Research & Writing Assignment:
Electrical Panel inspections. 1st make sure the panel cover and/ or box casing is not energized. Check for the proper type of screws, wrong screws securing the cover to the box could cut into the insulation of a wire to close to the attachment screws. there is a lot more to do during an electrical panel inspection, but these should be a few of the items on the 1st part of the inspection to check and notice.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The image shows a 200 Amp. Siemens interior load center. At the time of the inspection, all circut breakers, GFICs and AFCI breakers appeared in operable condition. Panel is located in garage of residence. There were no breakers in the off position at the time of the inspection. The service is a underground lateral type. Cables that feed the panel are non-metalic sheathed cable. There is some minor damage at the top of the panel cover to drywall and recommend repair. Confirmation of 200 amp service from three sources, main circuit breaker, panel cover and electric meter on exterior wall outside of panel. There appears no major safety of functional concerns at time of inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting electrical panels, safety is priority one. It is important to evaluate what the existing and surrounding circumstances are before beginning the actual inspection. Usage of PPE (Safety glasses, gloves and protective clothing) should be a functional procedure. Know you area, are there restrictions that might cause a delay in the event of a unexpected explosion or unknown circumstance. In the area of the panel, is there excessive moisture or water buildup. Coming in contact with a live panel while water is present can be fatal. Check the panel area itself, are there telltale signs of a water or moisture leaks past or present. Check for indications of rust or corrosion, a good sign of past moisture presences. Use of a non-contact voltage detector can minimize potential electrical shocks before actually removing a dead front cover. There should be sufficient clearances above, around and in front of the panel area. But often, this is not the case. Additionally, there will be times when a client will request to accompany the Inspector during the evaluation of the electrical panel. The clients safety must be considered. If a Inspector feels that the potential for danger exists, he should recommend that the client move far enough away so no potential harm can be done. After completion of the inspection, if any possible dangers or abnormalities exists, the inspector can include them in his report and suggest that a qualified electrical contractor be consulted.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a 150 amp service panel in a house built in 2000. The dead panel was only held on by two screws , the panel is rated for a max of 225 amps and the manufacture is Cutler/Hammer. Noticed splicing wires to GFCI attached to panel. The slices do not cross any live circuits.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I have read the article on electrical panel from hell. The pictures show a wide range of electrical issues that a home inspector could identify visually. Some of the defects depicted were nicked insulation on wires , wrong gage wire to circuit breakers. Other defects depicted were unsecured wires coming into the panel.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
There is no specific code requirement for the minimum distance from a plumbing fixture to an electric panel, but nothing is allowed to be installed in a working space 2-6 wide by 3-0 deep by 66 high in front of an electric panel. The panel does not have to centered in the 26 width of the working space. May consider moving the hook ups for the washer unit.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Anti-tip brackets are metal devices designed to prevent freestanding ranges from tipping. They are normally attached to a rear leg of the range or screwed into the wall behind the range, and are included in all installations kits. This is for safety to a home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Clear sign of moisture leaking into the service panel through the conduit for the conductors. Many times this can be caused by moisture condensing inside the conduit and then dripping back into the panel. Many electricians now fill this area with duct putty so the warm air inside the enclosure can’t get inside the conduit to condense back into to water.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Electrical codes require a work space of 36" in front of a service panel. I’ve observed numerous instances where this has been violated by the actual installation of built-in sinks, counter tops and other permanent home improvements. Recommend writing this up in our inspection report.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Electrical panels. Electrical panels should be inspected carefully by either a license electrician or a home inspector, never should a homeowner open an electrical panel. When a home inspector is inspecting an electrical panel he or she sould use extreme caution when opening the electrical panel.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I have included a picture of a dead front cover. From the picture you can see the pointed out screw that is different from the rest. This would make me extra cautious with removal due to the fact it could be a pointed screw and have contact with a conductor. The second thing to note is the tripped breaker.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article titled “Electricity 101: Understanding the Service Panel”. Many homeowners are unfamiliar with the construction and wiring when it comes the electrical work in their home. The first thing is the service panel. As a home owner you need to access the panel for three tasks. To shut off power to the whole hose, to reset a circuit breaker that trips, and to turn off power to individual circuits when you are doing electrical work somewhere in the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of an electrical panel that is hooked up to a duplex I can see that the feeder is 2 ought concentric cable and the main breaker is a 100 amp breaker. There are many defects in this panel one is that it did not have a dead front panel number two it looks to have unidentified wires connected to the breakers three the breakers are not labeled and or identified for moisture and pest are entering the Box. Would recommend certified electrician to look at electrical box
Research & Writing Assignment:
Home Service grounding electrodes are very important to the electrical system it allows lightning and static electricity to flow directly to the Earth. the grounding electrodes or (ground rod) must have its Acorn clamp connected to the grounding electrode conductor aluminum is not recommended for this setup due to the fact that it has a tendency to corrode.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Pictured is a newer (5 yrs old) 120/240 lateral entry 200amp residential service main panel. The panel is manufactured by Square D and is rated for 200amps. Contained inside are all Square D breakers free of double taping. The SE cables are 4/0 aluminum, secured properly and contain anti-corrosion paste near the connection at the lugs. All unused knockouts are intact, neutrals are labeled/identified and screws holding the dead front in place are appropriate (flat ends)
Research & Writing Assignment:
Regarding the article Common Electrical Conductor Types: Until now I did not realize that Romex cable was not permitted in residential construction of three or more stories or that UF cables had solid cores for each conductor to travel through.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo shows that, the service panels installed are in very good condition, with all proper screws attached and secured correctly. The legend is identified and clearly marked. All breakers are listed for enclosed case and in good working order. Below the service panels are the storm protection panel coverings with clear markings on both identifying what type,rating and voltage being used.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Many people have been injured or even killed whilst opening a electrical service panel. Issues to be considered especially when removing the service panel covering could be, is the floor wet or the panel itself wet. Is the panel rusty? all could be potentially dangerous to the home inspector or the qualified electrical contractor. WIMYA
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a Homeline panel setup. First thing I noticed is that it is properly labeled so I can tell what each breaker is connected with. There is a sub panel disconnect but no main shut off. This panel has no information on rating. All of that information is on the main disconnect panel by the meter on the exterior
Research & Writing Assignment:
The most important thing in my mind that has to do with electrical home inspections is the safety factor. The inspector safety and the homeowners safety. All safety precautions should be adhered to. When removing a panel cover, when fishing thru wiring, when testing live circuits always take your time and dont get distracted. Safety first!
