Condensation in electric panel?

[butchik]

I noticed that there was condensation in the electric panel in the basement of the house we had inspected. Condensation was not on the side attached directly to the wall but it was the side away from it. How serious is this problem? What's causing this? The basement floor seemed to be dry but inspector indicated humidity was kinda' high and it was cold inside the house (you can really tell the AC was working)...Thanks again...

[HayZee518]

Condensation occurs where there is a drastic change in surface temperatures. High humidity and cool surface temperatures will cause moisture to manifest itself. If the panel just has a mist on it I wouldn't worry about it but if there are droplets I would apply some form of heat, baseboard heaters or a fan forced unit just to drive off the moisture to the room. Sometimes water gets into the service main line and through cappillary action wicks it way down the lead into the panel and actually drips inside the panel. Try to re-position the service head so - say a driving rain - doesn't force water inside the head. You could use duct seal to seal openings around the service head to keep out moisture. Be careful you don't contact the wires. There may be bare spots on it. Don't go mopping up inside the panel you could kill yourself. Let nature take its course and eventually it will dry up. If the wires going to the main breaker are severely corroded you might have to get the power company to temporarily disconnect your service and you'll have to clean up the connections. Hire a contractor if you have any doubts. Make sure he uses ALUMIN-OX on the terminations to lessen aluminum oxidation and torques the connections to manufacturer's specs. Assuming "its ok" or "its tight enough" is not the correct way.

[imeduc]

Could any of the AC registers have been blowing on the front of the panel there ???? This could do it

ED

My mistakes dont define me they inform me.

[a46geo]

Are you sure it was condensation?

The service entry wire could be providing a path for water to enter from outside the house.

[mrcaptainbob]

I'll go with that path idea! I was surprised to see water POURING!!! from the panel during a heavy rain from the north. The wall all around was totally dry! Took the cover plate off and found a layer of water in there that would pour only when it reached the bottom part of the lowest opening!

[HayZee518]

Sure Bob - it's a common thing. Get a driving rain and for some odd reason water gets into the weatherhead and wicks down the cable right into your panel. I've tried all sorts of fixes. I've taped the wires before the weather head, even stuffed duct seal in between the wires. still gets in there!