Replacing the Dead Front

Replacing the Dead Front

In replacing the dead front or panel cover, inspectors will confront the same hazards as in removing the cover. In addition, if proper screws that are blunt have been replaced by pointed screws, the point of a screw may penetrate the insulation of a conductor, connecting the energized wire to a grounded component, such as the metal panel. This can cause an explosive short circuit. This risk is increased when an overly long screw is used.

srchough some inspectors carry proper replacement screws, panels made by different manufacturers do not all use the same types of screws.

Some panel types have dead fronts that are inserted instead of bolted to the face of the enclosure. These typically slide into slots located at the top of the enclosure and have one or two screws at the bottom.