Cut around the covers with a sharp razor knife to keep from peeling paint across the drywall, hold a small piece of wood at the end of cut to keep from slipping across the wall by mistake…I always do, half the panels I encounter are this way, if I skipped them citing the standards it would definitely hinder my reputation.
Besides, I love me some electrical inspection, its my favorite part of the gig.
Checking the backup heat in FL is easy. Almost every one reeks of burnt hair due to little use.
Pulling the cover can confirm its there, but it still doesn’t tell you they are working.
The smell of fried dust bunnies confirms function.
That really tells you squat it tells that at least one element out of how many is working.
We had a strange situation yesterday HP with two elements for EM back up Started testing in the normal heat mode HP started fine then on its own went to cool. What actually happened the units reversing valve failed and unit started cooling while still in the heat mode on the stat. Plus both strip elements did not activate so we left the home with no heat but it was vacant and the weather is warm 80 degrees yesterday
You broke it!
Nope failed during testing and I am glad it did it was a POS !!!
It pains me to no end saying this:
The posts on heat strips Charley have been helpful.
I feel dirty. 
You should of bathed on Saturday you would feel better:p;-)
hahahahahhahahah