Inspection Training

Electrical Main Disconnect

While the inspector is at the electrical panel it is important to check for the presence of the main electrical shut off. If there is no shut off present it should be put in the report as a defect if it takes more than 6 hand movements to shut down all of the breakers in the panel. It needs to be rated for at least 100 amp service to be considered proper for a regular sized home. Please review the entire procedure below.

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NACHI SOP

 

International Standards of Practice for Performing a General Home Inspection

 

Electrical

 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

G. The main service disconnect.

 

II. The inspector shall describe:

A. The main service disconnect’s amperage rating.

 

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

N/A

 

IV. The inspector is not required to:

B. Operate electrical systems that are shut down.
G. Measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service equipment, if not visibly labeled.

 

Axium SOP Differences

Axium Requires: Same as NACHI Standards of Practice

 

Tools Needed

No tools required to inspect the Main Disconnect.

 

Procedure

  • The inspector will check the main disconnect to the home and comment on the service amperage to the home. There is one picture for this section and you want to make sure that you can see the service amperage amount, if possible.

 

Common Defects

  • No main disconnect is present and it takes more than 6 hand movements to shut off power to all breakers in the main electrical panel.
  • Service amperage to the home being less than 100 Amps.

 

Common Mistakes

  • Not checking the amount of service amperage supplied to the home.
  • Not using the “Repair/Replace” if there is no main disconnect and it takes more than 6 hand movements to shut down power to the home.

 

Report / Software

IN
  • The main electrical disconnect was rated at [word 1]. The function of the main disconnect was provided by a two-pole circuit breaker mounted in the main distribution panel. The breaker appeared to be in good condition, although it was not tested during this inspection.
  • 100 Amps
  • 125 Amps
  • 150 Amps
  • 175 Amps
  • 200 Amps
  • 90 Amps

NI
  • NI Condo: The main electric disconnect is typically located on the exterior of building next to the electric meter and was not located or inspected as part of the condo inspection.

NP
  • The main electrical distribution panel did not have a main disconnect. This is a common configuration in older electrical distribution panels, as well as in condominiums and townhomes.

RR
  • The main electrical distribution panel did not have a main disconnect. More than 6 hand movements were required to shut off power to all breakers in the main electrical panel. Although homes are only required to comply with codes that were in effect at the time they were originally constructed, this condition would not meet modern safety requirements. The inspector recommends that a main disconnect be installed by a qualified electrical contractor.

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