Electrical panel defects are common in home inspections. The electrical panel could be considered the brain of your electric system. Panels are important because electricity flows out to outlets such as lights and receptacles from the panel. Panels are dangerous because it quietly allows current to flow through conductors (wires) that appear to be harmless. You should not touch internal components of your panel. Small amounts of electrical current can injure you or worse. In addition, electrical fires can be extremely destructive to property and can be fatal to people. Here, we will discuss 2 electrical panel defects that may be found during a home inspection.
1) Breaker Double Tap
Circuit breakers are designed to shut off current (trip) to a circuit in the event of an overload or short circuit. Most circuit breakers are only rated for 1 conductor. Often, home inspectors find 2 conductors attached to a breaker. This is a defect because the conductors may not make adequate contact resulting in a loose connection. Loose connections are a problem because they can create resistance which heat up and may lead to a fire. By the way, loose connections are one of the common things that may be found by thermal imaging. Also know that some breakers are rated for 2 conductors under a single lug. The double pole breaker in the photo below however was not rated for 2 conductors. You should contact a qualified electrical contractor if your panel has this condition as it may be an improper installation depending on the breaker.
2) Poor Panel Labeling
Oftentimes the panel labeling is deteriorated, not completely filled out, not filled out at all, or missing. In the event a homeowner needs to turn off power to a circuit, they should not have to guess at what breaker it may be. As an example, the photo below shows a label that is deteriorated which makes it difficult to read. Also, a circuit should not be labeled “John’s room”. Who is John? What room was his? As an alternative, the breaker may be labeled, “North bedroom” and that should be easy to identify. Above all, know that qualified electrical contractors can complete a full label for you so you can be confident with your system should you need to operate the circuit breakers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the panel and the distribution system should be proper to avoid injury or damage to the property. Home inspectors inspect for electric panel defects as part of their standard of practice. In addition, they review receptacles and lighting circuits. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has more information on electrical safety should you be interested.
Lask Inspection Group, LLC is a home inspection and commercial property inspection firm that utilizes Certified Professional Inspectors (CPI). We serve Rockford, IL and other Illinois cities such as Loves Park, Machesney Park, Chicago, Naperville, Aurora, Geneva, Dekalb, Sycamore, Elgin, Lake Zurich, Arlington Heights, Crystal Lake, and other Chicago suburbs. If you google, “home inspector near me” then the Lask Inspection Group, LLC may show up for you if you live in Northern Illinois. In addition, Online scheduling is a favorite feature of many of our clients.
