I only see one conductor per breaker in this image so I don’t see a double tapped breaker. If you ever notice a double tapped breaker, you’ll want to take a picture of the label or mold-injected imprint on the side of the breaker (if possible) to determine if the breaker allows two conductors.
Several things to consider when a panel is in a “closet.” A clothes closet is an immediate no-go, a closet where it is likely that things like towels (in a bathroom) might be stored is a no-go. And then of course we have to consider the panel clearance space if the panel is in a closet. Not every panel in a closet fails all these questions, given the wide definition of a “closet.” In some cases, a “closet” might be described as a dedicated room for electrical equipment, an electrical closet.
Yes, these were not double tapped I was just preparing myself for future instances.
Ok! So no double tap because there is no saddle clamp under that pan head screw terminal! Is that correct? If that is correct then I get it and that makes sense.
Evening, Jeffrey.
If I am not mistaken. It is Cable pulling lubricant.
For one thing back-fed circuit breaker retainers-locks were first required by the NEC in 1990. There’s a very good chance that panel is older than that.
I bet it is older then 1990’, thanks for that information
Anytime I shoot a panel I always use the camera flash and I illuminate the panel with a flashlight. This helps my camera to focus and I end up with less blurry pictures. Depending on how tall the panel is I usually take between 5-8 general photos (left, right, top, bottom, and full view) plus photos of the defects. It helps me to see the full panel if my client has a question. It helps me if I have a question when I’m writing the report, and it helps if I have a question for the forum. I also try to get a photo of the labeling if possible, even though I can’t verify the accuracy of the labels. Even then, there have been times when I didn’t get the photos I needed.
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Remember… it was YOU that stipulated the type of closet…
…and then compared it to a closet to store towels!
Again… what’s the difference??
I am starting to learn the importance of more photos and different angles, I have been hearing the experienced H.I’s say that for years now but I always just brushed it off
We have a decent amount of Crouse-Hind panels here in Los Angeles.
Not super popular, but not obscure either.
I never ran across Crouse-Hind before, not that I have a lot off panel experience to bragg about but within the last couple of weeks as I do residential home maintenance and repair work, I have been quick inspecting different systems in each house before I check out. I had to repair a leaky water line fitting early last week and I did a quick walk thru inspection in there unfinished basement. It would have been a nightmare for report writing, there was corrosion all over the copper fittings throughout the basement, the metal ductwork had various spots with efflorescence, unsecured wiring everywhere, metal electrical junction boxes covered with efflorescence. I pretty much just had time to inspect floor structure and anything overhead.
I think Ryan’s use of the word “or” in his question was an appositive indicator, not a coordinating conjunction.
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well, there’s your problem with time right there. you did a thorough enough look to get a report written for three systems in that part i quoted. all you have to do is expand it a lot and include reasons why they are issues. i took that small snip of issues out of the quote i used and gave it to gemini and asked for it to be expanded on as narratives for a professional home inspection report and got this from a sentence. i’m not telling you to use ai in your reports, but it helps if you use it to see what it says and give you ideas. i don’t use report writing software or ai to write mine, but i have used ai to clean up a narrative or change the tense of the report. usually i discard the whole thing but sometimes i keep a line or two. i wanted to show you how easily you can expand on your comments and make a report sound better.
System 1: Plumbing
Your Field Note: Corrosion all over the copper fittings throughout the basement.
AI Expanded Narrative:
Observation: Widespread oxidation and corrosion (verdigris) were observed on copper plumbing supply fittings throughout the basement area.
The Cause: While minor green oxidation can sometimes be the result of a plumber failing to wipe away acidic soldering flux during installation, the widespread nature of this corrosion strongly suggests a chronic high-humidity environment in the basement. Condensation forms on the cold water pipes, reacting with the copper over time.
The Implication: If left unaddressed, chronic corrosion degrades the wall thickness of the copper. This inevitably leads to pinhole leaks, sudden pipe failure, water damage, and conducive conditions for mold growth.
