“After his 3rd successful home inspection as a newly ordained apprentice Bob finally worked up the courage to take off the dead front.”
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That poor sob went beyond the sop? lol
IV. The inspector is not required to:
- insert any tool, probe or device into the main panelboard, sub-panels, distribution panelboards, or electrical fixtures.
- operate electrical systems that are shut down.
- remove panelboard cabinet covers or dead fronts.
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SOPs vary depending on the state. In Louisiana we are required to inspect interior components of the service panel which can only be done by removing the dead front. Of course we are not required to do this if there is a suspicion of a hazardous situation.
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So true. And, I’ve always removed every cabinet cover that was safe even though I wasn’t required to.
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I’ve had a couple that I didn’t remove. They either were blocked by shelving, personal items or in one case the entire panel was filled with a yellow jacket nest.
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Safety is number one: If I can’t remove the dead front cover by pulling it directly away from the panel, it stays in place and I disclaim it. Screws or cover obstructed by trim or other materials, it stays on. I won’t slide it sideways in order to remove it. Never have I had an issue with the disclaimer conditions. I don’t want to get fried like that test dummy did.
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I could not agree more. Safety is No.1 “A man has got to know his limitations,”
Im not qualified to fix electrical panel discrpencies; referring to obstructed screws, etcc…
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