Electrical Service Panels Basics
An electrical service panel is a metal or plastic box with an access door that is usually built into or attached to a wall. Inside, you will find the home’s breakers or fuses. The breakers and fuses are important safety devices that stop the electrical current if it exceeds the safe level for some portion of the home electrical system.
Service Panel Inspection
Many people, even experienced inspectors, have been killed or seriously injured while inspecting electrical panels. Generally, two factors contribute to these situations: defective components and complacency.
Inspections are challenging for several reasons. However, Inspector safety should be the most important part of the inspection. We never recommend safety be comprised while performing a competent inspection. If minimal safety clearances do not exist, recommend a reinspection when proper clearances exist.
Inspectors must be aware that all forms of electrical inspections, especially electrical panel inspections, are inherently dangerous and should only be performed if properly trained.
Commonly found Service Panel Brands:
Inspectors typically find the following electrical service panels:
- ABB – BBC – Gould – ITE
- Cutler-Hammer
- Federal Pacific
- General Electric – GE
- PACS Industries
- Siemens
- Square D
- Westinghouse
Some electrical panel manufacturers have a known history of failure and might be considered unsafe.
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Last Updated on 4 years ago
