Splice a Neutral/FPE

[jmellc]

Looked over a job for a house flipping customer. 200 amp FPE panel, piece of junk. Customer does not want to replace it, not an option. Has bare neutral coming down from top and blocking 2 top left spaces which will be needed for HVAC eqpmt. I seriously doubt being able to pull 6 inches of slack from the conduit. I have a message out to Inspections to see if they will go along with a splice on it; 6 inches of wire spliced on with a quality butt splice block, allowing a better offset at the top.

I have often seen this poor workmanship with FPE panels. I wonder if it's because they were bought for price only. In my area, most brands have long been available. I know in some places, it was the only choice.

Customer wants some lights added where they have to be AFCI. Doesn't want a subpanel. I found I can get AFCI receps from a local dealer, 6 week order time. He won't like that either.

I am close to joining the crowd who will not work on FPE panels. I told him when he looks at future houses, he should consider FPE panels a price dropper & plan on replacing them.

 

[iwire]

The NEC allows splicing service conductors.

 

[jmellc]

Thanks, I thought so. I was too beat to look it up last night. I don't like doing it so haven't kept the code details of it in mind.

 

[masterinbama]

Explain it to the flipper this way.


Time and material to splice the neutral $195


Time and material to install AFCI breaker $100 + breaker cost


Time and material to install 2 pole HVAC breaker $250


Time and material to install new 200 amp panel including the above minus the added value to the property (any HI worth his salt will raise issues about the FPE panel) $400.

 

[jmellc]

I found out 1 house here sells AFCI receptacles, with a 6 week order time. I told customer & he decided to do away with the new stuff but then had to get someone else as I could not get to it right away.

I am about to join the ranks of those who will not work on FPE panels. There are a few guys here like that. They are just too much trouble. I can get some standard breakers for them, but at great cost. Having to hard pipe a receptacle is a lot of trouble too in most cases.

Brings back the issue to me that we can still back stab but have to do AFCI. What a crock.

 

[kwired]

I found out 1 house here sells AFCI receptacles, with a 6 week order time. I told customer & he decided to do away with the new stuff but then had to get someone else as I could not get to it right away.

I am about to join the ranks of those who will not work on FPE panels. There are a few guys here like that. They are just too much trouble. I can get some standard breakers for them, but at great cost. Having to hard pipe a receptacle is a lot of trouble too in most cases.

Brings back the issue to me that we can still back stab but have to do AFCI. What a crock.

Instead of refusing to work with FPE panels, I suggest you consider refusing to work with house flippers instead. Their only agenda is as low cost as possible, and who cares what we cover up, just make it presentable to a buyer.

 

[Gregg Harris]

Instead of refusing to work with FPE panels, I suggest you consider refusing to work with house flippers instead. Their only agenda is as low cost as possible, and who cares what we cover up, just make it presentable to a buyer.

I would recommend that also. Worst than politicians.

 

[electricguy61]

Worst than politicians.

That's harsh (on the flippers)