Just noticed this when getting a new AC installed yesterday. Not sure if it’s a bird or squirrel nest, or even active. It’s super high up that I don’t have a ladder to reach, also I am not super cool with being that close to electrical wiring but I feel like it’s a hazard that needs to be removed. Anyone else experience this and what you suggest my approach should be or what service might need to be hired?
You’re not entirely wrong, but the ground in the panel is better for lightning strikes, and surprisingly bad at sinking actual current meant for the neutral return to the transformer.
That’s part of what makes a loose neutral such a fire hazard.
Yes, it’s likely safe, and I’d probably put my hand on it without much thought, same with working in a hot panel, the neutral/ground bus is probably fine.
But this is the Internet, if you start making blanket statements about things being safe, you’re gonna have a bad time. And some person who doesn’t know any better, might have a worse time.
Better to at least acknowledge that there are still dangers, however small.