Originally Posted by
Nick Ostrowski
Sheryl, when you say the panel doors would not open, are you saying the hinged cover would not open or your could not get the cover off the panel box to inspect the interior (ie - stripped screws, screws would not back out)?
It's not uncommon to get rattled by some installations when you first get started inspecting but this may be a good sign that some additional electrical training may be needed to raise your knowledge base.
Originally Posted by
wayne soper
Doesn't get a whole lot better than that and many MUCH worse. Nick's right, study and get those covers off. Bring a cordless until your screwdriver technique is faster. Your lucky they weren't all standing there watching. You'll feel much more confused after your first 1000 so relax. With knowledge comes expectation, with expectation comes letdowns and with letdowns, here comes the broker from the swing set in the front yard.
[quote=Jerry Peck;18484]I suspect that is what she is saying.
This would be because those typically have an internal locking mechanism which 'locks' the hinged cover closed while the switching mechanism inside is 'on'. It releases when the handle is pulled to 'off'.
A safety feature to help protect workers from working on those while energized (except for the line side).
That is exactly what I am talking about, Jerry. It was the "hinged doors" to the panels that would not open. There was a missing safety hinge on each one. I tried to jimmy it but neither would budge. At that point, I showed my customer and of course noted this in my report to have it evaluated by a professional. (My customer said her son-in-law is an electrician, so he is about to have fun!
) Anyway, this is indeed a single family residence, but it is apparant that someone did some kind of welding/body shop/something in the basement where these panels are located. The door to the right is metal and has a key lock.
All in all, it wasn't too bad. Yes, I sure do need to work on my terminology. Hopefully things will get better as I go along. Thanks again for the advice.