Asbestos in Electrical Equipment: Risks, Regulations and Modern Safety Practices

People who worked with electrical equipment – such as electricians, maintenance staff and contractors – were the most likely to be exposed. Even simple repairs or upgrades could disturb asbestos, releasing dangerous fibers into the air. Knowing where asbestos might be hiding and how to handle it safely is crucial to reducing health risks for anyone working around this equipment today.

Why Was Asbestos Used in Electrical Panel Partitions?

Asbestos was chosen for electrical panel partitions mainly because of its strong resistance to heat and fire. Electrical panels can get hot, potentially sparking or overheating. Asbestos reduces the risk of fire spreading inside electrical cabinets.

Asbestos also does not conduct electricity. This makes it helpful as an insulator in areas where electric current is present.

Below is a quick look at some reasons asbestos was favored in this setting:

Older electrical systems often had asbestos boards or sheets separating wires and switches. These panels created a barrier between electrical parts and the outer casing.

Using asbestos also helped keep costs down because it was cheap and easy to manufacture during the 20th century. Manufacturers could cut or shape asbestos to fit inside nearly any size or type of panel.

Electrical systems made before the 1980s are more likely to contain asbestos in their partitions.

Which Electrical Products Contained Asbestos?

Many types of electrical equipment used asbestos materials in their construction until the 1980s.

Switchgear and Circuit Breaker Compartments

Switchgear and circuit breakers protect electrical systems from overloads and short circuits. These compartments may rely on asbestos materials to line interior surfaces. The material provides heat resistance and stops fires from spreading during electrical faults.

Compartment walls, arc chutes and insulating pads may include asbestos sheets or boards. Arc chute liners made from asbestos protect critical parts from sparks. Workers who maintain or repair this equipment face exposure when dust escapes during servicing.

Maintaining or updating old switchgear may still pose asbestos risks if the original insulation or liners remain in place. Proper safety steps are essential during any work on older units.

Electrical Panel Boards and Junction Boxes

Panel boards and junction boxes serve as central points for electrical wiring. To prevent overheating and fire, asbestos was used inside these enclosures. It acts as an insulation barrier around wiring and terminal strips.

Some designs may have asbestos cloth or mats behind fuse blocks or breaker mounts. Older panel boards may feature asbestos gaskets sealing covers or doors. Electricians or building owners with aging electrical systems may find these materials today.

Direct contact, drilling or removal of panels can release asbestos fibers. This is most common with equipment manufactured before the 1980s.

Arc Shields and Thermal Insulation Barriers

Arc shields protect sensitive equipment and workers from electrical arcs, which are visible, high-temperature plasma that forms when an electric current flows through a gas or vacuum. Asbestos was chosen for arc shields because it resists high temperatures and does not burn easily. Arc shields could be solid boards, woven mats or molded forms that sat near busbars or contacts.

Thermal insulation barriers made from asbestos could be found around transformers and resistors. These barriers stop heat from spreading and keep nearby components safe.

Types of Asbestos Uses:

Who Was Most at Risk of Asbestos Exposure

During the 20th century, people who worked with or around electrical equipment were at a high risk of asbestos exposure. Asbestos was part of electrical equipment and everyday electrical work from the mid-20th century until the 1980s. Exposure mainly depended on direct contact with materials containing asbestos during repairs, installations or demolition.

In many cases, workers unknowingly carried fibers on their clothes or tools. They brought the fibers into their vehicles, offices and homes, where they exposed friends, colleagues and family members.

Today, electrical workers can be exposed when working near old equipment with disturbed asbestos.

Electricians and Maintenance Workers

Electricians often worked with wiring, circuit breakers and electrical panels during the 20th century that contained asbestos. They frequently cut, drilled, or removed parts with asbestos insulation, which released fibers into the air. These fibers could be inhaled without the electricians knowing.

Maintenance workers handled routine repairs on equipment and buildings. These tasks – such as replacing fuses, fixing motors, or repairing cables – often involved disturbing asbestos materials.

Both of these groups may encounter asbestos today in old wiring, circuit breakers, electrical panels, equipment and buildings. Any repair jobs can disturb asbestos lurking within.

Some key risks for these workers included:

• Direct handling of asbestos-containing products
• Lack of protective equipment before asbestos dangers were well known
• Poor ventilation in areas where electrical panels or wiring were located

Construction and Demolition Crews

Construction and demolition crews could face high risk of exposure during renovation, remodeling or demolition of buildings with asbestos electrical components. Power plants, factories and older commercial buildings may still feature asbestos for electrical insulation, causing asbestos exposure for construction workers.

Work such as tearing down walls, removing old wiring, or dismantling equipment can stir up large amounts of asbestos dust. Without strict safety rules, these crews breathe in fibers or have them attached to their skin and clothing.

Lists of typical tasks that increased exposure:

• Removing or installing electrical panels
• Cutting or drilling near wiring insulation
• Demolishing outdated electric systems

These activities during the 20th century made construction and demolition workers likely to inhale or carry asbestos dust from their daily work. Today, the risk is largely for demolition workers who may demolish old buildings and release asbestos.

