Panel Inspection Safety

[Robert J. OConnor]

Since there were a number of topics on safety lately, I thought I would repeat one of my posts from the old board:

I occasionally hear or run across some disturbing comments concerning inspecting an electrical service panel, and that is one of the most dangerous things an HI does, so I thought a topic about panel inspection safety would be useful.

I don’t think this is the place to receive instruction on inspecting a service panel and appropriate procedures, and I would highly recommend at least a short class or help from an electrician ... even if you have some basic knowledge and think you can handle things (knowledge can be dangerous ... lol). There are also more comprehensive safety standards/documents that have been referenced. But I am a big fan of staying safe, so I will say this as a minimum:

THE SHOCK FROM 120V HOUSEHOLD VOLTAGE CAN KILL YOU!!!!! ...

1. BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING ... wherever possible, try to use only one hand anywhere near live wires or parts (I understand using the right hand is better, as a shock through the left hand provides a more direct path through your heart) … which will help prevent you from completing a circuit (particularly to ground by touching something metal with your other hand that is grounded, like a metal panel or metal pipe that may be nearby).

2. BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING ... remove all rings and jewelry, and turn off your cell phone or beeper ... it could startle you when you need to concentrate. And consider performing the panel inspection alone to avoid distractions.

3. BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING ... make sure you have the required 30" wide by 36" deep clear working area in front of the panel, or request things be moved.

4. BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING ... check for voltage on the panel and on any pipes/conduits around the panel with a voltage ticker and meter.

5. BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING ... always check around the panel for cables entering without fittings (possible nicks/shorts), burnt/scorched wires, panel grounding, and scorching around panel screws (panel screws may have contacted wires inside ... especially the long or pointy ones "Harry Homeowner" installed).

6. BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING ... make sure you have eye protection and at least 3 layers of insulation protection (typical options include no "apparent" power, insulated tools, electricians gloves, insulated work boots, and dry location/platform). I am a big fan of using the small electrician gloves, eye protection and insulated boots (no matter what) anywhere near electricity. And use a nonmetallic flashlight.

7. BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING ... look around to make sure there isn't a wet floor, or metal pipes nearby you may touch during the inspection. You do NOT want to possibly be "grounded" like in a wet basement or by touching anything metallic anywhere near electricity.

8. BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING ... look at the panel cover screws to make sure they are the larger head blunt type, and not something like pointy sheet metal screws. Also for working the panel screws use special insulated electrician screwdrivers (e.g. GB or Klein). Assume that the screws have contacted a hot wire inside the panel, and that the panel isn't correctly grounded to clear that fault until proven otherwise. Also look for wires in the way before re-installing the cover.

9. BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING ... look at the type of panel, where you are, and what might happen if you do remove the cover. Some types of panels have breakers that might just pop out and a separate frame ring that can drop on to the main service lugs at the top if you are not very careful.

If at all possible, have an electrician or qualified instructor walk you through a panel inspection and safety procedures. And I know others have said this, but let me repeat the mantra here ... YOU ARE ONLY PERFORMING A VISUAL INSPECTION ... SO DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING INSIDE A PANEL OR STICK ANYTHING INSIDE A PANEL!!!!!!! …

Use common sense, and look for things that don’t look right. If you are not sure what you are doing or something doesn’t look right, bail to an electrician. It is okay to note in you report ... "full electrical panel inspection appeared unsafe ... it is recommend that a licensed electrician inspect the panel".

Stay safe out there boys, and if anyone has suggestions on improving the list fire away ...

[David A. Andersen]

Very Good!

Follow to the letter!!!!!!!

Always keep one hand in your pocket.

Vibrating beepers and phones feel like electrical impedance leaving your body. I threw a brand new beeper that vibrated 7 stories off a building when I was in a 460 VAC panel. "You didn't answer your beeper." If you would like I'll kick your ***** right now as an answer to that page! We had other communication problems within the company as well...

I quit wearing a wedding ring until I got out of the HVAC business. Good point though!

6. BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING ... make sure you have eye protection and at least 3 layers of insulation protection (typical options include no "apparent" power, insulated tools, electricians gloves, insulated work boots, and dry location/platform). I am a big fan of using the small electrician gloves, eye protection and insulated boots (no matter what) anywhere near electricity. And you do NOT want to possibly be "grounded" like in a wet basement or touching anything metallic anywhere near electricity. And use a nonmetallic flashlight.

There is a NACHI test question about wearing protective wear that I got wrong because I answered that you should wear protective gear... ???

I found a new "no contact tester" while hanging out at a Radio Shack between classes at collage. It saved three lives in the first week of ownership. I have given them a gifts to many, and will not do an inspection without one. I have three in my vest al all times!!

If you don't have one, get off $9 and get one. It is the cheapest insurance you can buy!

[Robert J. OConnor]

Originally Posted by dandersen

There is a NACHI test question about wearing protective wear that I got wrong because I answered that you should wear protective gear... ???

I'm not sure which question that was, or how it is worded, but an HI is generally not REQUIRED by law to wear/use much of the protective gear/tools ... but they really SHOULD use them if they value their life ...

[Barry Adair]

Texas colloquialism:


Once bitten twice shy

Reference to Sidewinder Rattlesnakes but works well for electricity also

[Patrick Bolliger]

Cotton Clothes perferably.
Nylon based clothing is not recommended although I don't think many inspectors are using exercise suits for inspections...
Nylon based clothes in an arch flash will burn very very well on your skin and I think will bond to your skin.... . Not a good thing.

Some guys recommend a full face shield when working with a dead front / panel cover.

Safety glasses protect your eyes but not the rest of that "pretty mug"...

Keep that client / shadow person/ group away from all panels and YOU during the electrical inspection. Your in control of inspection process and who sticks their fingers / faces in areas you don't want them to be...


Rubber soled "gym shoes" are not insulated as many people think.

[Robert J. OConnor]

I guess you could take a better safe than sorry approach and wear a full face shield with protective clothing for the panel inspection. But my understanding is that the real danger for an HI is shocks and damage to the eyes, and that arc flash burns are really more of an issue with voltages higher than the usual 120V/240V on residential systems. But if anyone has more info on arc flash burns being on issue for 120V/240V systems I am all ears ...

[gporter]

Refuse if the 1st screw you take out has a pointed tip.

[David Nasser]

New to home inspections, I am a Nachi member.

Should we use a volt meter to test the voltage in
the main panel, or do we strictly do a visual inspection.

David,
Pyramid-Home-Inspections

[Patrick Bolliger]

Originally Posted by dnasser

New to home inspections, I am a Nachi member.

Should we use a volt meter to test the voltage in
the main panel, or do we strictly do a visual inspection.

David,
Pyramid-Home-Inspections

NO sir.. Better to keep fingers OUT of main service panel and other equipment. Visual inspection.

Some inspectors will check at receptacles with 3 light tester as a basic test, some will use a device like a SureTest with display to find voltage drops.

Safety is number one. See a questionable configuration or downright dangerous installation... Call it out..

[dchew]

Never test for voltage in a panel! If you need to know if there's current in the breakers, use a non-contact voltage sensor. The same is true for abandoned wiring. Costs about $10-$20 at any decent hardware store.

[Robert J. OConnor]

This issue came up again, so I thought I would refresh the listing