Home > Blogs > Mike (Inspector Mike) Parks > Inspector Mike's Blog

Electrical Safety - Removing panel covers

By Mike (Inspector Mike) Parks

Home Inspector with Inspector Mike #2116

September 15, 2009 05:30 AM

I am often asked why I am so concerned about individuals removing the cover from an energized electrical panel.

I have seen what an arc flash can do. I also know that most people think that it will never happen to them.

This includes Electrical Inspector, Electricians, Home Inspectors and homeowners.

Take the time to watch a video from Square D. http://www.schneider-electric.us/products-services/services/square-d-services/solving-the-puzzle-of-electrical-safety-compliance/

I hope that this will safe someones life someday. If you like this please pass it on.

Comments(4)

Comment

Show All Comments

Sort:

Joe Pruett

Investment Real Estate, LLC - Pembroke Pines, FL

A point to be considered by your post is how qualified any given home inspector might be to take a look at a panel and wiring. It is something I have to admit I have never questioned my inspectors about. But as a former commercial Property Manager, I had the experience of being in the narrow electrical panel access room of my building one time when a licensed electrician shorted a circuit... it was like a shotgun blast at short range and something I think about whenever around electrical equipment. If a licensed electrician can make this kind of mistake, certainly so can an unlicensed inspector.

Sep 15, 2009 06:47 AM

Mike (Inspector Mike) Parks

Inspector Mike - Circleville, OH

Inspector Mike

Joe

Now imagine that one of your clients is standing near a panel when something like that happens.

Did I recommend someone who is not qualified to either remove or inspect that panel?

Does he have the insurance to cover a multi-million dollar claim?

If he is hurt does he have workers compensation to cover his injuries?

What if the house catches fire?

What is my liability?

What is my client's (the homeowner) liabilty for letting someone 'work' on their electric?

These are questions for your attorney. Not for me to answer.

Sep 15, 2009 11:52 AM

From Square D "Arc flash incidents typically occur in applications above 120V and can occur when electrical equipment is being serviced or inspected."

From: http://www.squared.com/us/squared/corporate_info.nsf/LookupFiles/ArcFlashSafetyTips060106.pdf/$file/ArcFlashSafetyTips060106.pdf

Sep 16, 2009 12:50 AM

Since I respect Joe Tedesco maybe everyone should take his advice here: http://askcodeman.com/professional/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5&sid=fc6bb4794f53276ceedb235fbae8a323

NFPA 73 Electrical Inspection Code for Existing Dwellings 2006 Edition

And: http://www.askcodeman.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=186

From Jerry Peck speaking to Joe Tedesco:

"Better than me saying what I did (which was not the "safe" way) would be for you to explain *the proper and safe way* to inspect an energized panel, including photos of the proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to wear."

Sep 19, 2009 12:03 AM

Comments(4)

Mike (Inspector Mike) Parks

Recent Posts