Panel Cover Screws

[Mathew Hawley]

I inspected a new home today and the panel cover was secured with “self tapping” screws, the kind you would use to drill through metal. These screws are not pointed like wood screws; however they are not blunt end screws either. They could definitely damage the wire insulation if they came in contact.

I can not find under the electrical section of the IRC where it says blunt end screw are required. Can anyone provide me with that info? Thank you in advance.

[Brian E. Kelly]

http://www.nachi.org/forum/f19/wrong-screws-panel-front-15427/

You really do not need a code section to call this out.

[Mathew Hawley]

Brian,

I agree with you that this is a no brainer, however is there anything in the code. I just want a reference for the builder.

[Bruce M. Graham]

It would be more of a listing issue I would think.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Nec 110.3(b)

[Mathew Hawley]

Thank you Marc

[Scott Schultz]

Matthew,

If the builder has the nerve to ask you about the specific code that prohibits using pointed sheet metal screws in an electrical box, tell them it's under the code of common sense and tell them to look it up.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by Scott Schultz

Matthew,

If the builder has the nerve to ask you about the specific code that prohibits using pointed sheet metal screws in an electrical box, tell them it's under the code of common sense and tell them to look it up.

You've got that right!

Nearly everything that you'd think is "common sense" is part of a code text someplace. I just wish people would just think a bit, first.

Cutler-Hamer panel cover screws do look a lot like self-tappers, so I might ask if that's what we're dealing with?

I might take a photo of "factory" screws for most of the major brands, if anyone thinks that would be helpful? It would take some effort, so somebody let me know if that's somethig that would be interesting to have documented.

[Mike Whitt]

This thread has brought up a question I have wondered about for a long time.
How many states will allow a Home Inspector to quote a code section? I know that in NC this is not allowed.

[Bruce M. Graham]

I think Kentucky prohibits it also.

[Greg Fretwell]

Also be aware there are two different thread pitches for these "fat head" screws. If you mix them up the panel threads will be trashed and it won't hold either of them after that. One type is the single spiral fine thead, the other is a double helix "fast" thread that goes in twice as fast.
If you can't run it in with your fingers ... stop. There is a chance you have the wrong screw. Hacks who are not coming back just run them down. It works a couple times then they are totally stripped.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by Mike Whitt

This thread has brought up a question I have wondered about for a long time.
How many states will allow a Home Inspector to quote a code section? I know that in NC this is not allowed.

I think it's generally prohibited, but lots of these guys just want to know for their own personal information. People like to "expand their horizons" with a little personal reading. I seriously doubt that any actual code sections are getting cited in any written customer reports. It seems to me that the information exchanged on this site has little or nothing to do with the content of the resultant report, and more to do with the general education of the inspector who was asking. To that end, I'm happy to respond with as much detail and accuracy as I know how to.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

I think it's generally prohibited, but lots of these guys just want to know for their own personal information. People like to "expand their horizons" with a little personal reading. I seriously doubt that any actual code sections are getting cited in any written customer reports. It seems to me that the information exchanged on this site has little or nothing to do with the content of the resultant report, and more to do with the general education of the inspector who was asking. To that end, I'm happy to respond with as much detail and accuracy as I know how to.

I'm sure many agree with me, when I say THANK YOU for all the information you provide to us !!!

(And yes, your idea of pictures is a great one. Another tool !!! )

[Mike Whitt]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

I think it's generally prohibited, but lots of these guys just want to know for their own personal information. People like to "expand their horizons" with a little personal reading. I seriously doubt that any actual code sections are getting cited in any written customer reports. It seems to me that the information exchanged on this site has little or nothing to do with the content of the resultant report, and more to do with the general education of the inspector who was asking. To that end, I'm happy to respond with as much detail and accuracy as I know how to.

Thanks for the explanation.
I agree that knowing the article and section helps with any type of work that is being done as it also helps with the overall knowledge

Again thanks for the explanation.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by Mike Whitt

This thread has brought up a question I have wondered about for a long time.
How many states will allow a Home Inspector to quote a code section? I know that in NC this is not allowed.

Mike, not that I do it, but please let me know where NC prohibits referece to codes. Thanks.