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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
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    CO
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    Default Electrical Panel upgraded

    Hi,

    I just came across an electrical panel that I have a question about (please see pic). Are the wire nuts okay in this situation? The panel appears to have been updated and the wiring in the house has not. The branch wiring is aluminum. Please let me know your thoughts.

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  2. #2
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    Mar 2007
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    Default

    Hello Hadden Walker,

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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Lansdale, PA
    Posts
    876

    Default Re: Electrical Panel upgraded

    I seldom see solid conductor aluminum in my area. I believe they are special wire nuts designed to joint aluminum to copper. I can't recall the name now, but Google it and you will find info.

    I think some of these are acceptable and some have been a failure.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Chicago IL
    Posts
    2,048

    Default Re: Electrical Panel upgraded

    Sorry picture doesn't give me very good perspective. I see a clamp on the pipe connector from the meter socket but no actual wire. Also very unbalanced load from side to side. Beyond that just looks like a typical so-so job to get it through a sale.
    Check what your local requirements are for electrical permits and licensing related to a new panel and nail them that way. Seller probably has nothing. Just replacing the panel (at least around here) typically wouldn't require the entire house to be upgraded. Make sure your report includes advice that the client contact their potential homeowners ins provider to see if there would be any coverage issues.

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
    Posts
    5,851

    Default Re: Electrical Panel upgraded

    The purple wire nuts are an indication that the system has been updated with aluminum to copper. This allows copper to connect to the breaker or device while not replacing the aluminum cables in the walls.

    It is OK… as far as the wire nuts go…..

    Now as for the rest of the panel… Did you by chance take a look at the panel schematic to see how many wafer breakers are allowed in it and at what locations?

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: Electrical Panel upgraded

    Breakers all on one side does not mean there is an imbalanced load.

    There are taped connections in the panel that should be checked.

    Since there are solid Al branch circuits I would call for inspection of the fixtures as well as the panel, or at least some documentation that a recent inspection was done.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,970

    Default Re: Electrical Panel upgraded

    They do not look like the Ideal purple 65's to me. They look blue. Some information about the 65 is available.

    I also have a question about the number of breakers and if the panel is rated for tandems.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: Electrical Panel upgraded

    They appear to be the right shape and purple to me.

    http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-Twi...-30-1765S/2029

    There has been some controversy over the use of these wire nuts, because there are recorded cases of melted connections. My recommendation nowadays is that all connections and splices be inspected every 10 years. The absolute best repair is to replace the Al wiring with copper and be done with it.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

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