Thread: Commercial Deadfront

Do commercial property inspectors remove deadfront covers as do residential inspectors? A large building could have twenty or more panels, many at 460V.

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It depends on the building and the client's expectations.
No, you would not normally remove all the deadfronts in a large complex. A business with 20 little old rental cabins, yes, open them all and make a list of all the screwups. If there is a suspicion of a problem in a panel, sure. If there is any concern with the larger service panels, it is normal to call for a professional to do further investigation.

This is something you should establish when you submit your estimate. You do a pre-inspection and decide what you will do for how much.

Originally Posted by Garrett Merrick

Do commercial property inspectors remove deadfront covers as do residential inspectors? A large building could have twenty or more panels, many at 460V.

Hello Garrett,

Panel covers of energized equipment should not be removed (especially 277/480 volt) with a few exceptions.

NFPA 70-E applies and appropriate PPE is required if the equipment is opened while energized.

ARC flash / ARC blast hazards are very real.

Stay safe.

Sincerely,

Corey

deadfront; is it electric panel cover?


Is it dangous to remove a 600 V panel cover? otherwise, how can we find the fuse/breakers match, burn, 2 taps?

Originally Posted by Peter Louis

deadfront; is it electric panel cover?


Is it dangous to remove a 600 V panel cover? otherwise, how can we find the fuse/breakers match, burn, 2 taps?

Hi Peter,

The term "deadfront" is sometimes used to describe an electrical panel cover.

It is extremely dangerous to open (remove panel covers) 600 V panels. If you are inspecting facilities with 600 volt (or larger) equipment, a very qualified electrician is needed. A home inspector poking around those voltages has no business doing that and is putting himself and others at serious risk.

All inspectors should be familar with NFPA 70-E. It is also a good idea to take a class (you can do it on-line) pertaining to 70-E and arc flash training.

Sincerely,

Corey

Thank you Coery

If you are doing those types of buildings, there should be enough gravy in your inspection fee to bring a licensed sparky with you to evaluate such items. I've done it when I've had to but do not make it a practice. Larger stuff like that I just schedule my licensed sparky to come along and he looks at all the electrical while I do the building. Same goes for other technical items such as elevators, etc.

Thanks, guys. Good advice.

This property inspection is not an exhaustive inspection of the structure, systems, or components. The inspection may not reveal all deficiencies.