Damaged Electrical Box

6/28/2013 at 4:15:45 PM

I don't want to alarm you, but please call in a licenced electrician to have a look at the electrical box (I assume you mean electrical panel). This could possible be cause for concern, as rust in and on wires and their connections will cause arcing and a fire.

Tony Vetere

6/28/2013 at 9:35:12 PM

Certainly do not try and repair this yourself, driving screws into and around an electrical panel is only asking for problems. People seem to neglect the hazards associated with electricity and with it being one of the most dangerous of any household components, it should be "bandaged".

The idea of the steel box is to contain any arcing or fire from escaping and buring surrounding materials. Also to prevent people from getting electrocuted.

Dont play with it, get it repaired right and sleep well at night knowing your electrical system is sound and wont start a fire in the middle of the night or during the day when no one is home, or worse, with people home.

Google "arc flash" or "human electrocution" and you certainly will understand the huge hazards. One shock can stop a human heart.

Get it repaired asap.

6/28/2013 at 10:53:15 PM

Thank you for the advise. I have an electrician coming tomorrow to replace the box.

6/28/2013 at 10:59:27 PM

Be sure he provides you with an ESA licensed contractors number and permit notification. All electrical work like this must be done with a permit by a licensed contractor.

There are too many unlicensed people doing shotty work and without licenses and permits, that cause more trouble than good.

Ask for his ESA number and get an ESA inspection for your own safety.

7/2/2013 at 12:21:26 PM

Good advice as usual Robert. I was not sure if it was surface rust or rusted right through... hard to tell from the post. If it was surface rust I would have just cleaned it up and painted to prevent further damage.

Rusted right through, then a replacement is the only option.

Cheers

John

John Kuehnl-Cadwell

Master Electrician

Datawise Solutions Inc

7/2/2013 at 4:03:31 PM

You're right John, rusted out, rusted in, or rusted through... 3 possibilities, 2 solutions... ;)