How to Inspect an Electrical Panel

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:InspectElectricalPanel
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How to Inspect an Electrical Panel

Introduction

If you are buying a home, you should inspect the electrical panel from which electricity flows into the house. The electrical panel in older homes may not eet today's electrical code standards. If you have lived in an aged home, check the electrical panel for problems that indicate the need to update.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Check the box to see whether it is properly connected to the wall and also if it is obstructed in some way. Look for interior rust and whether the cover is loose or is not on the panel.
2

Step Two

Examine the size of service and feeder cables and determine the composition of their material. See if they are compatible with the main disconnects that shut off power.
3

Step Three

Inspect the wires going to circuit breakers or fuses and determine whether the current rating, or ampacity, is the right one for each breaker or fuse.
4

Step Four

Determine that the correct size of fuse is screwed into each slot. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating may stop your fuse from blowing, but it creates a heavier load on the wiring and is a safety hazard.
5

Step Five

Find the service grounding conductor in the electrical panel. Be sure it is connected properly to a metal water pipe (not gas) or to a grounding rod.
6

Step Six

Look inside the electrical panel or inside the cover for the maximum voltage and ampacity ratings for the panel. Don't exceed them.

Tips & Warnings

  • If your fuses have been blowing and you are tempted to install fuses with higher amperage ratings, it's time to upgrade your electrical system.
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