As part of the inspection process, we are required to inspect all readily accessible electric panels in a property. Several times a week, my inspector or I run into the situation where either unhandy Andy or some lazy electrician has used improper screws to hold the dead-front cover on the service panel.

Improper Panel Fasteners

This is a very dangerous situation as the pointed screws can bite into the soft insulation on the conductors which can cause a short-circuit, electrocution or fire. Several years ago, one of my inspectors re-installed one of these screws and got the shock of his life. We do not re-install these screws any more.

These screws were taken out a cabinet in a new construction property! The final electrical tag had been placed on the cabinet stating that it was in compliance. NOT

Properly designed panel screws will have a wide flat head and have blunt ends to prevent damage to the wires. If you see hex head screws, wood screws or something similar to what I am holding in my hand holding the dead-front cover in place, have a licensed electrician replace them with the proper fastener.

This comment has been brought to you by Michael Thornton an ASHI certified inspector and president of Complete Home Inspections, Inc. proudly serving Davidson and Williamson Counties in the Middle Tennessee area.  

This posting and the contents herein is the intellectual property of Michael Thornton, CEO of The Complete Group.

Complete Home Inspections, Inc
615.661.0297
Brentwood, TN
 
Our Website address is:

This post is a contribution to the ActiveRain Real Estate Network.

 

 

3 Comments on Dangerous Situation Here

DEC
15
2007
137,385 Points
Thanks for the information.  Good to know.
5:25am • #1
Michael, thanks for this information.  It's amazing how something like this was able to pass muster.
5:30am • #2
Michael - this is a great posting - Thanks for the information - I would have never thought about this.  Are all inspectors looking for this when they take the panel off to do the inspection?
5:47am • #3

Login or register to leave a comment
 
Adsc_2328 Ambassador_large

Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector - 615.661.0297

Brentwood, TN

More about me…

Complete Home Inspections, Inc.

Address: 217 Jamestown Park Road, Suite 12, Brentwood, TN, 37027

Office Phone: (615) 661-0297

Cell Phone: (615) 473-8803

Email Me



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog