What is the appropriate action when a panel shows signs of overheating (smell, discoloration)?

• A. Stop work, de-energize the panel if safe, report to supervisor, and do not re-energize until inspected by a qualified person.
• B. Re-energize to check if it still works.
• C. Ignore and continue working.
• D. Only de-energize if there is a visible fire.

Answer: (A)

Overheating signs in a panel—such as a noticeable smell or discoloration—point to a real electrical fault, like loose or high-resistance connections, damaged insulation, or arcing. These conditions can quickly escalate into a fire or an arc flash, so the safest course is to stop work and isolate power. If it can be done safely, de-energize the panel and apply lockout/tagout as needed, then report the issue to a supervisor and have a qualified electrician inspect and service the equipment before any re-energizing. Re-energizing to see if it still works ignores the immediate risk of ignition or further damage, and continuing to operate in that condition is dangerous. Even without a visible fire, the danger is present, so only after a professional has assessed and cleared the panel should power be restored.