AFCI and GFCI only
AFCI and GFCI’s only.
For those of you who state and stand behind the above statement please tell me the exact line in the SoP’s that relieves you of not pulling and checking fused appliance disconnects.
Chuck
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Just curious, can you give me an example of a “fused appliance disconnect” that you
need to pull the fuse or breaker?
Is there somewhere in the following two paragraphs that we’re supposed to pull the disconnects?
.
I think you’re adding more into this HI’s requirements than is necessary.
This is what we adhere to:
From the InterNACHI SOP www.nachi.org/SOP.htm
2.7. Electrical I. The inspector shall inspect:[INDENT] A. the service drop/lateral;
B. the meter socket enclosures;
C. the means for disconnecting the service main;
D. and describe the service disconnect amperage rating, if labeled;
E. panelboards and overcurrent devices (breakers and fuses);
F. and report on any unused circuit breaker panel openings that are not filled;
G. the service grounding and bonding;
H. a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures, and receptacles, including receptacles observed and deemed to be AFCI-protected during the inspection using the AFCI test button, where possible;
I. and test all Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs during the inspection using a GFCI tester, where possible;
J. and report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring, if readily visible;
K. and report on any tested receptacles in which power was not present, polarity is incorrect, is not secured to the wall, the cover is not in place, the ground fault circuit interrupter devices are not properly installed or do not operate properly, evidence of arcing or excessive heat is present, or where the receptacle is not grounded or is not secured to the wall;
L. the service entrance conductors and the condition of the conductor insulation;
M. and report the absence of smoke detectors; and
N. service entrance cables, and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at weatherheads and clearances from grade or rooftops.
II. The inspector is not required to: A. insert any tool, probe or device into the main panelboard, sub-panels, distribution panelboards, or electrical fixtures.
B. operate electrical systems that are shut down.
C. remove panelboard cabinet covers or dead front covers, if they are not readily accessible.
D. **operate or reset overcurrent protection devices or overload devices. **
E. operate non-accessible smoke detectors.
F. measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service equipment, if not visibly labeled.
G. inspect the fire or alarm system and components.
H. inspect the ancillary wiring or remote control devices.
I. activate any electrical systems or branch circuits which are not energized.
J. inspect low-voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring, or any time-controlled devices.
K. verify the service ground.
L. inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources, including, but not limited to: generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or battery or electrical storage facility.
M. inspect spark or lightning arrestors.
N. inspect or test de-icing equipment.
O. conduct voltage drop calculations.
P. determine the accuracy of labeling.
Q. inspect exterior accent lighting.
[/INDENT]
Fused AC disconnects for one. To verify proper fuse size and proper wiring size and configuration.
Chuck
How can one operate a fused disconnect? Does pulling out a fuse block constitute operation? and replacement of fuse block constitute a reset?
Chuck
Go for it Sparky, pull 'em all.
I know for certain that if I opened every enclosure and carefully inspected every electrical connection in the house, I would be there all day, pulling out stoves, dishwashers, ovens, dryers, etc. to make sure everything was done properly. I guess I would also have to take the ceiling fans down to make sure that ceiling boxes are correct as well.:mrgreen: Then, if we extend that level of detail to other disciplines, we would be there for several days! A general, basic home inspection just does not lend itself to such analysis - not to mention the fact that telling someone that the circuit should be designed differently (“The correct wire size should be…”) is taking on a level of liability that most HIs are not qualified to assume. Anyone who is, have at it, but if the total inspection time remains the same, other areas of the home are being shortchanged, for sure.
So if you find a #10 wire on a 60 amp breaker in a main or sub panel you say nothing?
Chuck
I’m more in line with Chuck on this one.
If I see a fused AC disconnect, I pull it. If the home is occupied and the kids are in the rooms, happily typing away on their computers, I too am reluctant about testing AFCI’s. I will note that as well.
I don’t think it’s accurate to compare walking around and pulling an AC disconnect to quickly check it’s condition/rating and any visible defects with an invasive inspection that involves taking apart multiple fixtures. I’m not operating anything IMO… Will I look to note a slow blo or standard fuse… that’s a stretch
Some of the fused AC disonnects are going to be scorched on the interior, “field modified”, improperly rated for wire/AC unit and so on… as Chuck mentioned, this is not a 15 minute deal. Many of the defects here are going to be spotted in an instant.
Don’t forget to wear your gloves/glasses…
Of course I would report such an observation, but the difference is that I would not try tell them what size wire it should be. That crosses the line into ‘design’ - clearly beyond the HI SOP - and creates an additional unecessary liability. If the situation call for a major redesign of the system, I can do that, but at considerably higher rates:mrgreen:
I know I was exagerating above, but just to make the point that scorched connections and other improper wiring installation can be found anywhere in the system; consequently, we have to draw a line somewhere and maintain a practical balance throughout all disciplines
Linas,
Per ASHI SoP’s. So you do not follow the ASHI SoP’s even though you are an ASHI member?
Air conditioning
9.1 The inspector shall:
[ul]
[li]open readily openable access panels.[/li][li]inspect:[/li][LIST]
[li]central and through-wall equipment.[/li][li]distribution systems.[/li][/ul]
[li]describe:[/li][ul]
[li]energy source(s).[/li][li]cooling systems.[/li][/ul]
[/LIST]
“Open and inspect” is not “pulling” fuses and breakers.So like I said Sparky “pull 'em all”.
I have and will probably do it again some time. But not without the owners permission.