DIY guideBreaker panel

Look the panel over and photograph it (outer door only)

Open the panel's outer door, look for heat marks, rust, water or buzzing, and photograph the labels for a pro. The inner cover stays on.

7 steps

Tap a step to watch it again.

Make sure the floor is dry and so are your hands, and clear anything stored in front of it.
Water on the floor or on the panel? Don't go near it. Ask Handyman for an electrician.
Before you open it, look for rust, water stains or dents, and feel the door with the back of your hand for warmth.
Open the small door to see the breakers. The inner cover with its screws stays on.
Never take off the inner cover or its screws: behind it is a pro's.
Look for scorch marks, melted plastic, rust or water at the breakers, and listen for buzzing or crackling.
One photo of the whole panel, one close of the labels, and one of the sticker inside the door.
Shut the door and keep the space in front of it clear, so it's easy to reach in the dark.
Scorch marks, a hot smell, buzzing, rust or water inside the electrical panel: don't touch it. Ask Handyman for an electrician, and send your photos.

Handyman says: Don't touch it. I'll find an electrician.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.