Does the ground wire need a clamp?

[jkogel]

This is a 30 year old house, 125A service in a Westinghouse panel. Is there a problem with the lack of a cable clamp or grommet on the grounding wire?
How about the water supply pipes so close to the panel? Any problems?
BTW, this is not a Code question, a permit was issued in '78.

John Kogel
www.allsafehome.ca

[Paul W. Abernathy]

While I would like it to have a clamp or run through an approved 1/4" hole already established in the panel I would not worry nearly as much on this issue as the other possible issues in the panel.

If I had to do a toss up between the unclamped grounding electrode conductor and the water line running right under the panel and the other issues probably in that panel ( I cant see inside very well )...and the way the SE Conductors enter that box....which seems to have no connector at all...I think the grounding electrode conductor going through that drilled hole would be the least of my concerns.

But then again.....thats just my opinion....is it wrong yep......but their are other things wrong that warranty higher elevation on your report.

[jkogel]

Originally Posted by pabernathy

While I would like it to have a clamp or run through an approved 1/4" hole already established in the panel I would not worry nearly as much on this issue as the other possible issues in the panel.

If I had to do a toss up between the unclamped grounding electrode conductor and the water line running right under the panel and the other issues probably in that panel ( I cant see inside very well )...and the way the SE Conductors enter that box....which seems to have no connector at all...I think the grounding electrode conductor going through that drilled hole would be the least of my concerns.

But then again.....thats just my opinion....is it wrong yep......but their are other things wrong that warranty higher elevation on your report.

Thanks Paul. I thought it was an unusual hole allright. The first pic shows SE conductors entering thru conduit with both a metal nut and a plastic protector, seems OK to me. The double-tap for the doorbell trans is typical for around here in older panels, but not seen on newer installations. I record it as incorrect but typical.
Water pipe is definitely a question. But that's plumbing, isn't it??

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by jkogel

Thanks Paul. I thought it was an unusual hole allright. The first pic shows SE conductors entering thru conduit with both a metal nut and a plastic protector, seems OK to me. The double-tap for the doorbell trans is typical for around here in older panels, but not seen on newer installations. I record it as incorrect but typical.
Water pipe is definitely a question. But that's plumbing, isn't it??

The water pipe proximity to the electrical panel is not really a big deal. I usually recommend a protective cover (over the water supply pipes) in this particular situation, but there is no plumbing or electrical code that prohibits this type of installation.

As for the ground cable penetrating a drilled hole...it's not proper but it does touch the panel upon entry which makes it a better bond. Not a big deal. As for the double tapped transformer, I'd be calling them out in every last home, even new construction. I let them go on a daily basis.

[Jim Port]

Originally Posted by dvalley

The water pipe proximity to the electrical panel is not really a big deal. I usually recommend a protective cover (over the water supply pipes) in this particular situation, but there is no plumbing or electrical code that prohibits this type of installation.

The electrical code is pretty clear on this. No foreign systems are supposed to be in the working space of a panel. Fire suppression sprinklers are the one exception that I can think of.

[jkogel]

Originally Posted by Jim Port

The electrical code is pretty clear on this. No foreign systems are supposed to be in the working space of a panel. Fire suppression sprinklers are the one exception that I can think of.

Thanks Jim. By foreign systems, you mean like in the army barracks in Bagdad? Yeah, I'd call it out there.

[Sean Corcoran]

Are any of the wires tacked down near the panel.... looks like they just head loosly up?

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by scorcoran

Are any of the wires tacked down near the panel.... looks like they just head loosly up?

Yea, they should be secured to within 12 inches of the panel.