Too bad ALL inspectors don't pull the panel covers

[Russell J. Hensel]

Here is ANOTHER defect that would not have been noticed if the panel cover was not pulled. So what happens to buyers who have inspectors who do not pull the covers off? Just curious.

Imagine this not getting noticed. It was 312 degrees MAJOR FIRE HAZARD...

[John Harrison]

I pull every panel, unfortunately there is the occasional panel that I once pulled I wish I had left alone.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by rhensel

Here is ANOTHER defect that would not have been noticed if the panel cover was not pulled. So what happens to buyers who have inspectors who do not pull the covers off? Just curious.

Imagine this not getting noticed. It was 312 degrees MAJOR FIRE HAZARD...

Attachment 41739

Maybe you could explain a "312 degrees major fire hazard".

Remember we are all here to learn.

[Timothy R. Wendorff]

Who doesn't pull off the cover?? I pull every cover (except one about 4 months ago that had water dripping from it! It had a leaking bathtub above it.)

[Russell J. Hensel]

What I am saying is that the phase A wire had a 312 degree temperature while phase B had a 81 degree temperature and the power was balanced with about the same number on each side and the same amount operating. When a phase is this significantly different from the other with a balanced load this is a fire hazard. Unless the outer sheathing on the wire is intended to melt under normal conditions...

[Russell J. Hensel]

Originally Posted by twendorff

Who doesn't pull off the cover?? I pull every cover (except one about 4 months ago that had water dripping from it! It had a leaking bathtub above it.)

You would be amazed at the number who dio not pull the covers....Sad but true.

[rsmith24]

Originally Posted by rhensel

You would be amazed at the number who do not pull the covers....Sad but true.

Probably the same amount that don't get on the roof.

[Michael Larson]

Thank you.

[Brian A. MacNeish]

Originally Posted by rhensel

You would be amazed at the number who dio not pull the covers....Sad but true.

Just about missed one like that a few years back.....I wish I would have had your inspection team that day...the house took 7.5 straight hrs not including driving and report writing!!

The house had a main and 2 remote subpanels. At the end of the inspection, I still hadn't done the 2nd remote subpanel as it was in a location with poor access (that was remarked on also) due to furniture! I actually considered not removing the panel since the other elctrical in the house was very good....but I persevered, moved the furniture and opened it to find........a red feeder wire charred black for about 2.5" from the terminal!! ............a lesson learned!!

[James L. Keilson]

Originally Posted by rhensel

Here is ANOTHER defect that would not have been noticed if the panel cover was not pulled. So what happens to buyers who have inspectors who do not pull the covers off? Just curious.

Imagine this not getting noticed. It was 312 degrees MAJOR FIRE HAZARD...

Attachment 41739

AHHHH nice find bro. As an electrical contractor since 1986 I have seen all kinds of electrical safety issues. This one is right there with the best of them as this is a serious fire just waiting to happen. In reality the rest of the home could be 100% perfect with Zero deficiencies, you send your report, the new buyer is at closing, they finish closing, get their new keys, drive over to see there new house, pull up the street, and BAMM>>>> fire department just packing up with a smoldering pile of rubble and ash behind them...

Jim

[KEVIN WOOD]

Inspectors should not open two types of Panels. They don't open them because of the danger. Even a seasoned electrician will not open the panels unless they can shut the power off. If we are not allowed to shut the power off the best thing is to refer to a certified electrician. No client of mine that has seen me do an inspection would appreciate the breakers falling out of the clip in design. I have even seen them pushing out the dead front. Are you saying you would open this kind of panel?
Not wise.
Take some pictures of the panel and call the ESA.If you are to pull a Panel that is defective you may be doing a replacement of the whole panel.