TOPIC: Sub Panel Question

Found this sub panel in a garage today.  Main breaker 200A, aluminum SE wiring (unsure of size)...but it appears that they are double lugged and the neutral is simply an unbraided then rebraided wire.  Also; the SE wires for the house panel are copper...I'm confused on this one.  Help?

Casey,
I only had time for a quick look (HVAC guy here working on my furnace), but I see enough problems in that panel to just defer it to a Sparky.
Have a picture of the house panel?
I'll add more later, if needed.
Jeff

Jeff,
How would you word that?  I guess I like trying to at least be helpful, but if it's just simply "refer to licensed electrical contractor", I'd feel good about that.
Here's the house panel. 3 double tapped breakers, a loose, unknown wire, poorly relabeled black wire as a neutral, face plate door broken, poor labeling of breakers...it's just as bad.

I would keep it simple and non-specific, something on the lines of "Multiple safety issues observed within and around both Main and Sub Distribution panels. Recommend a Licensed Electrician make necessary repairs, prior to the close of escrow".

The sub main is not code worthy. it is recommended that Sub main should not be used until code correction are made by a licensed Electrian!

The sub main is not code worthy. it is recommended that Sub main should not be used until code correction are made by a licensed Electrian!

The laws in North Carolina regading home inspecting state we are inspecting to Safety and Habitability.  We are not code enforcement inspectors.  They just passed a new law in North Carolina that if a home inspector puts in the report an item does not meet code, the specific code reference must be typed into the report as well as determine what version of code was in effect at the time the house was built.  The above statement would not fly around here.  Certainly HIs should be familar with code and use it as a basis to determine what is "Safe and Habitable". 

As an aside, "subpanel" is a slang term and is not defined in the NEC. There are only Service Panels and Distribution Panels.  What do you call a panel called that is third in line?  Is it a sub-subpanel?  NEC refers to all panels other than the Service panel as Distribution panels.  The difference is in the bonding of the neutral and ground busses, not in the location.

There are numerous issues with both panels.  Open knockouts, white wires to breakers, lack of retaining rings, double taps, etc. 

The electrical service and distribution panels contain numerous electrical hazards including but not limited to multiple wires into a single connection point, improper openings, improper wire labeling, improperly secured wiring, and unconventional wiring techinques.  Have the entire electrical system further investigated and repaired or replaced by a licensed eletrical contractor.