Electrical Panel Inspection

An electrical panel is a cabinet that distributes electricity to the systems used within a facility, containing components such as electric meters, capacitors, power contactors, measuring instruments, power relays, control relays, circuit breakers, and electrical fuses.

Electrical panels are among the most critical elements ensuring the safety and control of electrical systems within a facility. They bring together the essential components that ensure both the safe operation of all electrically powered equipment and the overall electrical infrastructure.

Various inspection methods are used for panel measurements. For example, in thermographic inspection, thermal imaging cameras are used to detect temperature anomalies in electrical panels and installations. In power quality measurement, harmonics and energy quality parameters are evaluated.

Electrical inspections and electrical panel examinations cover a wide range of tests and evaluations from the point where electricity enters the building to all distribution points. The goal of these inspections is to minimize potential risks such as explosions or fires and to identify points that affect energy efficiency. During inspections, factors such as the panel’s location, physical condition, insulation properties, short-circuit resistance, effectiveness of protective devices, mechanical functionality, and temperature rise are assessed.

Routine checks such as cable inspection, insulation testing, and the verification of protective measures must be performed regularly for safety. However, compliance tests that include all the above inspection points are essential to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the facility.

According to the Regulation on Health and Safety Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment, prepared based on the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331, unless otherwise stated in relevant regulations or standards, electrical panels must be inspected at least once a year.

This regulation specifies the inspection periods and the criteria/standards to be applied during periodic inspections, based on the type of machinery and installations used in workplaces. Inspections must comply with the Regulation on Grounding in Electrical Installations, the Regulation on Electric Power Current Facilities, and the Regulation on Electrical Internal Installations. TS EN 60079-14:2014 is also considered a relevant standard.

What Is the Electrical Panel Regulation?

The regulation governing electrical panel inspection is the Regulation on Health and Safety Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment.
According to Annex III, Section 2.3 “Installations,” Article 2.3.1:

“Unless otherwise stated in relevant standards, periodic inspections of installations shall be carried out once a year.”

Additionally, Annex III, Section 2.4 “Machines,” Article 2.4.1 states:

“Periodic inspections of machinery and equipment shall be performed in accordance with the principles set out in Annex III, Article 1.4.”

Electrical panel inspection and testing must be performed in accordance with:

• Regulation on Grounding in Electrical Installations (Official Gazette No. 24500)
• Regulation on Electric Power Current Facilities (Official Gazette No. 24246)
• Regulation on Electrical Internal Installations (Official Gazette No. 18565)
• TS EN 60079 standard series

How Is an Electrical Panel Inspection Report Prepared?

In accordance with the requirements of the Regulation on Health and Safety Requirements for the Use of Work Equipment, an inspection form is prepared based on national and international testing standards.

This report includes:

• Technical specifications of the equipment
• All measurements required by the relevant standards
• Visual inspections and test results
• Findings of the technical expert
• Final approval of the responsible technical supervisor

Once all tests and observations are completed, the report is finalized and officially documented.