Recommendation: I recommend a further evaluation of the plumbing system by a licensed, qualified plumbing contractor to determine if any pipe sections require immediate replacement. Additionally, the underlying basement moisture/humidity issue must be addressed to prevent ongoing degradation of the plumbing lines.
System 2: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Your Field Note: The metal ductwork had various spots with efflorescence.
AI Expanded Narrative:
Observation: White powdery oxidation (frequently mistaken for efflorescence) and mineral deposits were observed in multiple locations on the galvanized sheet metal HVAC ductwork in the basement.
The Cause: This condition is typically caused by one of two things: prolonged condensation forming on the exterior of the ducts due to high ambient humidity in the basement, or mineral-rich water leaking/dripping onto the ductwork from the foundation walls or slab above.
The Implication: Moisture interacting with the ductwork leads to the premature deterioration and rusting of the HVAC distribution system. Furthermore, moisture on ductwork provides an environment for biological growth (mold/mildew), which can then be circulated throughout the home’s living spaces, presenting an indoor air quality hazard.
Recommendation: I recommend a thorough evaluation by a licensed, qualified HVAC contractor to assess the integrity of the ductwork and repair or replace sections as necessary. A qualified professional should also assess the basement ventilation and humidity levels to mitigate the root cause of this condensation.
System 3: Electrical System
Your Field Note: Unsecured wiring everywhere, metal electrical junction boxes covered with efflorescence.
AI Expanded Narrative:
Observation: Significant electrical deficiencies were noted in the basement, including widespread unsecured non-metallic (NM) cable wiring and white oxidation/mineral deposits on metal electrical junction boxes.
The Cause: The unsecured wiring is a result of poor workmanship and failure to follow standard electrical codes, which require cables to be stapled and supported at specific intervals. The white crusty buildup on the metal junction boxes indicates that the boxes have been subjected to chronic environmental moisture, high humidity, or direct water dripping from above.
The Implication: Unsecured wiring is highly vulnerable to mechanical damage, snagging, and physical wear, which can expose live conductors. Furthermore, moisture intrusion into electrical junction boxes is a severe safety hazard. It can cause internal components to corrode, leading to electrical shorts, arcing, equipment failure, and a significantly increased risk of fire or electrical shock.
Recommendation: This represents a life-safety hazard. I highly recommend an immediate, comprehensive evaluation and repair of the basement electrical system by a licensed, qualified electrical contractor. The electrician should secure all wiring to current standards, inspect the interior of all corroded junction boxes, and replace any moisture-damaged components.
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Defect narratives can be summaries or an overall observation. For example, the electrical fixtures in the basement had multiple deficiencies or safety concerns such as widespread corrosion, open junction boxes, and substandard installation.
You can also describe the environment. For example; the basement had visible evidence of moisture intrusion and elevated humidity to include saturated materials, significant corrosion on various components, and visible fungal type growth.
I guess my point is that you are not writing an itemized invoice. You’re documenting a condition. Sure, itemized issues are appropriate in many instances, but being able to give an accurate overview can be better.
Careful, don’t rely on AI. It will be incredibly tempting. Use it as an editor, but YOU be the content creator.
Edit. I wrote my response prior to the post above. I have so many issues with AI’s rendition I just stopped reading it.
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Ok that makes sense, I probably would have reported on each system separately and most likely never made an overall observation of moisture in the basement as a whole
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it’s important to do both. We evaluate the home both holistically and system by system. As a buyer, I want to know how the home is performing. Our training teaches us a series of gotcha moments. Now we can connect the dots. This will separate you from your competition that is running around with cell phones and AI.
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At some point when I know I am ready to really take off with the inspections, I feel like the work I do now on various systems and conditions will help me for what I have to offer and sell myself to new clients and I need to make sure I report on the house as I connect the dots and not just let it slip my mind and not mention anything.
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I always find it interesting the people on this MB find it necessary to answer questions for those that don’t have an answer for themselves. In Ryan’s case, one would think that his verbiage skills should be tailored by now with his handful of years as an inspector and writing reports!