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is this to code?

PCustoms

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Hard to say but looks like copper to me.

Screenshot_20240802_060257_Chrome.jpg
Yeah, sort of does.

I got nothing.


If an electrician thought the install in the OP was correct the whole panel probably needs to be required by someone competent
 
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alfredeneuman

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I thought the whole thread was about the OP's panel.
It's obviously not. That old photo has been posted on about every BB ever concerned with electrical. It was originally posted in the "Violation Photos"
section on ECM magazine by Joe Tedesco.
 

PCustoms

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Yes. That's where it made the whole thread go off topic. Congratulations
Thanks, I appreciate it.


This is a simple issue, that installation is not correct. The mfg instructions don't supercede NEC or the listing for related components. The line side lugs on a panel are NOT rated to have 2 wires, especially of varying sizes. Regardless if an SPD can be hardwired ahead of the mains, that isn't the way to do it.

Put it to a breaker in slot 1.

Not sure why any additional discussions were needed.
 
OP
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paulmars

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Sq D says my spd dont need a breaker. They do say that a breaker would make it easier to replace. So, I think I might leave it until it reaches eol, then replace with a breaker spd. Any thoughts about safety and leaving the wired doubled in lugs? I know it is against codes, Im thinking because both wires might not make good electrical connection, but mine look ok.
 

mike93lx

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It's your house, but this is an absolutely dumb idea.
I agree. I want to have everything in the panel cold when I flip that main, besides the feeder.

Saving a couple breaker spaces is not worth any potential benefit of having the SPD on the main, IMO
 

PCustoms

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Unless you provide reasons...

Those lugs are NOT rated for two wires, which means they are not capable of clamping correctly. Over time, that connection will expand/contract as the load generates heat. As the connection loosens, the heat generated gets worse and worse. Best case you just get an intermittent connection, worst case it overheats and burns your house down.

Edit: I stole this image from the Internet, it is not of the OP panel, but an example of an overheating terminal

1722621488061.png

It needs to be disconnected.

There's ways to do it, but based on your posts here I wouldn't advise you tackle this yourself, unless there is a disconnect upstream of this panel.
 
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Cruzan80

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Sq D says my spd dont need a breaker. They do say that a breaker would make it easier to replace.
While Sq D may say you don't need a breaker, I don't think they said what is pictured is OK.

Any thoughts about safety and leaving the wired doubled in lugs? I know it is against codes
It is not safe, as others have stated. I would replace it with a breaker.

What is your stated reason for leaving it as is, when you are being told it is not installed as intended?
 
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paulmars

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Best brand spd breaker to use?

Nec says type 1 or type 2. I think type 1 protects better against lightning. Yes? Why dont nec care? They do require type 1 for line side, but either for load side.
 

mike93lx

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Best brand spd breaker to use?

Nec says type 1 or type 2. I think type 1 protects better against lightning. Yes? Why dont nec care? They do require type 1 for line side, but either for load side.
Breaker? The one rated for your panel.

SPD device? No idea if there is much of a difference between brands.

I went with the homeline ones built into a two slot "breaker" in my mains, and a similar Siemens for a sub.
 

N_Jay

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If the SPD fails in an unpredictable manner (Shorts) those wires will become the fuse.
 
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paulmars

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Ive never worked with hot unfused wires\curcuits. Ive added breakers, circuits, gfi outdoor, etc. all with mains off.

Im considering standing on wood and clipping the spd wires right at the lugs using 6DIAGVDE
 

mike93lx

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Ive never worked with hot unfused wires\curcuits. Ive added breakers, circuits, gfi outdoor, etc. all with mains off.

Im considering standing on wood and clipping the spd wires right at the lugs using 6DIAGVDE
What you are standing on matters a lot less than what else you are touching while cutting that.
 
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paulmars

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What you are standing on matters a lot less than what else you are touching while cutting that.
I will be touching three things. The wood. The tool. My other hand will hold the other end of cut insulated wire so it dont fall and touch anything.
 
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paulmars

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Ill tape that wire inplace before cut so i dont need to be touching\holding it while it is cut from live lug.

Actually, I think that is over kill. That spd is conducting no current and is insulated, but still a path from hand to hand goes thru my heart & that not good.
 
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