zl700. Our codes demand if you use a 14-2 or any black and white colors for 220 volts, which is common, the white wire MUST be taped black. blue for 440. Red for 660. I have found many 220 volt black and white wires. Just about got killed on a few and blew up a few volt meters. I found 660 volts on a roof top vent fan that was black and white. after i removed what was left of my volt meter and threw it off the roof i bought a new watch. The one i was wearing was kind of black and had skin stuck to it. We did find the contractor that did the install. They are now out of buisness and the electrician was facing criminal charges and code violations.

You can certainly remove the extra fuse box. If the drier is connected via a plug, you don't need another disconnect right there. The sad issue is that doing this may not solve your problem. Fuses are pretty reliable. If you get rid of them, chances are you're just going to trip the breaker instead.

I'll answer your questions in a moment. First I have to warn you that those 30 amp plug fuses "protecting" what appears to be AWG 14 wire are a VERY serious hazard. You're risking fire. I'm also worried about those extra wires connected to the RANGE fuses' terminals. They look like they might be AWG 10, which is good for 30 amps. I'll wager that the range fuses are 40 or 50 amp. Let me guess, those go to an electric water heater? Your installation is severely inadequate for modern needs. This is a DANGEROUS situation. You should have it upgraded as soon as you can possibly afford to do so. Take out a loan if necessary. This is urgent. TODAY, replace those 30 amp fuses with ones appropriate for the wiring connected to them. If in doubt, put in 15 amp fuses. If the smaller fuses blow, remove loads until they don't. Now for your questions. The aluminum wire that caused problems was AWG 12 and AWG 10 solid. Large gauge stranded wire is not a hazard as long as anti-oxidant compound was used when it was installed. What you have may not be aluminum, however. The bare neutral that looks like AL might be tinned copper. The hot wires look to me like oxidized copper. I'd have to see it in person to be sure. The slight projection of the MAIN fuseholder might be caused by dirt or debris behind it. Those holders have blades the push into slots. A little less than full engagement probably won't hurt.

theres a possiblity some corcuits could mistakenly be on a house panel somewhere in the building. ive seen that many times when doing work on some appartments. you sure you just didnt miss something in your panel? did you test the main breaker to see if you still have power at these circuits you couldnt find? your panel would be somewhere thats not impossble to find. You can try to look for where the service enters the building, find your meter and try to follow the SER wire.