Can property inspectors access electrical panels in your property

 

Yes!

The electrical panels on your property can be tested by inspectors. It is essential to examine the electrical panel or panel board conditions on your property. Commercial property inspection . Professional home inspectors should have a thorough understanding of the International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties. This will allow them to critically evaluate the safety of your electrical panels.

Let’s now understand why or not a Home Inspector inspects your property’s electrical panels.

What would a Home Inspector do if they opened an electrical panel?

It is best to inspect a panel board by opening it and looking at the following:

Service entrance connections
This is where the service wires are connected to the main panel.

Service disconnect breaker -
To cut off all power from the service panel, the main service breaker is used.

Panel board components-
This section includes the bus, neutral and grounding bars.

Fuses — A fuse, or breaker, is used to link the branch circuit wiring.

Bonding — A process where other metallic systems are connected to the grounding electrode system.

Wiring connects: There are outlets, wiring lights, and mechanical breakers.

The professional snagging inspector You can inspect the electrical panels visually by opening them. They inspect the panels for damaged wires, burnt signs, rust, double-tapped wiring and other improper connections.

The home inspector also mentions any issues that were found in the inspection report. The inspector recommends that you seek immediate advice from an electrician licensed in your area.

To work on an electrical panel, only licensed electricians are allowed.

What is the point of a Home Inspector examining your electrical panel if it is not necessary?

These are the reasons why a home inspector will not inspect your electrical panel.

• There is no access to the panel.
• It is important to note that if the electrical panel has been sealed, it should not be removed as it could cause property damage.
• Safety concerns

There might be instances when the panel doesn’t open during inspection. There might be multiple obstructions, such as furniture or equipment that block the electrical panel from opening. This can make it impossible to inspect. A minimum of 3 feet should be allowed for an electrical panel. However, older homes may not have these conveniences.

Sometimes, the panel box may be overpainted. This can cause the panel to seal the opening or cover of the electric panel. These are some of the reasons an electric panel won’t close, and will result in a failed panel inspection.

Home inspectors are prevented from opening the panel because of safety concerns
Cover of Live Dead Front Cover :
To determine if there is any electrical current in the front cover of an electrical panel box, every home inspector uses a circuit tester. This problem can only occur if any live wire touches the cover.

No main service panel:
Many panels do not have service disconnects. The main service disconnection allows the home inspector to cut off all power to the branch wiring and breakers, which allows him to safely remove the panel cover for inspection. This doesn’t necessarily mean that a home inspector will not inspect a live panel box. However, it can be considered to be a safety issue.

Water presence or rust
The inspector will recommend that water and rust be removed from the area around the panel. This could pose a danger to your life.

A home inspector should open the panel cover to inspect the electrical panel visually. Ask your hired inspector why the panel isn’t being opened.

A Home inspector You might also want to click pictures of the panel in order to add them into the report.

GTA inspectors is dedicated to meeting the inspection needs of our clients with determination and dedication. We will make your investment a success.