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Thread: service neutral

  1. #1
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    Default service neutral

    Is this one a concern? IS it possible a failed service breaker?

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  2. #2
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    Spring City/Surrounding Philadelphia area
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    Default Re: service neutral

    Kind of looks like anti-oxidant paste on the strands. If there was an overheating condition, you'd see scorching on the sheathing. It does look a bit stained and darker but not enough to tell if overheating took place.

    "It takes a big man to cry. It takes an even bigger man to laugh at that man". - Jack Handey

  3. #3
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    Default Re: service neutral

    Why would you think showing the neutral would point to a failed breaker?

    If the main breaker had failed there would be no power.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: service neutral

    Here's a scorched connection for comparison. 1974 Al wiring. This white wire is still doing its job, but needs repair. And it should have been marked red or black.

    As a matter of fact, this wire has been spliced once already. A 15 amp 240 volt breaker is supplying a 40 gallon water heater through a compromised Al feeder. I hope the electrician will do the right thing here for my clients.

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  5. #5
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    Default Re: service neutral

    Thanks.

    I mean failed to trip once overload.


  6. #6
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    Default Re: service neutral

    Quote Originally Posted by Peter Louis View Post

    I mean failed to trip once overload.
    How could you possibly know this?
    What are you basing it on?


  7. #7
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    Default Re: service neutral

    Quote Originally Posted by Speedy Petey View Post
    How could you possibly know this?
    What are you basing it on?
    That may be a dumb imagination.

    Since the discolored neutral terminal, if the service breaker tripped right away, there will not be overheat on any terminals.


  8. #8
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    Default Re: service neutral

    You could have a terminal overheat well under its ampacity and not trip a breaker. All you need is a poor connection.

    A neutral on an improperly wired multiwire branch circuit could be carrying 2x the current of the hots. This will not trip a breaker either.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: service neutral

    Quote Originally Posted by Peter Louis View Post
    That may be a dumb imagination.

    Since the discolored neutral terminal, if the service breaker tripped right away, there will not be overheat on any terminals.
    What Jim said.

    It is absolutely possible and even likely that a poor termination will overheat to the point of melting without ever drawing too much current on the circuit.


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