Panel covers and sheet metal screws

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

This panel had them. They were very short sheet metal screws. I'd say someone was blessed the service entrance wasn't penetrated.

[Jae Williams]

Gadzooks!!!

[Mike Whitt]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

This panel had them. They were very short sheet metal screws. I'd say someone was blessed the service entrance wasn't penetrated.

Attachment 24520

Any type screw could cause damage in that panel

[Sean Corcoran]

So did you leave the cover off out of curiosity?

[Mike Whitt]

Originally Posted by scorcoran

So did you leave the cover off out of curiosity?

One good reason not to remove one.

I would simply move the conductors out of the way and reinstall the cover but it might not be a good idea for a HI to do so unless they was very sure of what they were doing.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by Mike Whitt

I would simply move the conductors out of the way and reinstall the cover but it might not be a good idea for a HI to do so unless they was very sure of what they were doing.

I can remember snapping at least one main breaker lug doing that. Hopefully that was a once in a lifetime thing.

[Gerry Beaumont]

Originally Posted by Mike Whitt

I would simply move the conductors out of the way and reinstall the cover but it might not be a good idea for a HI to do so unless they was very sure of what they were doing.

Personally I would point out the defect and leave that one screw out (and be thankfull it didn't go flash bang as I was removing it)


Regards

Gerry

[Mike Whitt]

Originally Posted by gbeaumont

Personally I would point out the defect and leave that one screw out (and be thankfull it didn't go flash bang as I was removing it)


Regards

Gerry

Thank you Gerry that is sound advice

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by scorcoran

So did you leave the cover off out of curiosity?

I put the cover back in place using only 2 screws (not the one in the photo). Figured leaving it off would be a big danger to the public and a liability for me.

[Speedy Petey]

I think it was Marc who had a pic of that exact same panel where the sheet metal screw was not so lucky, nor was the installer of the screw.

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

I had a one like that just yesterday only it was new construction and had the blunt nose panel screws. I still wrote it up though.... some how those blunt ones turn into sheetrock screws over night

[Speedy Petey]

Why would you write it up??? The blunt ones are factory screws.

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Why would you write it up??? The blunt ones are factory screws.

Just a concern that "uncle Bob the handyman" will lose a screw and replace it with a sheetrock screw. Maybe an overkill but you never know..

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by rnewland

Just a concern that "uncle Bob the handyman" will lose a screw and replace it with a sheetrock screw. Maybe an overkill but you never know..

Huh? You wrote up a hazard that doesn't presently exist? Do you write up all the water heaters too, since someone could remove the T&P valve and plug the opening?

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

Actually, to be a little more clear, the service line did not appear to have any give (flex) the way it was routed and I could see thread marks in the insulation from contact. Again, maybe an over kill but it wouldn't take much to provide a little clearance.