Using a Drill to Remove a Panelboard Cover

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jmoore284@gmail.com

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Is it acceptable to use a battery powered drill to remove/install screws on an energized panelboard? When removing covers to collect data (circuit breaker part numbers, wire sizes, etc.) we often remove these covers while the panel is energized and while wearing the appropriate PPE. Some customers require this to be done using insulated tools. Others allow us to use a standard drill as long as the tool is put away while the cover is removed.
 
jmoore284@gmail.com said:
Is it acceptable ?
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I have no idea (honest man). But if I wanted a correct answer I would contact OSHA and get a ruling from them. I would guess that it going to have a lot to do with voltage potential to ground.

I think I would follow whatever safety procedures that are established by the company you are doing business with. When in Rome do as the Romans do.
 
Back in the old days I known people who drilled live buss with a drill...
Take a look at OSHA my guess is if anything would be after the cover removal, but if inouse said use manual then manually it is.
 
We use either a cordless drill (Phillips) or impact gun (3/8" socket for hex head screws) depending on the fastener type.
 
Right now we are using insulated, 100V rated screwdrivers. Given that we are removing covers on 20-30 panels a day this is very time consuming. I've seen other contractors use drills or impact guns and am curious if this is considered safe. The best insulated electric screwdriver I can find is around $300. I'm debating purchasing it or a standard cordless drill.
 
jmoore284@gmail.com said:
Right now we are using insulated, 100V rated screwdrivers. Given that we are removing covers on 20-30 panels a day this is very time consuming. I've seen other contractors use drills or impact guns and am curious if this is considered safe. The best insulated electric screwdriver I can find is around $300. I'm debating purchasing it or a standard cordless drill.
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100v doesn’t do you much good...
 
What is the restricted boundary distance when the cover is on and when it is removed?

If removing the covers, solely for data collection, is considered as energized work how is that task even allowed under NFPA70E?
 
jmoore284@gmail.com said:
Some customers require this to be done using insulated tools. Others allow us to use a standard drill as long as the tool is put away while the cover is removed.
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Put away where? Ok, I have been known to put in the bottom of the panel. :angel:


Dennis Alwon said:
I believe cordless drills are double insulated anyway
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First by the plastic housing and second by your rubber soles. Seriously, never heard of cordless tools being double insulated, only corded.

I see no problem with removing panel cover screws with a cordless screw gun or drill. What you do after you get the cover off might be a problem.

-Hal
 
hbiss said:
I see no problem with removing panel cover screws with a cordless screw gun or drill. What you do after you get the cover off might be a problem.

-Hal
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Agree. Also more likely to have something happen while your're removing the panel after the screws are out (breaker falls off rail, cover accidentally contacts a conductor, etc). Arguably, insulated gloves might help but then you better make sure you're wearing your steel toes when you drop the panel. :eek:hmy:
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I believe cordless drills are double insulated anyway
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they may say double insulated, but be warned...if you have the habit of touching the forward metal housing on a impact while the bit is hitting anything- sure. the motor and battery will be fine. but your forearm on the side of the can, well...

OP-most info needed is on the dead front, except maybe the panel can...
 
jmoore284@gmail.com said:
Right now we are using insulated, 100V rated screwdrivers. Given that we are removing covers on 20-30 panels a day this is very time consuming. I've seen other contractors use drills or impact guns and am curious if this is considered safe. The best insulated electric screwdriver I can find is around $300. I'm debating purchasing it or a standard cordless drill.
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What do you perceive as unsafe about using an electric tool over a screw driver?
 
jmoore284@gmail.com said:
Is it acceptable to use a battery powered drill to remove/install screws on an energized panelboard? When removing covers to collect data (circuit breaker part numbers, wire sizes, etc.) we often remove these covers while the panel is energized and while wearing the appropriate PPE. Some customers require this to be done using insulated tools. Others allow us to use a standard drill as long as the tool is put away while the cover is removed.
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I don't know why this would be a problem. The fact that the screwdriver is electric is irrelevant; the driver's power source isn't connected electrically to the power in the panel.
 
ggunn said:
I don't know why this would be a problem. The fact that the screwdriver is electric is irrelevant; the driver's power source isn't connected electrically to the power in the panel.
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Yes, but see rambojoe's post above. Ostensibly if he uses a 1000V insulated screwdriver, he is somewhat protected from an accident involving the screwdriver slipping and hitting a live part. Is he if that screwdriver tip is in the chuck of a cordless drill motor?

This thread made me wonder about the battery powered tools and insulation/isolation so I looked around earlier today. I can find zero information on their having any isolation/insulation value. Maybe everyone ASSUMES they are isolated because there is no cord and the main body is plastic, but are they in the same way a 1000V rated hand tool is? I'm not saying they aren't, I'm just saying they don't say anything one way or the other. Heck, I even looked at some portable battery powered cable cutters, even THEY had no info on insulation isolation and one would think THAT might be an issue, no? Sure, we can ASSUME again that someone would know better than to use this to cut a live cable. But A) the manual doesn't tell you NOT to do that and B) there is nothing stating what amount of insulation/isolation it would provide if you were only touching the plastic parts.

I also could not find anything in OSHA about battery powered portable power tool safety (also cross checked it as "cordless" and a couple of other similar terms).
 
Jraef said:
Yes, but see rambojoe's post above. Ostensibly if he uses a 1000V insulated screwdriver, he is somewhat protected from an accident involving the screwdriver slipping and hitting a live part. Is he if that screwdriver tip is in the chuck of a cordless drill motor?

...
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If he has a drill chuck that can accommodate the entire 1000v screwdriver handle, then yes, he is. :thumbsup::lol:
 
jmoore284@gmail.com said:
Right now we are using insulated, 100V rated screwdrivers. Given that we are removing covers on 20-30 panels a day this is very time consuming. I've seen other contractors use drills or impact guns and am curious if this is considered safe. The best insulated electric screwdriver I can find is around $300. I'm debating purchasing it or a standard cordless drill.
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Before you take the screws out, it ought to be safe to touch exposed metal parts with your bare fingers. Otherwise it's not safe for any poor schlob not doing any kind of 'work.' Measure for voltage to ground first if you want to be extra sure.

Now when it comes to putting the screws back in, at which point they might pierce insulation on wires that are possibly now out of place after your inspection, that's where you might want the insulated tool...
 
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