Black film on copper wiring in main panel

[Greg W. Mathias, CCHI]

Need a quick answer. I don't suspect Chinese drywall. Is there another reason for copper to be black like this?
Can't seem to figure out how to put a picture from my phone in. On some of the neutrals it looked almost crusted on.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by gmathias1

Need a quick answer. I don't suspect Chinese drywall. Is there another reason for copper to be black like this?
Can't seem to figure out how to put a picture from my phone in. On some of the neutrals it looked almost crusted on.

Sulfer, chemical compounds and high moisture environments are possibilities.

Check copper pipes and HVAC compnents

[Greg W. Mathias, CCHI]

The copper pipes looked ok. That's why I don't think it would be the drywall.

[Greg W. Mathias, CCHI]

Heres a couple of pictures.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by gmathias1

The copper pipes looked ok. That's why I don't think it would be the drywall.

I have not heard of any bad dry wall in Canada.



Chorine ,cat pee, Horse Pee and or other chemicals could be the reason .

[Greg W. Mathias, CCHI]

Second floor condo. The panel is about eight feet from the laundry. Rh was 35%. I even ran the washer through a full load to re check RH. only went up 3%. I'm stummped.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by gmathias1

Second floor condo. The panel is about eight feet from the laundry. Rh was 35%. I even ran the washer through a full load to re check RH. only went up 3%. I'm stummped.

bet Javex is the cause ( Chorine )
They say do not store laundry supplies near your furnace for that reason

[Greg W. Mathias, CCHI]

Could be

[William Blackmon]

I would suspect the chlorine in the air from the laundry. This is a form of oxidation and I have seen this exact condition on wire terminations many times where chlorine and moisture are both present.

Best to recommend service by a licensed electrical contractor. Normally it is a process of cleaning the strands with a wire brush, applying an anti oxidant compound, and properly torquing the connection.

The source of moisture may be the dryer instead of the washer. I would suspect ventilation/air flow might not be adequate in the area where the panel and laundry is located.

[Marcel Gratton]

I inspected a home a few years back that had the pool equipement along with its chemical (chlorine) stored in basement, basement had a walk-out to the pool, and the electrical panels were located in that same room.

Copper wiring were not discoloured but cabinets were rusted.

[William Blackmon]

Originally Posted by mgratton

I inspected a home a few years back that had the pool equipement along with its chemical (chlorine) stored in basement, basement had a walk-out to the pool, and the electrical panels were located in that same room.

Copper wiring were not discoloured but cabinets were rusted.

I can fully believe that. I think in many instances either the ambient air temperature, or the lack of adequate ventilation, or both, are contributing factors. I would assume in the basement you inspected, the temperature or RH might have been more moderate than in the 2nd floor of the condo, especially with laundry equipment in close proximity.

On a side bar, I have also repaired the same oxidized wire terminations in electrical cabinets that control industrial plastic extrusion processes. RH is typically very high and this is very common in processing systems for PVC products.

I guess there are so many possible variables in the world that it is difficult to speak in terms of absolutes or certainties.

[Greg W. Mathias, CCHI]

I wrote it up as follows:
It appears that the copper wiring in the service panel has oxidized. The exact reason is unknown as there are many variables as to why this can happen. It is recommended that a licensed electrician evaluate and repair as required.

[Joshua L. Frederick]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Sulfer
Check copper pipes and HVAC compnents

I agree, I've seen residual sulfer corrosion/damage/deterioration/staining like this multiple times. Was there any other blackened areas/components like Michael said?