, thank you! In this house, there were no other signs of a meth lab or meth use. The panel is located in a conditioned laundry room though. As of yet, I have not heard back from the electrician who was called in to evaluate but I did provide all the previous responses and responses from archived articles to both the buyer and buyer's agent.

Jon

Originally Posted by Jon Bolton

The panel is located in a conditioned laundry room though. As of yet, I have not heard back from the electrician who was called in to evaluate but I did provide all the previous responses and responses from archived articles to both the buyer and buyer's agent.

Jon

Could it be a result of high concentrations of amonia or detergents in the laundry. Maybe they're into heavy bleaching ?

Well, a very qualified electrician has apparently solved the mystery. Long story short...He found the ground connection inside the meter box was never connected properly. When he touched the ground inside the meter, it fell out from the lug. His conclusion, short to ground with no where to go, turned everything in the panel dark blue/black. Connected and cleaned everything, put his name on it.

Jon

Jon,

Thanks for the update. Another thing that I can add to my things to remember.