Property Owners and Facility Workers

Property owners, residents or office workers of older buildings could be exposed if they personally manage repairs or upgrades to electrical systems containing asbestos. They sometimes work with or near these materials without knowing the risks. Office workers include administrative and clerical staff and anyone else who might be part of overseeing or handling repair work.

Facility workers, such as janitors, building engineers or custodians, handle ongoing building maintenance. Routine jobs – like replacing light fixtures, cleaning electrical rooms, or checking heating systems – could disturb asbestos-containing dust.

They faced unique risks like:

• Being present during repairs or renovations done by others
• Handling asbestos waste or debris without proper training
• Cleaning areas where asbestos dust settled

While their exposure was often less direct, they still work in enclosed air spaces with toxic fibers floating in the breathing space. This leads to inhalation of fibers.

How Exposure Occurred in Electrical Work

During the 20th century, electricians and maintenance workers came into contact with asbestos fibers during regular tasks. These tasks included drilling or cutting panels, replacing circuit breakers or wiring, and installing equipment or electrical parts without any warning labels.

Drilling or Cutting Into Panels

Electricians may have to drill or cut into electrical panels, boxes or boards that contain asbestos materials. These panels could be lined with asbestos because it is non-flammable and resistant to electricity.

Asbestos can be friable and flaky. When someone drills or saws into these panels, asbestos fibers split apart and are released into the air. The fiber-filled dust settles on clothes, hair, tools and the ground around the work area, if the dust didn’t remain airborne for hours at a time.

Workers do not usually wear masks or protective gear because they are not aware of the dangers associated with asbestos. Many electrical workers from the 20th century did not even know asbestos was part of their daily tasks.

Typical risks included:

• Drilling holes for wires
• Cutting new openings for switches
• Sawing access points in old breaker boxes

Replacing Circuit Breakers or Wiring

Replacing old circuit breakers or wiring in buildings built before the 1980s often means disturbing asbestos. Removing these breakers or wiring requires sudden movements and rough handling to complete the tasks, which breaks the asbestos apart and sends fibers into the air.

Pulling out old components could crack or break pieces and release asbestos fibers. Workers sometimes handle these parts with bare hands, brushing away dust and debris. Sweeping floors where debris gathered, or working in tight, poorly ventilated spaces, increases the risk of breathing in the fibers.

Breakers, switchgear and wiring insulation sometimes contain asbestos. Even the arc chutes used in high-voltage systems commonly had it because of its heat resistance.

Key areas where exposure could happen include:

• Opening up breaker boxes
• Removing insulation from wires
• Handling debris during panel upgrades

Lack of Warning Labels

Most older electrical equipment with asbestos did not have any labels or signs to alert workers. Warnings about asbestos only became common after regulations started, laws were passed, and companies started facing lawsuits from people affected by asbestos exposure diseases, such as aggressive types of cancer. Before then, workers often were not informed in any way that they were working with a dangerous substance.

Health Risks Linked to Electrical Panel Asbestos

Asbestos in electrical panels can break down into tiny fibers. These fibers can pose serious health risks if they are disturbed and sent into the air.

These health risks include aggressive types of cancer such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Thousands of people each year in the United States die from asbestos-related diseases.

Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer and Asbestosis

Asbestos exposure from old electrical panels can lead to several deadly diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

• Mesothelioma is a rare cancer with a poor average survival for patients. It mainly affects the lining of the lungs or abdominal cavity. The only cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
• Lung cancer can develop over time due to inhaled asbestos fibers. Asbestos is one of several potential causes of lung cancer.
• Asbestosis is a lung disease that causes scarring and makes it hard to breathe. The only cause of asbestosis is exposure to asbestos.

People will not feel sick or develop these diseases immediately after exposure to asbestos. Tumors take years to form after exposure, and symptoms usually don’t happen for 20-50 years. This means electricians, maintenance workers or anyone who opens or disturbs old panels could have been exposed during the 20th century and only just now learning of their disease.

Cumulative Risk

Any amount of exposure to asbestos is dangerous. One instance of exposure can lead to a deadly disease, including mesothelioma.

The body sometimes struggles to get rid of asbestos fibers, which can get stuck in cells and cause genetic changes that lead to scarring or cancerous mutations. Regular exposure to asbestos in electrical wiring increases the risk as it allows more fibers to enter the person’s body and creates more opportunities for genetic changes to cells.

This is called cumulative risk, which means the health danger goes up with more exposure to asbestos.

Every time a person opens, repairs, or removes an old electrical panel with asbestos, the risk increases. People who work in electrical jobs over many years face the most danger.

Key Points:

• Longer and repeated exposure raises health risks.
• Proper safety gear and professional removal lower the danger.
• Recognizing old equipment with asbestos helps avoid unneeded exposure.

