My write-up included the following language:
". . . The panelboard is also missing knockout covers above a missing circuit breaker. This condition presents a significant electric shock hazard because the hot bus of the service panelboard is exposed to anyone who might open the access door and stick his or her fingers or a tool through the dead front cover. The breaker was apparently removed because at some point in the past, something caused an arc inside the panelboard at this location significant enough to melt the bus tabs and to scorch the adjacent 40-amp circuit breaker on the opposite side. This condition presents a significant hazard. Industry standards (and regulations) generally require all electrical equipment in use to be undamaged. Not only is the bus bar no longer intact, the operational integrity of the scorched 40-amp circuit breaker is questionable, and the 30-amp circuit breaker (without the handle tie) which is immediately above the empty space appears to be slightly ?cocked? in its space. Recommend considering replacement of this Service Panel." For this and other problems, I went on to recommend referral to a licensed electrician for a more detailed evaluation of the electrical system.
The seller has a relative who's a licensed electrician. He responded by (I'm paraphrasing here cause I don't have his written response) removing the affected tabs so no circuit breakers could be installed in the slots. And he replaced the 40-amp breaker. So, it was referred to a licensed electrician, and he says it's ok. Not my place to question his response - but I am . . . This is the second condition like this that I've found in the past month (scorched panelboard). On the first one, the electrician agreed with my recommendation to replace it. Isn't that really the more sensible response? 
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Jay,
Good picture, I have to agree with you I think what was done was a poor repair and would not want that in my own home. Neither would any decent electrician, I would have hoped to see the panel replaced.
Originally Posted By: Robert Gallahorn This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’d let it ride if:
The electrician responded on letterhead that the panel was reviewed and repaired and no significant safety hazards are present, signed and including his contractors ID. To spice things up ask him to include insurance certificate.
I agree the scorching is significant, but once the opposing breaker is removed damage may prove minimal. Either way, the letter pulls the monkey off your back.
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
jkline wrote:
For this and other problems, I went on to recommend referral to a licensed electrician for a more detailed evaluation of the electrical system.
I would tend to agree with the recommendation from the photo and description ... with the clarification that it is recommended in general that any specialists referred to for further evaluation provide that in writing.
What was the brand of panel? Looks kinda like a Zinsco panel, which has a history of problems with the buss.
JMO and 2-nickels ... 
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: pcarter This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jay,
To get that shot, what type of camera and lens did you use? The pic is excellent and I like the detail that you achieved. Wish I could get pic's like that.
-- Patrick C.
Town & Country Home Inspection Services, LLC
(Serving S.E. Kansas, Cruising the 169)
Originally Posted By: jkline This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
The electrician’s response was provided to the buyer’s agent by fax - no letterhead and no license number. The insurance certificate would be a good thing for the buyer to have!
" . . . with the clarification that it is recommended in general that any specialists referred to for further evaluation provide that in writing."
I'll include that with my recommendations from now on.
It's a GE Panel.
Pat - I use an off-the-shelf HP camera. I don't have it with me right now, but I can dig it out and email you the model number if you'd like. It's a cheapo (under $200 when I bought it at walmart about two years ago).
Originally Posted By: dsmith1 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I would advise my client to have their own electrician verify the panel. This goes for all my recommendations and I think I will make this clearer in my written report, that when further investigation is advised it should be done by a professional of the buyers choice.
