My father in law came over today to add a new circuit/breaker in my box and when we removed the front panel to the breaker box we notice water between each of the breakers/switches and a drop or two on the bottom of the breaker box. There is no leaks of any kind above or anywhere around the box and the first coulple breakers were dry, so I'm 99.9% there is no "leak" anywhere. All the wires were dry and show no evidence of being wet (no drip marks, no stains, etc..) The basement is NOT heated and it has been raining the past new days, so it is a tad humid.
Can this really be condensation? how unsafe is it? Is there anything that can be done to discourage condensation from forming in the box?
2007-05-05 16:32:42 · 6 answers · asked by rhazzed 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
So, is there anything I can do to prevent this? are there any type of fans that can be installed to not let all the heat build up?
2007-05-05 18:15:07 · update #1
OK I'm a 10 year journeyman electrician. I have seen condensation build up in between breakers from the heat generated by the current flowing through the breaker it self. If it is only a few drops I would not worry about it. I hope that will help you sleep tonight. One more thing this is a LOT more common with outdoor panels.
2007-05-05 16:54:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The wall to which the electrical panel is attached is probably colder than the air in your basement, and the warm moist air in your basement hits the cold dry air inside your electrical panel, and its causing condensation to form on your panel cover.
A small dehumidifier in the room where your electrical panel is will usually solve this.
2007-05-05 18:39:08 · answer #2 · answered by johntindale 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the conduit that Leeds from outside needs to be sealed . there maybe a lb on the outside under the meter socket , small oval box with 2 screws , you can use spray foam , or conduit seal .
if no pipe seal from inside.
the buss bar inside may oxidize if its aluminum and eventually make a poor connection . I always use a panel with copper buss bar.
2007-05-06 02:25:25 · answer #3 · answered by vincent s 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure make sure that the box is sealed tight and you shouldn't have no problem
2007-05-05 16:38:15 · answer #4 · answered by thomasl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
....and, have an ELECTRICIAN seal the conduit that feeds into the box....
2007-05-05 18:43:52 · answer #5 · answered by Number6 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jason's right.
2007-05-05 17:17:48 · answer #6 · answered by tartu2222 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