Breaker Panel Checklist

Annual Breaker Panel Maintenance 31 Point Checklist


John Moore Electricians use the following checklist to accurately assess your breaker panel. We encourage our homeowners to accompany our electricians while they inspect the home so you can learn what to look for.
Is the enclosure secured to the structure?
Is it grounded properly?
Properly-sized feeder wire to main breaker?
Copper or aluminum circuits?
Is Noalax needed for dissimilar metals?
Branch circuits wired correctly to the over current protection breaker?
Are the A/C circuits sized correctly to the name plate rating of the unit?
Are there any signs of over-heating to the wires? (Discoloration, bubbles, melting)
Is the panel enclosure bonded to the ground bar?
Are the grounds and neutrals properly terminated?
Is there an additional ground bar? If so, is it bonded properly?
Is anything in the panel double-lugged?
Are all the connections tight?
Is there a main breaker?
Is the panel labeled?
Is there a ground bushing?
Are all the connections to the panel good and to-code?
Are the branch circuits protected at the point of entry into the panel?
Are there any un-used openings?
If present, do the arc fault and GFCI breakers test correctly?
Are there any broken mounting pieces on the panel and breakers?
Are the bus bars free of foreign materials? (Paint, plaster, cleaners, abrasives, corrosive residues)
Are there any parts that may adversely affect safe operation or mechanical integrity of equipment?
Does the enclosure close and latch properly?
Are all breakers UL listed for MFG of the panel?
Is there a dead-front?
Is the meter can proper for the correct power-supplying company?
Is the overhead or underground riser installed and secured correctly, with proper clearances?
Do the overhead lines have proper clearances for the yard, driveway, structures, trees, pools, etc.?
Do the overhead lines have cracks or arc marks in them? Are they safe?
Is the underground riser safe?
Are there Code Violations?

John Moore Electricians use the following checklist to accurately assess your breaker panel. We encourage our homeowners to accompany our electricians while they inspect the home so you can learn what to look for.

  • Good is the most cost-effective solution that only addresses the immediate problems at hand, but may not be the most beneficial long-term solution.
  • Better helps solve the problem and will be more effective than than the good solution.
  • The Best option is the best long-term solution to completely improve your home’s electrical system including your breaker panel.