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  1. #1
    Philippe Heller's Avatar
    Philippe Heller Guest

    Default Tool to safely inspect older panels

    Here's a tool we use to inspect older electric panels. It safely holds the cover open so that my guys don't have to hold it, or worse rest the cover on their heads. Their hands are free to remove the dead front. We got it from the manufacturer at Panel Pal - Inspector and electrician tools

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Tool to safely inspect older panels

    My first thought was ... YIKES! ... Is that *metal*?

    Confirmed when I clicked on the link: "Annodized Aluminum" ... YIKES!

    Last thing I would want to do it use a PIECE OF METAL to prop the cover up like that. PLASTIC - okay, I could go with that.

    I can just imagine installing that, removing the dead front cover, looking around, bumping the cover with your head/hat, which then causes that METAL to drop down INTO the LIVE panelboard ... YIKES!

    (I know, they did not spell "anodized" correctly.)

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  3. #3

    Default Re: Tool to safely inspect older panels

    I've always used my head.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    2,365

    Default Re: Tool to safely inspect older panels

    The whole idea of making panels out of metal has always confused me a bit. It sure seems like a nice piece of hard non-conductive plastic would do the trick. I can understand 100 years ago when it's all there was but today there's plastic everything... why not electric panels?


  5. #5

    Default Re: Tool to safely inspect older panels

    why not electric panels?
    Bonding raceways would be interesting.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Rockwall Texas
    Posts
    4,521

    Default Re: Tool to safely inspect older panels

    I've always used a paint stick rod to hold up the panel. I rest one end in a brick mortar joint and place the other end at the end of the panel cover.

    Stucco or EIFS, I used the old noggin as most guys if the panel won't stay up on its own.

    rick


  7. #7
    Ron Bibler's Avatar
    Ron Bibler Guest

    Default Re: Tool to safely inspect older panels

    I always just ask the agent or buyer to hold it open for me

    Best

    Ron


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Knoxville, TN
    Posts
    2,560

    Default Re: Tool to safely inspect older panels

    I yank the cover off and throw it in the bushes.


  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fuquay Varina, NC
    Posts
    1,074

    Default Re: Tool to safely inspect older panels

    I yank the cover off and throw it in the bushes.
    ROFL

    Mike Schulz License 393
    Affordable Home Inspections
    www.houseinspections.com

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: Tool to safely inspect older panels

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack Feldmann View Post
    I yank the cover off and throw it in the bushes.
    You could use a Panel Pal to help pry those hinges loose.


  11. #11
    Philippe Heller's Avatar
    Philippe Heller Guest

    Default Re: Tool to safely inspect older panels

    I sent the company feedback from what was posted here. They are now insulating the Panel Pal. It was a popular request. I've asked for an exchange which I will get. I still love it and I got it for all of my inspectors. In my opinion, it is the best safety tool for inspectors since the voltage detector.


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