PPE for Electrical Inspections

The most dangerous part of an electrical inspection, and one of the most dangerous parts of the inspection process, is inspecting the interior components of electrical panels. The hazards are electrical shock, electrocution, fire, burns, and eye injury from flying debris. The scope of this section is limited to discussing the common electrical conditions likely to be encountered by inspectors during an inspection that represent a danger primarily to inspectors, rather than to the home’s occupants.

To more thoroughly recognize and understand the dangers and a wide variety of proper and defective conditions, especially to a home’s occupants, inspectors should complete the more comprehensive Electrical Inspection course.

Risk Exposure When Inspecting Electrical Panels

srchough amperages are typically higher in main panels, both main and sub-panels contain energized conductors of potentially lethal amperage. The level of personal risk to an inspector decreases as their level of knowledge increases. In other words, the more you know, the safer you’ll be.

PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for inspecting electrical panels consists of safety glasses, footwear with rubber soles, and gloves. Simply knowing about PPE doesn’t keep inspectors safe. They need to gather the equipment and make sure it’s in the vehicle when heading out for an inspection. At the inspection, the gear doesn’t protect anyone if it’s still in the vehicle. The inspector needs to make a habit of wearing the gear.

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses must be impact-resistant.

Boots

srchough wearing footwear with rubber soles while inspecting electrical components is always a good idea, inspectors who must stand in a wet area to inspect an exterior panel should be wearing boots with rubber soles.

Gloves

Electrical gloves are made of rubber and are rated according to the maximum voltage for which they provide protection. The category most appropriate for home inspectors is 00, which provides protection up to 500 volts AC. The gloves in the photo above are rated 00. Proper fit is important for maintaining dexterity. Leather gloves offer some protection but are not as safe as electrical gloves. Rubber-palmed fabric gloves are the least protective.

Inspectors performing commercial inspections should consider the increased protection provided by other categories:

Class 0: Maximum-use voltage of 1,000 volts AC; proof-tested to 5,000 volts AC.

Class 1: Maximum-use voltage of 7,500 volts AC; proof-tested to 10,000 volts AC.

Class 2: Maximum-use voltage of 17,000 volts AC; proof-tested to 20,000 volts AC.

Class 3: Maximum-use voltage of 26,500 volts AC; proof-tested to 30,000 volts AC.

Class 4: Maximum-use voltage of 36,000 volts AC; proof-tested to 40,000 volts AC.