Main and Distribution Panels Condition

A main panel is the breaker panel that is the primary connection of electricity to the home and it controls electrical distribution to the home. It houses the main breaker which allow for full electrical shut off to the property. Additionally, it houses breakers which controls electrical distribution to components in the property such as HVAC systems, water heaters, outlets, switches, etc

A distribution or subpanel is a smaller service panel that is powered by a breaker in the main panel and it distributes power to a specific area of the property.

Cover missing: The panel cover missing. This exposes live electrical wires to contact. Recommend replace.

Cover can not be removed: The access to the panel is blocked or the cover could not be removed. Unable to access or evaluate the electrical panel. No statement can be made about the underlying material and/or connections. Recommend removing and reinspecting.

Arcing or burns in the panel: There is damage to the insulation or indications of arcs/burns inside the panel box. Recommend further evaluation.

Panel amperage is low: The panel amperage is lower than would be installed with current standards. Depending on the usage, the electrical system may not be able to meet the demands of a modern house. Recommend the electrical system be evaluated by a licensed electrician.

Panel is full: The electrical system is full and may need to be upgraded to meet with the demands of a modern house. Recommend consulting with a licensed electrician to determine if upgrading is necessary.

Rule of 6 throws: There is no visible or marked main breaker observed in the electrical panel. Current standards require it to take no more than six switch-throws to shut off all the power to a home. The main breaker may be located elsewhere. Recommend further evaluation and repair as needed. 

Rust on the panel: There is exterior surface rust present on the electrical panel. Recommend repair or possibly replacing.

Federal Pacific: This house is equipped with a Federal Pacific labeled main and/or sub-electrical panel. There is significant information that suggests that panels and circuit breakers of this manufacturer have a high rate of failure. The failures are not readily visible or apparent without dismantling the panel box which is beyond the scope of inspection. Recommend Federal Pacific manufactured panel boxes be evaluated by a qualified electrician. https://homeinspectioninsider.com/federal-pacific-breaker-panels-safe-dangers-cost-replace/

Zinsco or GTE-Sylvania: This house is equipped with a Zinsco or GTE-Sylvania labeled main and/or sub-electrical panel. There is significant information that suggests that panels and circuit breakers of this manufacturer have a high rate of failure. The failures are not readily visible or apparent without dismantling the panel box which is beyond the scope of inspection. Recommend Zinsco or GTE-Sylvania manufactured panel boxes be evaluated by a qualified electrician. https://homeinspectioninsider.com/zinsco-electrical-panels-safe-dangers-cost-replace/

Double tap - Main entry: There is double tapping observed at the main entry. Recommend licensed electrician evaluate an make the necessary repairs.

Excessive debris in the interior of the panel: There is excessive debris found inside of the electrical panel. Recommend further evaluation and proper removal of the items.

Energy monitoring system - double tap: There is more than one wire installed into the main breaker. This is a condition commonly know as double tapping. The installation of the wires is part of an energy monitoring system. Current standards require one wire per breaker, however, manufacture installation of the energy  monitoring system generally require this style of installation. Recommend referring to manufacture specifications to ensure the installation is correct or contact an electrician to verify.

Audible buzzing in the panel: There is an audible buzzing sound heard in the electrical panel. Recommend an electrician evaluate and correct.

Paint overspray on the interior of the panel: There is some paint overspray observed on the wiring, breakers, or busbar. Recommend an electrician evaluate and correct as needed.

Access restriction: Access to the main or subpanel is restricted or difficult to access. Current standards require direct clearance to the electrical panel.

Cover does not close correctly/hardware loose: The electrical panel cover does not close, the hardware is loose, or there are gaps at the edges. Recommend sealing to help prevent accidental contact with electrical components.

Panel is loose: The electrical panel is not secure. Recommend repair

Cover is loose: The electrical panel cover is loose and not secure. Recommend repair. 

Sub panel feed: The service rating of the breaker and the size of the installed wiring/feed may not be compatible. Recommend an electrician evaluate and repair.

Indications of overheating: There are indications of overheating inside the panel box. Recommend an electrician evaluate and correct as needed.