How much is too much rust?

[Jeff Beck]

Yesterday's inspection. 100 amp panel, I couldn't find any evidence of moisture penetration around the panel or in the basement.

Would you report on this amount of rust ?

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[Marc]

I might mention it, nothing more.

Marc

[Bill Kibbel]

Was it mounted directly to a foundation wall - below grade?

[Jeff Beck]

Yes Bill, it was mounted directly to a poured concrete foundation wall, below grade.

Are you thinking condensation?

[Bill Kibbel]

I seem to remember a 1/4" air space is required to prevent moisture/condensation/rust. All but just a few here have plywood between the enclosure and the wall instead.

[Mike Lamb]

That doesn't look like an old panel so this rust thing is likely to get worse and worse.

What Bill said. An air space is needed.

NEC 312.2(A)

[Ben H]

That doesn't look like an old panel so this rust thing is likely to get worse and worse.

What Bill said. An air space is needed.

NEC 312.2(A)

Even if you space it now, would it be too late? The rust is gonna keep going right?

[Marc]

Right. It won't stop once it begins, because the paint seal is now broken.

Marc

[Jim Port]

I seem to remember a 1/4" air space is required to prevent moisture/condensation/rust. All but just a few here have plywood between the enclosure and the wall instead.

There are normally dimples built into the panel to provide the air gap.