HUGE SAFETY WARNING FOR HOMEOWNERS!!!  While performing a home inspection in Glenwood, Iowa, I was checking the A/C sub-box's wiring.  I went to put the metal cover back on and the cover hit the lugs, sending sparks flying.  Luckily, I had my hands in the reflex position to contract away from the wiring and not extend towards it.  (Note: If you ever check electrical boxes, backhand the panel before attempting to open it.  If the metal cover is energized, your muscles will reflex away from the box.  If you have your palm side of your hand touching it, your muscles will extend your arm forward and you'll continue to get eletrocuted until the main breaker trips or until you fall to the ground.)

After looking closely at the A/C sub-panel, I noticed the lugs the cover touched were sticking out past the plastic protection.  The whole point of the plastic is to ensure that the metal cover can't physically touch the energized lugs.  Whoever installed the sub-box didn't install it properly! 

For my fellow home inspectors out there reading this, I've never come across this in over 9 years of performing home inspections.  I came REALLY close to getting 220 through my body.  Take caution!

Dear God, Thank you for keeping me safe!!!

Serious electrical hazard on A/C sub-box

Greg Wayman, ASHI Certified Inspector

Foundation-2-Rooftop, Inc.

402-330-1701

www.omaha-home-inspection.com

 

22 Comments on Home Inspection: Serious Electrocution Hazard...HOMEOWNERS and HOME INSPECTORS MUST READ!!!

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

MAR
21
2011
155,778 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

It's always good to be reminded that safety is not just an expression, it's a way of being. Safety IS first.
9:08am • #3
137,569 Points Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Great reminder to stay on your toes when dealing with electric.
9:26am • #4
655,574 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Greg, what a scary thing and thankfully you were knew what you were doing.  I've always been scared around those units!
9:32am • #5
1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp

Greg, I'm glad that you avoided a major shock. Back-handing an electric panel is always good idea. Wearing protective eye wear is another good idea, as per Douglas Hanson, remember him? I too am an ASHI Certified Member and have been doing home inspections for 14 years. I've gone into areas that other inspectors would have avoided.  I've seen panels that were rusted and crumbling inside. Two things that you need in life are luck and love. Thanks to the higher power, luck was on your side that day!
9:35am • #6
422,472 Points 7 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Wow! Great advice, thanks.
9:56am • #7
173,980 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Great catch! Heading out to check mine now! Thanks!
10:01am • #8
311,248 Points 33 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Not checking mine today, thanks. I'll leave that up to the electrician and/or home inspector.
10:12am • #9
166,545 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Wow!  Just when you thought you'd seen it all.... glad you practiced "defensive inspecting" and that all is okay. 
10:46am • #10
125,132 Points

Thanks for the info. This is why I put it in my report when I see these behind the A/C condenser. You need the room to be able to get down and see what's going on and if something happens lets you get out of the way.  Do you have the make of that box?
11:07am • #11

Thanks for the tip, I never knew about that. 
11:21am • #12
556,363 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Greg -- I'm glad you are okay.  Beyond serious.  Is there any kind of electrical device checker (probe or something) that could be used to see if the box is dangerous before actually touching it with your hand?
11:43am • #13
Outside Blog

Hi Geg Im a home inspector in New Jersey. Thank you for the information. I have come across many a/c disconnects that were missing the inner cover. I think that that may have been the issue there. If the required inner cover were in place you would not be able to contact the lugs. Just a guess really. Again that you and stay safe.
12:13pm • #14
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Greg,

We're glad that you're okay!  I've built 350 homes in a previous life, and have never come across this.  Sounds like a lawsuit is in order.

Mike in Tucson
12:16pm • #15

Glad to know your OK Greg, Your right God had you on His mind for sure! 

I'm a licensed Home Inspector in Florida and I have been a licensed electrician for over 26 years, you'll see all kinds of faulty electrical work, whether a side job or a home-owner fix me up. This happens to be one of the reasons I elected to go to school, to be educated, to being a certified and licensed Home Inspector. You should also note, for future refrence, if outside for an air conditioner or pool pump, etc..., that that disconnect is readily accessible for proper inspection and service, (national electrical code).

Best advice though is that; next time locate the breaker in the main electrical panel that goes to any sub panel and turn that breaker off first. Then being sure to have those protective gloves and safety glasses on and if outside standing on a piece of plywood for extra measures. Good thought backhanding it first though, guess those A/C sub panel boxes need a good whoopin from time to time.

Again, glad you're OK and please keep safe out there.
David Stokes
2:18pm • #16
122,709 Points 1 Featured Post

Greg: wow, pretty scary!  Glad you are okay.  That's why I leave that to the pros.
2:56pm • #17

Good to know you're ok.  I've emailed the short URL to my husband, who is the only one in the house that has any opportunity to get near one of these electrical boxes.  We have a newer home but it's always good to know how to approach electrical panels.  Thanks and have a safe and productive Monday!

 
3:04pm • #18
1 Featured Post

Thank you for the info. I will be passing this on to my inspectors.
3:20pm • #19

Thanks for the heads-up, Greg! Thank God you're okay.
3:58pm • #20
MAR
22
2011
776,086 Points 96 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Glad that you are okay. I'm with David Stokes on this one, turn off the power leading to that disconnect first. I'm a coward cautious person.

Thanks for the advice Greg.
1:50am • #21
JUN
21

Buying a home involves a lot of steps and Proper home inspection is a very important thing, before the investment for home buyers.

<a href="http://www.equityinspection.com/">Los Angeles certified home inspector</a>

 
Los Angeles certified home inspector
11:31pm • #22

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Greg Wayman ASHI Certified Inspector - 402-330-1701

Omaha, NE

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Foundation-2-Rooftop, Inc.

Office Phone: (402) 330-1701

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