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July 15, 2019 Kathi Markan

Breaker Panels

In this August edition of our HUD-REAC newsletter, I’d like to discuss breaker panels!

    • 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.
      1. The fact it’s secured is NOT a defect!
      2. If you refuse to open the panel, it can be recorded as Level 3 – Blocked Access
      3. 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.

    • There are many defects that inspectors look for inside the breaker panels:
      1. Burnt Breakers
      2. Evidence of Leaks/Corrosion (Rust)
      3. Missing Breakers/Fuses
        • Use a blank to fill the gap or
        • A dummy breaker (not connected to anything)
      4. Missing Covers (internal cover….not the external cover) – wires have to be exposed as a result of the missing cover!
      5. 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