In this August edition of our HUD-REAC newsletter, I’d like to discuss breaker panels!
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- A breaker shuts off a component (like a kitchen stove or outlets) – whereas a disconnect will shut off an area or system (like a service disconnect at the meter that shuts off the entire unit or an HVAC disconnect).
- If the breaker panel is secured (locked, screwed shut) at the time of inspection – you MUST make the panel accessible to the inspector.
- The fact it’s secured is NOT a defect!
- If you refuse to open the panel, it can be recorded as Level 3 – Blocked Access
- Foreign materials (caulk, foam, screws) in the panel are a defect. The only acceptable materials allowed are UL rated such as blanks for breaker ports.
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- There are many defects that inspectors look for inside the breaker panels:
- Burnt Breakers
- Evidence of Leaks/Corrosion (Rust)
- Missing Breakers/Fuses
- Use a blank to fill the gap or
- A dummy breaker (not connected to anything)
- Missing Covers (internal cover….not the external cover) – wires have to be exposed as a result of the missing cover!
- Openings over ¼ inch (includes missing knockouts under or on the side of the panel)
- ¼ inch is larger than you may think – stack 4 pennies and that is exactly ¼ inch.
- Do NOT put the pennies in an electric panel!
- If your breaker panel is abandoned, all capped wires (abandoned or otherwise), bare wires, un-insulated connectors, or open terminal connections visible in an open junction box/pass-through MUST be properly enclosed in a SECURED junction box
- There are many defects that inspectors look for inside the breaker panels: