Helpful Tip for Panel Covers

[480sparky]

Not sure where to post this, so I'll put it here since making sure a cover is on an energized panel is 'safety'.

If you have a panel cover you need to constantly remove and replace, don't use the screws that come with it. Keep the original panel screws in a safe place.

Instead, take some short (3/4" or so) machine screws, nuts and wing nuts.

Install the screw and nut as shown here:

Then take your panel cover, place it over the screws,

and install a wing nut.

I use 8-32s for resi and most commercial panels. Large switchgear may need ?-20. No need to pull out a screwdriver or drill-driver... you can do this by hand.

The whole thing will cost less than $5 ($10 for larger panels), but easily save you that much in labor on the first job. When you?re done working in the panel and are ready to button it up for the last time, remove the hardware and drop it in your toolbox for the next job.

 

[electricalperson]

your an incredible genius

 

[peter d]

Great idea.

 

[480sparky]

your an incredible genius

Too bad it's not my idea. I heard it elsewhere a long time ago.

 

[stickboy1375]

I just install 2 of the 6 panel screws myself...:grin:

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Too bad it's not my idea. I heard it elsewhere a long time ago.

There goes your 2 cents for this post.


It is a good idea and it is good that you passed it on.
Where were you 25 years ago.


I think you should pass this idea along to some of the manufacturers.

 

[zog]

Very clever idea, thanks for sharing.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I don't think that is UL listed. You must use the screws that came with the panel. :grin:



Just kidding-- I figured someone would seriously shout that out sooner or later.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

On second thought-- how is that legal if it is leaving a gap on the panel cover. The cover would not be fitting tight to the panel. ????

 

[brian john]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't think that is UL listed. You must use the screws that came with the panel.

I BLOODY WELL KNEW THIS WAS COMING, JUST WAS NOT SURE WHO WOULD POST IT. EVEN IN JEST...

And yes I know my caps lock in on I AM YELLING

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I BLOODY WELL KNEW THIS WAS COMING, JUST WAS NOT SURE WHO WOULD POST IT. EVEN IN JEST...

And yes I know my caps lock in on I AM YELLING

you scare me when you talk like that. :grin:

 

[emahler]

we use these, where allowed (some towns/cities don't let you use them)

 

[infinity]

On second thought-- how is that legal if it is leaving a gap on the panel cover. The cover would not be fitting tight to the panel. ????

This is just a temporary covering of the panel. The permanent covering uses the standard provided screws.

When you?re done working in the panel and are ready to button it up for the last time, remove the hardware and drop it in your toolbox for the next job.

 

[480sparky]

There goes your 2 cents for this post.

Credit will be issued on next months' statement.

I don't think that is UL listed. You must use the screws that came with the panel. :grin:

It is... can't you see the UL mark on the hardware?

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I thought about posting the UL concerns and the gap of the cover...thanks Dennis for doing it first.:grin:

Brian I sent over some blood pressure meds.


The idea of what can be done is very good and I still think it should be presented to the manufacturers.

Otherwise Dennis has touched on an issue that I believe an inspector would concern himself with.

 

[LarryFine]

Well, I don't like it, not one bit! I can't use my electric driver with wingnuts! Bah!


Wait, yes, I can! I have a Gator-grip socket! And they make wingnut sockets, too!


Yes, we're saved! Hallellujah! :grin:

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I thought about posting the UL concerns and the gap of the cover...thanks Dennis for doing it first.:grin:

Brian I sent over some blood pressure meds.


The idea of what can be done is very good and I still think it should be presented to the manufacturers.

Otherwise Dennis has touched on an issue that I believe an inspector would concern himself with.

I must admit that as I began to read your post I was expecting the response I gave. I was surprised when you gave an Okay. :wink:

 

[480sparky]

Wait, yes, I can! I have a Gator-grip socket! And they make wingnut sockets, too!

You mean one of these?:

 

[don_resqcapt19]

emahler,
Those covers are not permitted by OSHA.
Don

 

[George Stolz]

Don, why not?