Electrical panel failure at an elementary school

An elementary school experienced a severe electrical breakdown when a sudden power surge damaged its main electrical panel. The surge, which occurred outside school hours, shorted several critical breakers and wiring within the panel. The damage was extensive enough to require a full replacement of the main electrical panel. Coverage included the cost of the new panel and additional expenses to expedite delivery and installation, minimizing downtime for the school.

Power surges can occur for many reasons, including utility switching, lightning strikes, or faults in the electrical grid. When a surge enters a facility without adequate protection, it can overwhelm sensitive components, leading to catastrophic failures. In this case, the absence of a surge protection device (SPD) between the incoming utility feed and the main distribution panel left the school vulnerable.

Without an SPD, the surge traveled unchecked into the school’s electrical system. Beyond the immediate cost of repairs, the school faced operational disruptions and the risk of further damage had temporary measures not been implemented.

Preventive measures

Installing a surge protection device is a critical step in any electrical risk management program. An SPD works by diverting excess voltage from a surge safely to the facility’s grounding system, protecting downstream equipment. Without this safeguard, surges can create arcing conditions that may lead to fires and widespread equipment failure.

For facilities with critical electrical infrastructure—such as schools, hospitals, and manufacturing plants—SPDs should be considered essential. They are relatively inexpensive compared to the potential cost of equipment replacement, business interruption, and safety hazards.

Key takeaways

• Assess vulnerabilities: review your facility’s electrical system for surge protection gaps, especially at main distribution panels and switchgear.
• Install SPDs: position surge protection devices between the utility feed and main panel to shield critical equipment.
• Plan for continuity: arrange for temporary power solutions and prioritize swift repairs to keep essential services running with minimal interruption.
• Educate staff: train maintenance teams on the importance of surge protection and routine inspections to keep systems resilient.

Electrical surges are unpredictable, but their impact can be mitigated. A proactive approach—combining physical safeguards like SPDs with comprehensive insurance coverage—can prevent costly disruptions and protect essential services.

Additional resources:

• Electrical breakdown – Identify common causes of electrical equipment breakdown and take steps to reduce risk and maintain system reliability.
• Risky business – electrical preventive maintenance – Learn how inadequate maintenance increases risk and how to strengthen inspection and testing practices.
• Lessons learned: What you should know about electrical system oversight – Drawing on real-world events, this article outlines key insights to help strengthen electrical system oversight and improve risk management practices.
• Contact us or login to FM Boiler Re Online for a copy of the hazard guide on electrical preventive maintenance.