I have used AI on the engineering side of my business, but today I had a 1947 house with several bootleg outlets. I asked Claude.ai “What is a bootleg grounded receptacle and is it dangerous?” Here is the reply:
Let me help explain this electrical issue clearly.
A bootleg ground (also called a “false ground” or “fake ground”) is a dangerous improper wiring practice where someone connects the neutral wire to the ground terminal of a 3-prong outlet to make it appear properly grounded when it isn’t. This is typically done to make old 2-wire systems appear to accept 3-prong plugs.
This practice is very dangerous because:
It creates a false sense of security - the outlet appears grounded but provides no actual ground fault protection
If there’s a fault, dangerous current could flow through the neutral wire instead of being safely diverted to ground
It can energize appliance cases and metal parts that should be grounded, creating shock hazards
It violates electrical codes
The safe alternatives are:
Having an electrician install proper grounding
Using a GFCI outlet (which provides protection without a ground wire)
Using a 2-prong outlet if the circuit isn’t grounded
If you have outlets you suspect might be bootleg grounded, I strongly recommend having a licensed electrician inspect them. They can test the outlets and implement a safe solution that meets code requirements.
I heard a real estate agent say she tells AI to make her brochures…and then tells it again to make it better. I know that googling an answer will not creat a long lasting bond to the information, just an immediate answer to a question that you will soon forget and have to google the answer again. I feel it is much worse if we are relagated to relying on this for our narratives. Its a slippery slope and I may sound old (42 so kind of) but I for one am not a fan of this. I have created a network of multiple people in each of the industries that have to do with home inspections…i.e. electricians, plumbers, roofers A/C technicians, structural engineers and insurance agents to name a few. When I come across something I am unsure of, I always reach out to at least a couple of these people to see if they are on the same page as I am. I also use this message board as there is a history of information. These same people reach out to me as well when they are outside of there comfort zone. In doing so I extend my knowledge by actually learning from the people that I am most likely going to recommend to make repairs as well as have a reliable group that you get know as a person, and feel comfortable working with. All in all I do not like the sudden reliance on A.I.
One thing to keep in mind about AI is that whatever information you put into it, that becomes part of the public domain. That includes address, names, pictures, descriptions, and on and on. Be careful with AI when using it to write comments for your reports. It is helpful for grammer and makeing a cohesive and professional sounding sentence or paragraph and that is about all I feel home inspectors should be using it for.
I have played around with AI some, but not in writing any reports.
One of my thought exercises I did with it a few weeks ago is…
Create 20 multiple choice questions with four answers. One answer is the true correct answer and the other three answers are based on the question but incorrect. The 20 questions are based on the 2024 International Residential Code. The difficulty of these questions will be at senior high school level.
Questions
What is the primary purpose of the International Residential Code?
A) To establish zoning regulations
B) To provide standards for the construction of residential buildings
C) To outline plumbing fixtures
D) To regulate property taxes
2.Correct Answer: B*
Which of the following is not a type of construction defined in the IRC?
A) Wood Frame
B) Steel Frame
C) Reinforced Concrete
D) Flexible Construction
4.Correct Answer: D*
According to the IRC, what is the minimum height for a habitable room ceiling?
A) 7 feet
B) 8 feet
C) 9 feet
D) 10 feet
6.Correct Answer: B*
What is the minimum width for a stairway in a residential building?
A) 30 inches
B) 36 inches
C) 48 inches
D) 54 inches
8.Correct Answer: B*
Which code section deals specifically with structural design criteria?
A) Chapter 3
B) Chapter 5
C) Chapter 10
D) Chapter 15
10.Correct Answer: B*
In the IRC, what is the minimum required thickness for a concrete slab foundation?
A) 3 inches
B) 4 inches
C) 5 inches
D) 6 inches
12.Correct Answer: B*
What is the primary focus of Chapter 11 of the IRC?
A) Energy Efficiency
B) Means of Egress
C) Plumbing Systems
D) Mechanical Systems
14.Correct Answer: A*
According to the IRC, which type of insulation is commonly recommended for exterior walls?
A) Fiberglass Batts
B) Foam Board
C) Cellulose
D) All of the above
16.Correct Answer: D*
What is the maximum allowable height for a fence in a residential area as per the IRC?
A) 4 feet
B) 6 feet
C) 8 feet
D) 10 feet
18.Correct Answer: B*
Which of the following materials is prohibited for use as a building envelope per the IRC?
A) Wood
B) Unprotected steel
C) Concrete
D) Brick
20.Correct Answer: B*
What is the maximum distance that a smoke detector can be installed from a bedroom door according to the IRC?
A) 10 feet
B) 20 feet
C) 30 feet
D) 40 feet
22.Correct Answer: B*
Which of the following is required in a new kitchen under the IRC?
A) An oven
B) A refrigerator
C) A dishwasher
D) At least two separate circuits for receptacles
24.Correct Answer: D*
What is the minimum required pitch for a residential roof to ensure adequate drainage?
A) 1:12
B) 2:12
C) 4:12
D) 6:12
26.Correct Answer: A*
According to the IRC, what is the minimum clearance required above a residential cooking surface?
A) 18 inches
B) 24 inches
C) 30 inches
D) 36 inches
28.Correct Answer: C*
Which chapter of the IRC focuses on plumbing requirements?
A) Chapter 3
B) Chapter 4
C) Chapter 7
D) Chapter 9
30.Correct Answer: B*
What is the primary purpose of a vapor barrier in residential construction?
A) To support the structure
B) To prevent moisture intrusion
C) To insulate against heat loss
D) To enhance aesthetics
32.Correct Answer: B*
Which type of heating system is not typically covered in the IRC?
A) Electric
B) Gas
C) Radiant floor
D) Solar thermal
34.Correct Answer: D*
What is the required fire separation distance between a dwelling and a property line in most residential areas?
A) 3 feet
B) 5 feet
C) 10 feet
D) 15 feet
36.Correct Answer: C*
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a dwelling unit’s exit door?
A) It must swing outward
B) It must be at least 36 inches wide
C) It must be equipped with a deadbolt
D) It must lead directly to the outside
38.Correct Answer: C*
What is the minimum required distance for vent pipes to terminate from any operable window?
AI is wrong sometimes…and sometimes really wrong. I write my own narratives…after all…they’re paying for my opinions…not AI…AI cuts time in researching a subject sometimes…but check the sources first.
