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Electrical Panels Should be Inspected Carefully for
Dangerous Defects
  John Eriksen, CPI

Five of the most important areas of your home inspection will be:

1. Roof
2. HVAC (AC)
3. Electrical
4. Plumbing
5. Foundation

The first four are the components of the four-point inspections that many insurance companies request. Let's look at just one of those points, one with many potential faults.

By far, the most technical, detailed, and potentially dangerous home component is the electrical system. Insurance companies are concerned with the risks to life and property -- and so should we all! Houses have burned down due to electrical faults of all sorts.

These faults almost always occur at points where wires are connected. The connections can be under wire nuts, wire clamps, circuit breaker connections to the main bus, or anywhere wires (or any type of conductor) are joined to other wires or metal.

For example, when two wires are inserted into a single slot meant for just one wire, then those wires might not be clamped or screwed down completely and securely, and a potential for fire exists. If the panel manufacturer allows for this, then it is OK, but most do not permit this action called "double tapping." It may seem trivial, but there are insurance companies that will not issue insurance if they are aware of this defect in wiring -- because homes have burned due to simple defects such as this.

Other electrical problem areas are where wires are nicked or excessively bent. This can cause resistance and "hot spots." If a wire nick is distinct, arching can occur. Arcs have the potential to start fires. Also, hazards may result directly or indirectly from:

1)  poor planning -- disorganized wiring in the cabinet
2)  poor workmanship by some electricians (don't read or keep up w/ NEC)
3)  defective breakers
4)  wire gauge size that is too small for amperage on circuit
5)  breaker rated too high above circuit load
6)  Corrosion or rust or debris external or internal to breakers
7)  Storing bleach or pool supplies near the cabinet
8)  Contamination in the cabinet (dust, insects, spider webs, paint, sawdust, etc.)

Signs of a faulty electrical system include:

# Dimming / flickering lights

# Frequent blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers

# Burned / charred outlets or switches

# Energized outlets that emit shocks

# Burning smells / Buzzing sounds

Panels below are considered potentially dangerous or known to have a poor safety record:

> Federal Electric     > Federal Pacific Electric     > Federal NOARC
> Federal Pioneer    > FPE    > FPE-Stab-Lok
> Stab-Lok     > Challenger    > Zinsco

The brand of your panel should be on the manufacturer's label on the reverse side of the panel door. For example, Square D, GE, Siemans, are just a few. Do not unscrew or remove the panel cover, also known and the dead front cover. Normally only electricians or home inspectors are qualified to do this to inspect the wiring inside. 

Also, never distract any person while they are handling this dead front cover or inspecting the interior of the electrical panel. According to the website Inspectapedia, distractions cause undue risk to the inspector. For example, a sudden flash from a camera, or a sudden shout or movement, could cause an inspector to lurch, touching an electrically live and dangerous component. It is important for the inspector to learn and practice calm, steady movements and to resist distractions.

A good Valdosta home inspector can detect defects before they become hazardous. Ensure your home inspector takes thermal images of all areas of the electrical panel and has a checklist that covers all the likely trouble spots. If the panel is over 25 years old with dust and debris, or If multiple minor defects are observed, or if any one major defect is noted, then it is a good practice to obtain a professional licensed electrician to further inspect the panel.  Burned insulation - fires can start this way.

How many people are killed by electricity every year?
Electrical hazards cause more than 300 deaths and 4,000 injuries each year among the U.S. workforce. Electrocution is sixth among causes of workplace deaths in America.