Bonding Screw

[jtedesco1]

Try using a magnet to see if it is nonferrous or ferrous.

If it is nonferrous that may help us answer this question.

PS: I will be in RI on Wednesday and Thursday of this week

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

The requirement for the a green MBJ screw goes back to the early 90"s when an Inspector from Portland, OR sent in a proposal, because the existing panelboard neutral bars then had a screw but it was silver like the others, so with that we got the GREEN screws, the sheet metal screw business started during a change made in a later code because the proposal indicated that it was unreliable.

I believe that Home Inspector's should rely on the comments made by those here with many years of experience and listen to them.

THE SHEET METAL SCREW IS A VIOLATION!

Joe, of all people, I am not disagreeing that it is Code, I am agreeing that it might not make any commen sense.

A green screw verses a tapping screw, why would it not work?

OK, it is not part of the tested system. I will go along with that because drywall works the same way.

OK you win. ha. ha.

Thanks Joe.

I new the answer before the comments, but just trying to get common sense in the equation. ha. ha.

Marcel

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by mcyr

Joe, of all people, I am not disagreeing that it is Code, I am agreeing that it might not make any commen sense.

A green screw verses a tapping screw, why would it not work?

OK, it is not part of the tested system. I will go along with that because drywall works the same way.

OK you win. ha. ha.

Thanks Joe.

I new the answer before the comments, but just trying to get common sense in the equation. ha. ha.

Marcel

Marcel,

You and I are both in the same boat here.

[Michael Larson]

I don't think it rises to the level of a material defect but that does't make it OK.

Call it out and let the client decide how important it is to him/her.

I report they decide.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Originally Posted by mlarson

I don't think it rises to the level of a material defect but that does't make it OK.

Call it out and let the client decide how important it is to him/her.

I report they decide.

Michael;

I agree it is not a material defect and dose not make it OK.
I would make note of it too.

Leaving it up to the client would not be there desicion to make as common laymen. They need to be educated first to make that decision in my opinion.

Personally, I don't think I would even bring it up.

Too miniscul of a variance to the Code in my opinion. As long as the darn thing is grounded and provides the safety of the occupants, why make a big fuss about it, we are not Code Enforcement Officers anyways.

Marcel

[Michael Larson]

Marcel, How do you "make note of it" and "not bring it up"?

I educate the client if he is with me.

Otherwise I encourage him to call me with any questions he may have.

I would note it in my report but I agree it's not a big deal for me.

Now my client may feel otherwise. Totally depends on the client.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Mike, when you make note of something, usually it is explained in detail as to what it is noted for. Whether or not it is worth to bring it up verbally to the client is the Inspectors call.

Of course if you use a checklist report, it would be a different story.

Marcel

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by mcyr

Mike, when you make note of something, usually it is explained in detail as to what it is noted for. Whether or not it is worth to bring it up verbally to the client is the Inspectors call.

Of course if you use a checklist report, it would be a different story.

Marcel

Just trying to clarify "bring it up"
Thanks for the explanation.

I use a narrative report with photos.
I recently changed to HiPro and like it a lot.
It just gets better and better and better with all of Dominic's hard work.
He is extremely responsive and is very quick to answer questions.
end commercial.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Just trying to clarify "bring it up"
Thanks for the explanation.

I use a narrative report with photos.
I recently changed to HiPro and like it a lot.
It just gets better and better and better with all of Dominic's hard work.
He is extremely responsive and is very quick to answer questions.
end commercial.

Keep him in mind for this years Innovation and Inventions Award Nominations.

No Nominations yet for this one.

Marcel

[jtedesco1]

Originally Posted by kmalone

Should I report an incorrect bonding screw? I found a new upgraded panel with what looks like a sheet metal screw used as the bonding screw. The green bonding screw with tag was laying in the bottom of the panel. Ken

YES! Report it and show them the tag! The MBJ is a vital link in the grounding and bonding system, no time to waste, call it a DEFECT.

PS: Can you post a picture of the tag and screw?

[Greg Fretwell]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

YES! Report it and show them the tag! The MBJ is a vital link in the grounding and bonding system, no time to waste, call it a DEFECT.

PS: Can you post a picture of the tag and screw?

The operative question is, do you think a sheet metal screw can clear a 10,000 amp fault? (or whatever the utility computed your AIC at). That is what you have if a service conductor faulted to the can

I don't even like the 10-32 screw in a factory swaged threaded hole but that is "minimum" code. Bear in mind, this has to be a 4ga copper if the screw isn't used on a typical 200a service (2/0 cu or 4/0 al).
You certainly want to be sure there are no neutrals connected to supplimental bus bars, illegal anyway but a real issue here..