Field observations of residential service panel connections and components

As part of home inspection procedures, 1052 residential electric services were examined in southern New York between 1987 and 1991. A study of the field observations revealed frequent occurrences of corroded, burned, and damaged connections and corroded and malfunctioning circuit breakers. Causative factors noted in the service environment include presence of moisture and poor installation practices. Suggested improvements, including the need for greater resistance to corrosion and other field and environmental conditions, are discussed.<
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