A “Pop” in The Electrical Panel When The Dryer Breaker Was Turned On.

Isn't it great when experience solves the problem? Good for you!

Which is why long, sharp, wood screws are prohibited from being used for the cover of the electric panel box!  They should be short, flat-ended and they have a different thread.

You licked the damaged cable to make sure the screw penetrated all the way to the wire, right?

Hi Tom,

I see this from time to time. The wrong screw can really "Screw with you". I like Jays comment. LOL

Have a great day in Placerville.

Best, Clint McKie

Hi Tom, thanks for sharing this.  This type of problem is rather common, though not right at the box.

Good afternoon Tom. This is a terrific way to inure good will and to help people at the same time. I am impressed but not surprised.

When I was a bride, I was married to an electrician.  I don't mind taking on minor home repair tasks around my house.  But, electricity scares the bejebbers outta me.  A couple of years ago, I bought new white recepticals for my house, to replace where old almond ones had been.  I could rationalize what it took to replace them myself.  I'd seen it done many times.  Yet, when I stood there in front of the things with tools in hand, I shook, hesitated, and reached for the phone. . ."John, do you remember that when we divorced, I didn't ask for child support or alimony?"  I was actually quite amazed at how rapidly John showed up to do the replacements for me.  GUILT can be such a wonderful thing

'Poping' in panels is never a good sign. Time to call a pro!

But this does illustrate that the safety devices, the breakers, did work as designed. They shut off when there was a problem. The metal panel box did it's safety job in that it contained the 'arc' and no fire was ignited.

As others have said the 'screws' were the problem, but the homeowner wasn't because the equipment worked as designed.