Electrical Panel Inspection Safety Tips For Every Electrician

Only Licensed Electricians Should Inspect Electrical Panels

Electrical panel inspection is dangerous and should only be done by professionals. No matter how much electrical knowledge you may have, safety is always paramount.

Note: Only work on electrical wiring or switches if you are properly trained and equipped. Electrocution can occur when handling electrical components within a building. This could result in serious burns or even death. Circuit breakers and fuse boxes can be accessed by owners, who should also visually inspect their electrical equipment to look for any signs of malfunction. They should not, however, remove the cover of an electrical panel.

Checklist for Electricians before Inspection

• Know your escape route: Know how you will turn or step away from the equipment in case of an emergency.
• Use electrical safety equipment: Special safety gear is required for working with electrical panels. Wear eye protection, protective clothing and grounding straps.
• Conduct an initial hazard evaluation: It’s a great idea to perform a risk assessment before performing any electrical explosions, arcing, or fires.

Protect the Owner when Inspecting

• Explain the hazards clearly.
• Do not allow the owner to help you remove or install the PERL Electrical panel cover. At all times, only the electrician should touch electrical components. Keep the owner at a safe range.
• Keep your blocking position so that you are between the owner and panel.
• Before destroying power, alert the owner.
• Report any defects found during an inspection.

Beware of Dangerous Conditions

• Gaps in the grounding system or an absence of it: The system grounding provides a path for electricity to flow into the earth should a problem such as a short-circuit occur. This allows current to flow, which helps the circuit breaker trip and prevents fire and shock. A person can become the ground if there is no ground path. This could result in electrocution.
• Areas that are wet: Avoid touching electrical equipment when you are standing on a surface that is wet. Also, be aware of any condensation.
• Corrosion or rust: Look for any rust on the panel. Also, circuit breakers which may not trip when there is an overcurrent due to corrosion inside. Replace breakers if they exhibit these characteristics. A badly corroded electrical panel will need to be replaced.
• Signs of overheating
• Look for signs of improper bonding.
• Do Not continue to touch or inspect any panel if you feel a charge or tingle.

Other Red Flags

• Crackling or popping sounds
• Poor panel access
• Obsolete Components
• A panel that is loose, undersized, or upside down
• Unsuitable support material
• Unprotected panel openings
• Circuits without labels
• Circuit Breakers are not properly sized
• Aluminum branch wiring
• Sharp-tipped screws in panel boxes or damaged wires. (Panel cover screws must have blunt ends to avoid piercing the wires within the box.
• Pest damage