Skip to main content

Basics of Electrical Panel Inspection for Beginners



The foundation of any practice is always the knowledge of how to do the job safely and correctly. Practitioners of any discipline must follow the standards set by the regulating bodies to avoid hazards. This caution is necessary, especially when dealing with forces that could cause damages. 


Who Should Do the Inspection? 


When it comes to electricity, beginners must take the necessary to follow electrical safety rules to avoid risks of injuries or health hazards. That is why most inspections happen under the supervision of an experienced electrician and typically through a safe entry point like surface mount access panels.


Inspection of electrical panels can be harmful; thus, a licensed professional should carry it out with caution. When checking electrical panels, safety comes first, and no matter how much electrical experience you have, it's critical to follow the necessary safety practices.


Keep in mind: If you do not have adequate training and preparation, do not attempt to work on electrical wiring, switches, or outlets. When working with electrical components in a building, there is a high chance of electrocution risks, resulting in severe burns or death. Authorized personnel can safely access circuit breakers and fuses, and owners can visually inspect their electrical equipment for dangerous symptoms. They should not, however, take the cover off an electrical panel.


Consider These Ideas Before Doing Anything


Here is a checklist of what you may do:


Have a backup plan: If an unexpected danger arises, plan where you'll turn and steer away from the apparatus.


Utilize electrical safety equipment: Working with an electrical panel often necessitates the use of specialized safety equipment. Wearing safety goggles, gloves, protective clothing, and grounding straps is a must.


Undertake a first hazard assessment: As per the National Fire Protection Association, it's an excellent idea to conduct an individual risk assessment for electrical explosions, arcing, or flames (NFPA).


Risky Condition You Need to be Wary About


  • Gaps or an absent grounding mechanism: If an issue like a short circuit occurs, the grounding system provides an easy pathway for electricity to flow to the earth. Letting current flow in this manner assists a circuit breaker in triggering, which prevents shock and fire. A person without a ground path runs the risk of becoming the ground and being electrocuted.


  • Wet surface: If you're standing on a damp surface, don't contact electrical equipment, and be aware of any moisture in the location.


  • Corrosion or rust: Watch for any rust around the panel area and circuit breakers that may not trigger in response to an overcurrent due to internal corrosion. If breakers have these characteristics, replace them. If an electrical panel suffers deterioration badly, you may remove it entirely and place a new one.


  • Evidence of overheating: Watch for any indications of burning or melting inside the panel.


  • Indications of incorrect bonding: Watch out for faulty or damaged wiring and equipment.


  • Discontinue touching or inspecting a panel if you sense a tingle, charge, or shock.


Safeguard the Owner


Protecting the owner during an inspection is of the utmost priority for any electrician. Here's another list of things that you may want to consider:


  • Explain the risks in detail.

  • Allowing the owner to help you remove or install the panel cover is not a good idea.

  • At all times, only the electrician should be touching electrical components.

  • Remind the owner to keep a safe distance during the repair.

  • Maintain your blocking stance between the panel and the owner.

  • Before you cut off the electricity, notify the owner.

  • Report any limits to an inspection.


Other Indications of Danger


Here are other signs of danger that you need to look out for:


  • Limitations to access the panel

  • Sounds of cracking or popping

  • A panel that is sloppy, small, or upside-down

  • Components that have become obsolete

  • Panel apertures that do not have protection

  • Supporting materials that are not appropriate

  • Circuit breakers that aren't the right size

  • Circuits that aren't identifiable

  • Panel box screws with a sharp edge or wires damaged by these screws (Panel box cover screws should have blunt tips to avoid piercing the box's wires.)

  • Pest damage

  • Aluminum branch wiring


It is not easy working as a beginner in your chosen field. It will take many years of trial and error and practice and study to reach a point where you can safely and proficiently do your job. If you still can't find your footing or you need to have a mentor, never hesitate to reach out to a more experienced licensed electrician for a piece of solid advice. 


For more comprehensive product information about access doors and panels, visit https://www.accessdoorsandpanels.com/, where you can find high-quality products from various brands, all sorted in a categorized manner. You can also call us at 1-800-609-2917 if you need additional assistance or if you have other inquiries.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

5 Exterior Wall Materials Used In Building Construction

5 Exterior Wall Materials Used In Building Construction Did you know that exterior wall materials actually play a major role in managing electricity bills? Exterior walls can be finished with various types of exterior walls using an array of materials and techniques. Both the contractor and the owner can acquire significant savings that exterior wall finishes can produce. There are also many options that are available to protect the building from fire, cold, and extreme heat. That’s why the exterior wall finishes must be chosen with many considerations-- the design, investment, the appropriate materials that are airtight and watertight based on the location. To get you started, here are some of the best options for exterior walls that can be included in your next construction project. Separation walls These walls are lightweight, non-load bearing partition that is able to provide fire-rated capacity and can be used between adjacent walls to any construction. These separation walls h...

What You Need to Know Before Upgrading to Central A/C

As the cold season passes and you start to feel the warm season coming, your thoughts can revolve around how you can make your place more comfortable during the coming hot days. Keeping cool might become a challenge, so if you're thinking of upgrading or replacing your air conditioning system, there are some things you need to consider first. Things You Need to Consider Here are considerations needed before upgrading your current air conditioning system to a better one: Avoid DIY To begin with, installing any central air conditioning system is not a do-it-yourself project, and the completion of all the work must be by the hands of a qualified HVAC professional. Incorrectly placed central air conditioning will not only drain your wallet by raising your energy costs. You can also spend all the HVAC replacement costs , apart from being unsafe, increasing the chance of water damage and electrical overloads, leading to catastrophic fires. The first topic you should discuss with an HVAC ...

Things to Know When Cleaning HVAC Ducts

    An essential part of any commercial building is the maintenance of its various elements or components. It is work that requires expert hands and keen attention to detail. Not having one will expose your building to possible hazards or endanger the health of your occupants. It is critical in prolonging the functional lifespan of your building's structure and various systems.        Having a plan and an HVAC maintenance schedule is vital to ensuring the integrity and functionality of your structure, which your team can follow when they do their cleaning tasks. These are the things to know when cleaning your HVAC ducts:       1. Duct Inspections        Your specialist will examine the ducts leading to the registers (supply and return). It is also an excellent initial step for owners who want to view the before and after results. Before they start, your expert may use a camera to inspect your ductwork correctly.  ...