Zinsco panels--do you remove the covers from exterior panels?

[Tim Spargo]

Having seen a few arcs in my time Tom, additional ideas to share and improve safety are much welcomed.

Tim

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by pabernathy

Tell Joe Hi for me Tom.....he misses me...

No, they are not bound by OSHA. However, It is always stressed to them to be as safe as possible as their life may depend on it.

Paul, your statement is not entirely correct. Business owners are not bound by OSHA. All employees are, however. So if you have employees in your company, your company is most definitely regulated by OSHA.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Wise advice here and here for those of you with families that depend on you staying alive.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

This is getting silly now....look those that feel comfortable can remove the cover, those that do not don't remove it....enough said.

[Mark E. Northrup]

I hav had one arc on me when replacing the cover. I learned that it is very dangerous when working with them.
After i changed my shorts. I realized that the panel can come in contact with the buss. But I still remove them to see if they conceal further problems. In this area some electricans tell home owners to leave them installed.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

Paul, your statement is not entirely correct. Business owners are not bound by OSHA. All employees are, however. So if you have employees in your company, your company is most definitely regulated by OSHA.

Sure if you take it as an all inclusive statement. However, the majority of HI's are self employed and one man shops.....ofcourse when dealing with "companies" with employee's.

[Russell Spriggs]

"Although removing the deadfront cover of the panel box for inspection is a service we commonly provide to our clients, it is NOT a part of a home inspection as per our national Standards of Practice (www.nachi.org/sop ). Under certain conditions, we will not remove the panel cover for a courtesy inspection. These conditions include, but are not limited to: rainy, snowy or wet conditions; wet floors or grounds; any blockage within 3 feet of the panel box; distractions within sight or hearing; panel boxes mounted in whole or in part either below the waist or above the shoulder in height; any panel box which may be older than 30 years of age; any situation in which the panel box cover may not be safely and securely re-attached, once removed; and any conditions in which the inspector does not feel safe for him/herself, or anyone else. One or more of these conditions were encountered during this inspection, and there was no visual inspection of the interior of this panel box. If the inspector feels that there is reason for the cover to be removed and the panel inspected, it will be so stated in another line item entry."

[Philippe G. Heller]

Inspecting any panel is probably the most dangerous part of our job (along with getting on the roof).

After performing thousands of inspections, I came up with a tool to help inspectors with panels. I don't want to come across like I'm taking advantage of this thread. But I truly feel that this can help inspectors safely inspect electric panels. Of course, nothing beats following best-practices for inspecting panels such as NEVER RESTING THE PANEL COVER ON YOUR HEAD, proper clothing, paying attention, and taking your time.



Check out www.panelpal.com and post your reply.

Be safe out there.

[Brian K. Smith]

Originally Posted by jpope

(edited due to mis-quoted content)

I've seen a few Zinscos in my time, probably more than most other inspectors. There is only one panel design that has the problem he speaks of;



Don't remove the covers if you feel it's unsafe, but don't rely on bad information.

I remove all my covers and 30% of the hi I do up here are Zinscos.