It’s understandable if you overlook your electrical panel when it’s time to clean your home for spring. But cleaning and maintaining the electrical panel is one way to make sure this indispensable part of your home operates safely. Here are some things you can do to clean and maintain it.
Safety First
Before cleaning your electrical panel, you need to turn off the power. This means turning off the main switch, not just the power to individual appliances or fixtures in the house. The main switch may be at the very top of the electrical panel. When this is off, you can open up your electrical panel to clean it without a high risk of a fire or electrocution. If you’re ever nervous about working on your electrical panel, ask a professional electrician for help.
Still, some areas of your electrical panel stay live even when you turn off the main switch. These include the cables that come from the meter, the meter socket and the main breaker’s sub feed and input side lugs. These are the wires that bring in energy from your power company. Solar components may also remain live even after the main switch is off. Damaged breakers may also still be hot. Again, call in an electrician if you’re uncertain about any of this.
Remember to wear rubber gloves and safety glasses if you’re going to spring clean your electrical panel. You should also have a spotter standing by just in case.
Tools to Use
After you’ve turned off the main switch, you can gather the tools you’ll need to clean your electrical panel.
- Screwdriver
- Old toothbrush
- Flashlight
- Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
- Can of air
- Dry, lint-free cloth
Cleaning the Electrical Panel
Before you clean the panel, make sure that the area around it is clutter-free. Experts recommend a clearance of at least 3 feet. Then check the breakers for damage and corrosion. This includes rust, wear and scorch marks. Listen for buzzing or humming, and take note of any frayed wires. Carefully check for circuits that are still hot. If you hear buzzing, or you’ve found a hot circuit, call an electrician. Use a cloth, old toothbrush or the brush attachment of the vacuum to get rid of dirt and dust. Never use water or another fluid to clean your electric panel.
After cleaning, make sure the breakers are labeled, and test them by switching them on and then switching them off. If the area or appliance attached to them doesn’t work the way it should, call a professional. For peace of mind about the condition of your electrical panel, have a licensed electrician check it every few years as a matter of course. If you have concerns or require lighting services, contact Paxton Electric in Rochester, MN.
