Research & Writing Assignment:
I read two articles: Electrical Panels and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters. Through these videos and articles I have learned a lot about safety and ways to better protect myself and my clients. I have learned better techniques on removing panel covers and testing them before touching them. The most informative for me was learning more about grounding and bonding.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Tested dead front for being electrically energized, tested negative.
Dead front remained is in place.
Not able to access for removal, clearance restricted by washing machine.
Service size rating not present.
Some cover hardware likely not approved type, differences of fastener heads. Recommend licensed electrician advice.
Breakers are all permanently identified.
Potential issue with breaker 13/15, denoted with a skull and cross bones and DON’T USE. Licensed electrician should verify condition.
GFCI breaker present and functioning correctly with test button.
ACFI breakers are not present.
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) is now recommended for home safety. Advisement recommended with qualified licensed electrician for upgrade.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read an article about ‘Electrical Safety’ and thought about it.
Most of the homes over 30 years old in my country are missing the main ground.
So such homes are missing the grounding of the outlet or receptacle.
It means that when a person is exposed to an electric shock, it can cause fatal damage to the human body.
I hope that our government will be more regulated.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Essay based on article-Electrical Service Panels
by Nick Gromicko.
Electrical panels are enclosures that contain circuit breakers, which are protection devices which cease the electrical current if it exceeds the safe working level for a circuit in an electrical system.
Advise your client that they should never remove an electrical panel cover themselves, as lethal electrical explosions have been the result of opening electrical panels.
Before touching the electrical panel, proper PPE should be wore and then an inspector should test the panel for being electrically charged, if that is the case the panel should be deemed a defect and a licensed electrician should evaluate without haste.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Most of the homes over 30 years old in my country are missing the main ground.
My home is one of those homes.
The panel of the photograph is made of wood and the front cover is missing. Moreover, the cover of the power relay is also missing, which is very dangerous.
These are the items to be corrected.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
during inspection of this 200 amp service panel located in the north wall of the garage i observed a loose service conductor at the termination point at the neutral lug and 2 unidentified white wires and 2 missing screws in the dead front cover defective recommend further evaluation by a qualified electric contractor
Research & Writing Assignment:
i have chosen to speak to the safety concerns dealing with dead front removal it is very important to check the cover before handling the cover and it is very important to use the cover as a shield while removing in case a breaker or loose conductor falls out
Those breakers are listed for two conductors.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Electrical Inspection
Siemens= rainproof combination metering
Rating 200amp max 120/240 volts ac 1 phase 3 wire.
suitable only for use as service equipment.
Picture of service equipment has a (minor) defect missing labeling of a 30amp fuse .I Traced wiring to the bottom newer unpainted electrical conduit from service equipment to a mini-split a/c unit max fuse size 35a min. circuit 25a so 30a is ok.
Visual inspection of equipment grounding ok.
Note there are two a/c systems one is a central a/c unit with 35a breaker the 30amp is for the mini split.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Over stripped ungrounded conductors are visible on the kitchen Arc Fault Circuit interrupter over-current device. Over stripped conductors are a safety hazard as they may result in arc flashing in the panel. Correction by a licensed electrical contractor is recommended.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Electrical bonding to Corrugated Stainless Steel (CSST) piping is to be installed after the gas meter, or gas source, and before for the CSST piping itself on the black iron pipe. Failure to properly provide bonding on the gas supply system is a safety hazard.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Electrical service panels are connection between wires coming from the tall electrical pole in your yard or street area, some even come from a huge steel transformer box out with wires safely hidden underground that makes its way to your service panel.
Service panels are call many names : fuse box, fuse panel, circuit breakers panel.
In the 1960s the circuit breaker panel came on the scene and has remained the standard every since.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The electrical service panel is located in the basement laundry room. The panel is set back about two inches behind the dry wall. This panel is supposed to be flash with the wall. Unable to remove panel cover to evaluate properly. I recommend evaluation by licensed electrician.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are recommended in all bathrooms and kitchens. These devices protect users from electrical shock in case of a short circuit. The device detects current losses of less than 10mA between hot and neutral lines and opens the circuit if a difference is detected.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
this photo is of a panel located in a house that was divided into multiple units. each unit had its own main panel or sub panel. this panel is properly grounded to a rod on the exterior of the house but is not connected to the copper plumbing. one problem located in the panel is the corrosion that suggests moisture is entering the panel from somewhere.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read through an article titled “electrical service from hell” this article had many pictures and a description of the problems depicted in each of the pictures. some of the problems shown were double taps, improper entry into the panel, multiple neutrals in a single lug space, damaged wires and many other problems.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Home inspection of the electrical panel. Here you can see this electrical panel has been looked at through Infrared. In the picture you can see that the infrared shows a huge temperature change in one of the breakers and wires.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Home-line brand 150amp Main Disconnect panel box. All copper wire from Main service entrance, all copper wire going to the feeder lines. All wire gauges appropriately sized for breakers ampacity. All but two breakers are labeled clearly. No openings in box, all entry and exit knockouts have bushings. Box was flush with drywall and secured firmly. No visible issues.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Article Surge Protectors.
In my area (Florida = lighting) many Main Disconnect Panels have an Utility installed surge protector either in or adjacent to it.
I learned about good-better-best ratings and capacities from this article.
Clamping voltage - Three levels of protection: 330V, 400V and 500V. Lower clamping voltages offer better protection.
Energy absorption - Higher numbers, such as 600 joules or more, indicate better protection.
Response time - High-quality suppressors will activate in less than one nanosecond.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During an inspection of the incoming service, the main service disconnect after the meter, several issues were found. 1st there is not a bonding screw in the panel (required by NEC), 2nd the main breaker for the panel is a 200Amp with a 100Amp and a 70Amp breakers feeding additional out building subpanels. Also after completing the interior part of the home inspection, there where (2) 200Amp panels inside the home. Noted that the incoming panel must be checked out by a licensed electrician to correct issues and verify panel. 200Amp main with combined loads may be above the 200Amp rating.
