How to Cover an Electrical Panel

Each electrical panel comes with a cover that attaches to the main body of the panel. The panel cover protects the wiring inside and creates a protective barrier against accidental contact of the wires. When installing an electrical panel, connecting the panel cover is the final task. Whenever you remove a panel cover, to work inside an electrical panel, you must always put the cover back over the panel. Covering an electrical panel is a simple task if you use the right tools and have the help of another person.

Flathead screwdriver
Pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Find someone to help you perform this task.
- 2
  Count the number of circuit breakers that are in your electrical panel and notice the arrangement of the breakers.
- 3
  Knock out the rectangular knockouts found on the front center of the cover in the same arrangement as the breakers are found in the panel. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry loose the proper amount of knockouts. Use a pair of pliers to pull the knockouts completely loose.
- 4
  Find the screws that came with the panel cover. You should have the same number of screws as you do holes found in the outside perimeter of the panel cover.
- 5
  Place the panel cover up to the electrical panel, aligning the holes in the cover with the holes in the main body of the electrical panel. Also make sure the breakers inside the electrical panel are aligned with the knockout spaces you removed. Have your helper perform this part of the task.
- 6
  Insert a screw through either of the top corner holes of the panel cover into the hole of the panel while your helper holds the cover in place. With your fingers, turn the screw in a clockwise direction until the screw holds itself in place. With a flathead screwdriver, tighten the screw thoroughly.
- 7
  Repeat step 6 with each of the remaining screws and other holes.
- 8
  Open and close the panel cover to make sure it operates properly.

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