[pastor1189]

What is your opinion
Breaker box has a cover plate. I wanted to spray paint the cover plate.
Make it look better. The cover plate comes off held by two screws.
Do you think its okay. See the spray paint can

[WallyHelps]

That should not be a problem. The risk is the exposed electrical parts during the time the cover is removed. If you can cover the box up or at least keep everyone away while the paint dries you should be fine. Just be careful during the removal/install process to not touch anything inside the box.

I'd brush the cover with a wire brush to get that rust knocked down a little. Just be careful that you don't break the 8 unused breaker tabs off while cleaning it.

Please note that there may be some electrical code issue here, but as far as the paint causing a safety issue, I believe there is none.

Best of luck. Be extremely careful.
WallyH

[fredg]

I have done the same thing as you are asking about. Yes, it's OK to take off the plate; BUT do NOT touch any wiring inside. You might consider throwing the MAIN breaker switch beforehand. As another answer stated, use a wire brush to remove all the rust. I wish you the best, and Merry Christmas. PS; be sure you aren't standing in a wet spot (water) when you do this.

[pastor1189]

Wonderful. Xmas Christmas and a prosperous New Year

[tkrussell]

The only Code issue there would be is a layperson opening a live panel. Shutting off the Main to remove the cover would be very wise.

Keep in mind, the two large conductors connected to the Main will still be very much live, and would remain so unless the meter is removed, which is NOT a DIY task.

As mentioned, wire brush all of the rust off. If the breaker slots do break off, Square D breaker offers plastic breaker filler plates, available where ever Sq D breakers are sold.

I moved this from Home Electronics to Electrical & Lighting.

[pastor1189]

What wonderful information. So it is called a square D breaker plate. Thanks

[tkrussell]

Caller a filler plate, Part Number FP-1, clever huh?

[pastor1189]

I am astonished with this information

[donf]

Merry Christmas Pastor!

My concerns are for the location of the panel, it appears to be an outdoors.

So my concerns start with the integrity of waterproof cabinet the board is mounted in.

Also, given that you are in S. Florida, be very careful when you pull the cover, you never know what critter has found a home, Also, have a fairy strong shop vac with plastic attachments handy so that you can clean debris out of the panelboard cabinet's cavities.

Be very sure to shut the panel board down and stay away from the service connector block. Those conductors will still be lethal.

[pastor1189]

Yes I had the plate off briefly . Thanks for the fine advice. The outside cabinet is secure with a lock pin.
No problem since 1979.