What a Knockout!

Have you ever been knocked out? I don't mean literally like from a left hook, but knocked out by someone of the opposite sex who you thought was a real looker. A person you can not take your eyes away from. Everyone has experienced the sweaty palms, the racing heart and the shortness of breath that can cause. Getting a good jolt of electricity can have the same effect, but it's a lot less fun I guarantee.

One of the most important things about electrical components is safety. Wiring, panels, outlets and switches are designed and made to protect us from getting a jolt. Like I said a shock will make you at the very least feel funny and not in a good way. At worst it can kill you.

What I find most often when it comes to unsafe electrical components is someone wasn't careful or simply didn't have the expertise to do the work correctly. Not having knowledge is a dangerous thing when it comes to electricity. Yet carelessness is equally as bad.

For example this electric panel is missing a knockout. As the name implies the metal strip can be "knocked out" to open the space to accommodate another circuit breaker. Thing is when its gone it's gone for good. You can't put it back.

Leaving a knockout space open creates a serious safety concern. You can see in the photo there is a copper strip inside the panel. That strip is carrying the full amount of electricity for the home. Someone could easily fit their finger through that opening and touch that strip. If they did that, ZAP!

Fortunately there are plastic covers that are made for covering those open knockouts. It is simple solution to a careless and dangerous situation.

Careless and dangerous sounds like it might be fun with that heart stopper you saw, but just be sure to keep your fingers away from openings in electric panels.

James Quarello
NRSB #8SS0022
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC

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