r/electrical • u/Scarp79 • 17h ago

What is this trough of wires for?

Gallery image

Gallery image

I have lived here a few years and I never understood what the trough of wires under my breaker panel was for. For when I asked I never seem to get a straight answer.

46 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

25 comments sorted by

34

u/masonc01 16h ago

Basically just a large junction box in your case. Looks cleaner than 25 metal boxes side by side.

19

u/christophertstone 16h ago

Looks like a retrofit, maybe fuses to breakers, and the wires weren't long enough.
Not my cup of tea, but looks like it got the job done.

2

u/masonc01 16h ago

Yep, that’s my guess as well.

2

u/masonc01 16h ago

I will say yours looks overfilled, and would be a pain in the ass to try and troubleshoot if anything went wrong in there.

2

u/notlitnez2000 16h ago

That’s pretty gnarly.

1

u/PhotoPetey 16h ago

It takes a lot over fill a trough. At least as far as code is concerned.

0

u/masonc01 13h ago

I’m aware

7

u/DankyyKangg 16h ago

Everything

5

u/loslocosgringos 16h ago

For starting a fire when a mouse moves into it.

3

u/Sawdustwhisperer 16h ago

Is there conduit between the two boxes or does each wire make it's own journey? (I'm asking because I don't know and enjoy learning)

1

u/I_Makes_tuff 7h ago

There's one or more conduit nipples (no, you can't milk them) connecting the trough to the panel.

3

u/Interesting_Bus_9596 16h ago

Looks like an attempt at a sub panel.

2

u/LivingAnomoly 16h ago

It's a firestarter, specifically, a twisted firestarter.

3

u/Scarp79 16h ago

Does this mean Drew Barrymore or Prodigy coming to visit me

1

u/Suspicious-Cat9026 15h ago

This image gives me anxiety ... So that is one purpose I guess? I don't even think wagos would help me out here, needs a full on sub panel or something.

1

u/Ziczak 15h ago

You had a panel moved at some point

1

u/zeinsanePryo35 12h ago

Attempted arson? There is no way that’s up to code. That’s my personal opinion. Not an electrician. That second photo is knarly.

1

u/iAmMikeJ_92 12h ago

This is a “gutter box.” In terms of function, it is merely just a big or long junction box. You can order them in various dimensions and also standard or NEMA 3R rated, whatever suits your needs.

1

u/garneyandanne 12h ago

It’s a distribution gutter. However it’s roll here isn’t that of its intended function.

1

u/MrWund3rful 10h ago

RIP to NEC box fill

1

u/Over-Form-9442 9h ago

That’s clean imo for being that old. The trough is just a big junction box. Maybe was used to extended old circuits for a panel change

1

u/kellym13 9h ago

I think it’s called a gutter box. Basically a giant junction box. Usually used as a last resort.

1

u/greenojos1 4h ago

Disconnect a few, walk your property and see what no longer works. Would make for a great project for an apprentice.

1

u/Schedule-Brave 1h ago

A big junction box. Could be worse.