Safe Handling and Removal of Electrical Panel Asbestos

Asbestos in electrical panels can be dangerous. Careful handling and trained professionals are needed to avoid releasing harmful fibers into the air for workers, residents and others to breathe in.

Professional Inspection Recommended

A certified asbestos professional should always inspect electrical panels suspected of containing asbestos. These experts know how to handle asbestos safely, have effective protective equipment to keep themselves safe, and can identify if asbestos is present without causing contamination.

Inspection includes:

• Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Using specialized tools to minimize disturbance
• Sealing off the inspection area to prevent fiber release

After inspection, they give a clear report showing if asbestos exists and recommend safe next steps. Trying to save money by skipping the inspection can increase risks.

Never Remove or Modify Panels Yourself

Removing or working on asbestos-containing panels without training is dangerous and often illegal. Asbestos fibers are microscopic, weightless and invisible to the human eye. They can stay in the air for hours if disturbed through drilling, sawing or breaking the panel.

Key safety facts:

• Only licensed asbestos abatement workers should remove these panels.
• Untrained removal can contaminate homes, schools or businesses.
• Home removal may violate local or federal safety laws.

Do-it-yourself removal puts the person and anyone nearby at risk of inhaling toxic fibers, which can cause serious lung disease. It is critical to contact professionals and follow all legal requirements.

Legal Options for Asbestos Exposure Victims

People exposed to asbestos in electrical equipment may have legal rights. They can seek help through compensation for mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases to handle medical costs and related damages caused by asbestos.

Who May Be Eligible to File a Claim

Anyone who has developed an illness linked to asbestos, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis, may qualify to file a legal claim against the companies responsible for exposure. This includes electricians, maintenance workers, factory staff or anyone who handled or repaired electrical equipment containing asbestos.

Family members exposed indirectly from workers bringing home asbestos fibers on their clothes – known as secondary asbestos exposure – may also be eligible if they developed asbestos-related diseases. Families can also file claims if a loved one died of an asbestos disease – called a wrongful death claim.

Eligibility often depends on work history, location and medical records. Proof may be needed, such as doctor’s diagnoses or employment documentation. Estates of deceased victims may also bring claims. Lawyers experienced in asbestos cases can help determine eligibility and gather necessary evidence.

Compensation Sources

Victims can seek compensation from several types of claims. Some of these are legal claims and others are through work or veterans benefits programs:

• Lawsuits – This involves filing an asbestos lawsuit against manufacturers or employers responsible for exposure
• Asbestos Trust Funds – Many companies created asbestos trust funds for people harmed by their products. These funds are created when companies file for bankruptcy, which prevents them from being named as a defendant in a lawsuit. These funds ensure victims receive some measure of justice and compensation despite the bankruptcy.
• Workers’ Compensation – This is available in some cases for those exposed on the job.
• VA Claims – Veterans with asbestos diseases such as mesothelioma may qualify for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Each option has different steps, amounts and requirements. Lawyers can help compare options and guide individuals through applications or lawsuits.

The tables below summarize possible sources for asbestos exposure compensation:

Why You Should Act Quickly

There are strict deadlines for filing legal claims. These deadlines are known as statutes of limitations, and they may be as short as one or two years from diagnosis or discovery of the illness. Delaying the start of a legal claim can prevent victims from getting compensation.

Note: VA claims do not have statute of limitations in the same way as lawsuits and trust fund claims do.

Important documents may become harder to find over time, and witnesses’ memories may fade. Acting quickly improves chances of a successful claim. Contacting a qualified lawyer soon after diagnosis helps protect legal rights and keeps options open for the best possible outcome.

Final Thoughts: Electrical Safety Shouldn’t Come With a Hidden Health Risk

Electrical equipment is important for safety, but not if it hides new dangers. When asbestos is inside switches, panels or other parts, it can break down over time. This may lead to tiny, sharp fibers filling the air. These fibers can be inhaled or even swallowed, leading to deadly diseases due to lung scarring or cancerous cell mutations.

Even small amounts can be a risk if disturbed. Many people may not realize old equipment could still contain asbestos.

Here’s a short list of ways to lower health risks:

• Hire a professional to check old electrical equipment for asbestos-containing parts.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) if you need to work near suspect materials.
• Hire a professional to replace outdated equipment that contains asbestos whenever possible.

People who work around electrical systems should know about these risks. Regular checks and safer replacements can help prevent exposure. Health and safety should always be the top priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Asbestos was often used in electrical equipment because of its heat resistance. Exposure to asbestos, is connected to serious health conditions, can happen during even basic electrical repairs or renovations if proper steps are not taken.

Sources & Author

About the Writer, David Statman

David Statman is a Content Writer for Mesothelioma Guide. He received both his bachelor's and master's in journalism from West Virginia University, and has been in medical publishing since January 2022. He previously worked in sports journalism, primarily reporting on West Virginia sports for a number of publications.

He lives in Delaware with his wife, dog and two cats, and avidly competes as a professional wrestler in the Philadelphia area.