In the attached photo we have a square D service panel. As seen in the photo there are some issues with this legend. The first thing that comes out is the age of the legend. Some of the writing has been replaced with stickers and some of the writing for the breakers has faded to the point it cannot be read. The service panel legend does not identify the service amps either. As an inspector I would not list this as a defect however I would recommend updating the legend with a electrical contractor.
One of the most important aspects of performing an electrical inspection is the ability to identify what conductor is being used. There are three main types of electrical conductors used in homes Romex, NM and NMC (underground rated), and Underground feeder conductors. Each conductor has specific uses and restrictions based on the National Electric Code NEC that as an inspector must understand. Although, we are not code compliance officers as inspectors we are required to identify and report on possible safety issues that can arise from inappropriately used conductors.
The main panel should be bonded with the neutral bus bar. Most common i see on new homes is that there is no jumper from the green connector to the neutral bus bar, which is required on the NEC 2017.
AFCI circuit breaker comes with a test button, this button cannot test for arc faults within individual portions of the branch circuit. An AFCI indicator can test a individual receptacle within the branch. AFCI indicators should be inspect receptacles observed to be AFCI-protected.
Openings in the panel are a defect, as bugs and moisture can enter the panel. also large openings can encourage people to stick objects or fingers inside risking electrical shock. Any openings should be tight fitting, while still protecting from chafing on the wiring, and keeping it weathertight if necessary.
Removing a dead front cover of a panel is a hazardous task deserving precaution. Always wear safety glasses and remove jewelry. Listen, and check for heat and voltage around the panel and screws before touching it. A solid footing can save you from dropping a heavy dead front.
This is a Westinghouse 150 amp. panel in a manufactured home that is fed from a main disconnect outside the home. The neutral, grounded conductor is separate from the ground. Grounding conductor runs to a driven ground rod. Panel is not very neat, but no safety issues found. Recommend checking the labeling of a couple of circuits missing labeling in the legend. Also the gap on the bottom of the panel to drywall exceeds the maximum of 1/8. Recommend filling the gap with appropriate caulking. No GFCI or AFCI breakers, but found GFCI receptacles in one of the bathrooms. Found GFCI in the main service panel out at the pole for the other bathroom, the outside and kitchen receptacles.
The attached photo is of a house I inspected last week. I used my infrared camera to look over the panel and found a hot spot on a wire on the neutral bar. It was significantly hotter than the other wires and coincidentally had melted sheathing from overheating. I recommended further evaluation by a qualified electrician.
Electrical Service Panels by Nick Gromicko
A photo of an electric panel that was full of debris and looked to be dangerous at best. The article stressed safety and gave an example of an electrician in Atlanta who was killed when a bus bar moved and caused a deadly arc explosion when he removed the panel. It discussed the need to be calm and attentive and gave some safety practices when inspecting electrical panels. Make sure of an escape path, check for wet floors and for evidence of moisture on the panel. Look for rust that would indicate that moisture has been and still may be present. Stand back and use the front cover as a shield when removing it from the panel. Nick listed some things to look for when inspecting the panel such as: clearances of at least a 3-foot clearance or working space in front, 30 inches of width, and a minimum headroom clearance of 6 feet, or the height of the equipment, whichever is greater. Look for correct panel screws. Make sure the breakers are correct in size and application by manufacturer. Inspect for damage to the panel, evidence of electrical failures and anything that would make the service unsafe.
My Essay is based on this image: https://www.nachi.org/gallery/?level=picture&id=2665 of a double tapped breaker. Double tapped breakers are not allowed unless specifically indicated to be allowed by the breaker manufacturer. The problem with a double tapped breaker is that the lugs on the breaker are only made for one wire. If you get multiple wires under the lug it could cause a loose connection which could lead to overheating and a potential safety hazard.
Electrical service panel ; Service panel safety is very important and in 2008 the National Electrical Code had new requirements regarding safe clearances of 30" wide 36" deep and 6ft 8" high in front of panels. Inspectors should have some knowledge of aluminum branch conductors, Sharp tip panel screws, Loose or misfit breakers, and aware of some of the manufacturer’s with problematic panels.
Electrical wiring ; Observed multiple exposed wiring in the attic space. may appear to be an electromagnet in the attic space. This is something that falls in beyond the scope of work for a home inspector. Recommend having a qualified electrical contractor evaluate and advise.
This junction box is mounted between floor joists in a two story home. Aside from the cover being missing, it has two cables in one clamp. Each cable should have its own clamp. This would be noted on the inspection report as a minor defect
Some of the many things to look for when inspecting a service panel are:
Proper sized service entrance cable
Nylon bushing for 4/0 and larger cable
Loose wires at bus or breaker
Overstripped wire
Correct breakers for panel box
Bonding screw properly installed
Proper size wire for branch circuits
AFCI breakers where required
GFCI breakers where required.
Upon removing the electrical panel (very carefully, with one hand gripping the top and one hand gripping the bottom, using the cover as a shield, and walking away), at first glance, there did not appear to be any issues. However, after examining the left side breakers, toward the very bottom, I spotted a “double tap”. There were two 14 gauge wires plugged into one 15 amp breaker. This breaker was not designed to receive 2 wires, thus making this a double tap. A double tap is when two wire are attached to a breaker that is designed to only have one wire plugged in to it. I recommended to the client further evaluation from a licensed electrician.
After reading the article “Electrical Service Panels”, I was surprised, if not shocked to read that even experienced electricians have been killed removing electrical panels. What was even more disconcerting to me was to read that the two factors that contribute to these types of issues are complacency and defective components. I am always very careful in removing a panel, but after reading this article, I am going to quadruple check absolutely everything I can before I proceed.
Federal Pacific and Zensco panels should be tagged as a material defect. These panel have been know to cause fire and are truly a hazard. Use extreme care if opening the dead front cover on these panels but I would recommend that a licensed electrical contractor evaluate and give further instructions to the home buyer.
PPE should always be worn when opening the electrical panel dead front. This includes safety glasses and leather gloves. Be extra careful when removing and reinstalling the cover as to not trip any breakers and make sure the screws are blunt end panel screws.
This is a picture of double-tap breakers in a Square D load center. It is a 200 amp system and is completely full. There were also missing clamps/bushings at wire entrances in several locations. I would recommend evaluation and repair by a licensed electrical contractor.
