Inspecting Electrical Panels
In this article we look at key safety equipment, procedures when inspecting electrical panels. We also share some of our own procedures developed from over 1000 completed inspections.
For an individual removing his/her first cover or taking a look inside an electrical panel, it can be a little daunting as well as presenting multiple safety risks. Thankfully we have inspected our fair share of main switchboards, distribution boards, meter panels, mechanical distribution boards and feel we can provide some tips and advice on inspecting electrical panels safely.
For the purpose of this post we are assuming that the inspection is to occur on a "live electrical panel" that may require a routine maintenance inspection or thermal/infrared scanning completed.
Licensed Electrician: We recommend when inspecting electrical panels a licensed electrician should be the only person that conducts the physical inspection.
Conduct Risk Assessment & SWMS: At times completing the necessary safety documentation may seem a task in itself, but it may save your life one day. Individual electrical panels present different risks, therefore conducting a risk assessment before conducting any inspection may highlight key risks that exist.
Stand By Observer: When inspecting electrical panels we always ensure that the licensed electrician is accompanied by a safety stand by observer. As mentioned the switchboard is live so in the event an unforeseen accident occurs the safety observer can rescue the individual conducting the inspection.
Electrical Rescue Kit: The rescue kit is to accompany the stand by observer and aid in any rescue that may need to take place. This is a key piece of safety equipment and is written into most SWMS's and Risk Assessments. The electrical rescue kit we use includes the following equipment:
Emergency isolation sign
LV Rescue Hook.
Insulated gloves rated for 1000V
Fire Blanket
Torch
Multi trauma dressing, Thermal accident shock blanket, CPR face mask
To check out the electrical rescue kit CLICK HERE.
First Aid Trained: We recommend that both the inspector and standby observer when inspecting electrical panels be first aid & CPR trained. We believe in having both individuals trained in the event of an emergency occurring to one or the other.
The basic process we use to remove covers, inspect the electrical panel and re-instate the removed covers when inspecting electrical panels is listed below. Please note these are basic process we use, you may choose to add or remove items, it should always be based on the individual risk assessment conducted.
Cover Removal:
Check for trip hazards
Check for foreign objects on top of the cover (Screws etc.) that may fall into the live switchboard when removing the cover.
Ensure that no snags exists (lock out tags etc.) before starting the cover removal.
Safety observer with correct equipment ready to go
If two covers exist one above the other, start with the top cover followed by the bottom.
Remove fixings and slowly remover cover towards yourself keeping an eye on the circuit breaker switch positions, if installed, so as to not accidentally actuate.
Place the cover away from the immediate inspection zone to avoid a trip hazard.
Inspecting Electrical Panel:
During the inspection, physical entry into the electrical panel is prohibited.
If entering the electrical panel is required to either test or take a reading then the inspector must were the appropriate insulated gloves for protection.
If you are after a checklist on certain items you should be looking at when inspecting electrical panels CLICK HERE to check out our condition and compliance checklists for distribution boards and main switchboards. These have been developed from over 1000 inspections.
Cover Re-instated:
Check for trip hazards
Ensure that no snags exists (lock out tags etc.) before re-instating the cover.
Safety observer with correct equipment ready to go
If two covers exist one above the other, start with the bottom cover this time followed by the top.
Slowly re-instate the cover keeping an eye on the circuit breaker switch positions, if installed, so as to not accidentally actuate. NOTE: If deemed that re-instating the cover after the inspection presents a risk that cannot be mitigated we leave the cover off, inform the building management or owner and ensure the electrical panel is not accessible until the cover is re-instated. Usually in this instance, the cover is re-instated out of hours when we can isolate the associated electrical panel.
We hope this post has provided a few tips and and advice when your next inspecting electrical panels. Please feel free to share, comment or ask any questions as any helpful advice is welcomed.
