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  1. #1
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    Default Neutral or no neutral?

    This 125 Amp circuit was added to supply an new electric furnace. It looks like they used what I'd call tec cable which has 3 insulated wires and a bare grounding conductor. The neutral is taped off and tucked away in the panel.
    Should the neutral be connected to the bus, clipped off at the clamp or is this OK?
    (The panel is a 1990's Canadian Federal Pioneer but that is not the subject of this thread, please. )

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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Neutral or no neutral?

    I would recommend re-identifying the third insulated conductor to green and attaching it to GROUND at each end. Thus, if it gets energized accidentally by anything, it already connected to ground, which is where you would want it connected to.

    In the mean time, it is serving as an equipment grounding conductor along with the bare equipment grounding conductor.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Neutral or no neutral?

    As long as it's insulated on both ends it presents no hazard as-is.


  4. #4
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    Smile Re: Neutral or no neutral?

    May 15, 2009 I think Jerry answer is sound.
    Myself. 1st. is there four wires, please correct me if I'm wrong, and the furnace runs on two, example: HOT/BLACK 120 volts to ground, white - GROUND/NETURAL ZERO volts to ground. Third wire become your grounding conductor attach the metal part of furnace, and netural/ground
    buss barr at electrical panel. 4th wire not needed, spared, cap off at both
    ends. Federal panel tell customer about the problems with this brand of
    electrical panel, and they should have it change. If they don't then they
    bring a lawsuilt should this panel fail, the breaker not tripping starting a
    fire. Make sure you write it up and have the home owner read it and sign it. Good Luck to you. Robert. also Jerry knows a great deal on this
    panel.


  5. #5
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    Default Re: Neutral or no neutral?

    Quote Originally Posted by Robert S. Mattison View Post
    Federal panel tell customer about the problems with this brand of
    electrical panel, and they should have it changed.
    That panel is Federal Pioneer of Canada. Although they have Stab-Lok style breakers, they are still being installed and people love the designer colors. Schneider Electric Canada - Solutions, Products and Services in Electrical Distribution and Automation and Control


  6. #6
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    Default Re: Neutral or no neutral?

    Quote Originally Posted by Rollie Meyers View Post
    As long as it's insulated on both ends it presents no hazard as-is.
    Thanks, Rollie. Jerry's suggestion is valid, but that involves a visit from a sparky, "He said you need to What?"


  7. #7
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    Default Re: Neutral or no neutral?

    Federal-Pioneer does not seem to have the reputation that FPE has, in discussions w/ some Canadian sparkys, that was what I got from them, & they were not even fans of the line. There is absolutely no reason to fret about a unused conductor if it has been properly insulated on both ends.


  8. #8
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    Default Re: Neutral or no neutral?

    Quote Originally Posted by Rollie Meyers View Post
    There is absolutely no reason to fret about a unused conductor if it has been properly insulated on both ends.
    Actually, there is, and it happens.

    In your perfect world, maybe not, but in the real world, quite likely, and that sure would be beneficial if that unused conductor were grounded at each end.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    Thus, if it gets energized accidentally by anything, it already connected to ground, which is where you would want it connected to.


    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  9. #9
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    Apr 2009
    Location
    Manchester, Vermont
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    Smile Re: Neutral or no neutral?

    just want to know were do you the Candadian Federal Pioner Panels and
    Breakers, and call it what you want, to the best of my knowledge its still
    a Federal, by another name. Oct. 14, 1997; Ontario Canda Home Program
    issues a warning regarding Canadian Fedral Pioner (Candian verison fo FPE
    Stab-Lock)... understand, I would not tell the customer to remove this
    equipment, but understand there issue with it that they should be informed. If a circuit never overloads, then the breaker can never be put
    to the test. To me, it like finding alum. wiring in a house. Best of Luck in
    writing your report. Robert


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