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What's Wrong With This Picture? Electrical Panel Access

By William (Bill) Zoller

Home Inspector with U.S. Inspect, LLC

September 03, 2011 12:15 PM

Answer: Panel Interior Not Accessible

Caption: "I just have to have a full length closet shelf at this height. Nothing else works for me!" (We're not sure where this owner was getting that thinking!)

Description: The industry electrical panel clearance rule is 30 inches to each side, top and bottom, and 36 inches to the front. This allows for repairs to be conducted easily and with a minimum of risk to the electrician. This particular situation is not acceptable and dangerous.

Note also, the shelf support bracket is fastened to the wall on both sides of the panel. This likely indicates the installer did not pull an electrical permit.

This is a situation that should be corrected soon. The homeowner should remove the shelving, or a licensed electrician needs to relocate the panel if the owner insists on having their shelving mounted to the wall at this location.

Thanks to Gordon Glidden of our Michigan Inspection Team for this humorous, but serious catch. We at U.S. Inspect appreciate your detailed inspections!

(Posted at U.S. Inspect blog)

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Gary Berset

RE/MAX Executive Realty, Medway, MA 02053 - Medway, MA

Hi Bill- What are people thinking when they design these situations?

Sep 03, 2011 12:17 PM

Chris Smith

Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON

South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Bill great example of people not thinking a project through and why your services are so necessary when a buyer finds a home they like.

Sep 03, 2011 01:31 PM

Associate Broker Falmouth MA Cape Cod Heath Coker

https://teamcoker.robertpaul.com - Falmouth, MA

Heath Coker Berkshire Hathaway HS Robert Paul Prop

Sometimes you look and wonder. This could be addressed at the time of the listing agreement if the agent has experience.

Myrl Jeffcoat

Sacramento, CA

Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I am always a little amazed if not appalled, by certain electrical issues I've seen in some homes. One particular code violation comes to mind. It was a light switch in a shower stall. Apparently, it had been like that for years. And no, there was no disclosure that anyone had died in that house within the last 3 years. . .LOL

Sep 03, 2011 02:50 PM

William (Bill) Zoller

U.S. Inspect, LLC - Loveland, CO

Myrl - I have witnessed the same thing; light switch in a shower stall! Seriously. What are you thinking? Obviously this person is not aware that electricity and water don't mix! I don't know whether to laugh or cry, but I do just shake my head............

Like Heath says, "Look and wonder..."

Thank you all.

Sep 04, 2011 12:46 PM

What's Wrong With This Picture? Electrical Panel Access

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William (Bill) Zoller

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