A hole drilled through the electrical panel cover needs a licensed contractor's attention
What we found
At the main load center (the metal enclosure that houses your circuit breakers), the dead-front cover — the inner metal plate that sits over the breakers and wiring — had a hole drilled through it that is not part of the panel's original design.
Why it happens here
A dead-front cover is engineered to act as a containment barrier: if something goes wrong inside the panel, it is designed to keep arcs, sparks, or combustion gases sealed within the enclosure rather than letting them reach the surrounding wall space. An opening in that cover reduces its ability to do that job.
What it means for you
The panel's containment function is diminished at the location of the opening. A licensed electrical contractor should look at it, seal or replace the cover, and assess whether the modification was made for any reason that itself needs attention.
What to do
Have a licensed electrical contractor evaluate the main load center, properly seal or replace the dead-front cover, and review any underlying reason the opening may have been made. Replacement covers are typically manufacturer-specific and need to match the panel's listed configuration.
How common is this
Inspectors routinely check panel covers for modifications like this, and having a contractor restore the cover to its proper configuration is a straightforward electrical repair.
Your inspector flagged this so you can get the right professional involved before you close.
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