GFCI current requirements vs time of installation requirements

Hey guys. I couldn’t find a related answer for this.
I image it changes Inspector to Inspector but here is the question.

The house I’m doing is a 1957 residential home with an original kitchen. The kitchen has no GFCI outlets and both 2 and 3 wire outlets installed. I am going to say something about no GFCI outlets. Should this be a recommendation since it was not required when installed? Or defective for missing GFCI outlets? I have been putting defective so far.

I would put it in the report, but I never use the word ‘defect.’ As you know it was not required at the time of build but it is a modern safety standard. Bet there were no outlets in the bath.

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Thanks @rkenney! Good call. No outlets in the bathrooms :+1:t2: I guess when I said defective I mean the software rating system I also do not specifically write the word ‘defect’. So specifically should I rate it in the software as Marginal or Defective…or change the rating system?

As for the 2 prong outlets I would note they appear to be original with build of home and test with voltage meter for proper voltage. Three prong outlets I would test with outlet tester and if they test bad for like open ground I would call them out.

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Chad, whenever you find a situation like you describe, you can make a recommendation to add GFCI(s) for enhanced safety.

I used that for many things that I thought needed something. :smile:

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Chad we’ve had similar threads many times. I would change my rating system. Insted of defect try repair required, Let the Realtor or customer decide the severity of the problem (if its safety issue I say that). I have an addendum that I add for older homes that explains the shortcomings of old electrical systems and another that I add for GFCI / AFCI to explain the needs and differences.

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Ahh okay :+1:t2: I’ll ponder that for a while. I definitely see the logic in that. Thanks for the info it’s much appreciated! I suppose it’s probably not too hard to write up something up about older homes.

Doesn’t your software address this issue?

Which issue? Ratings? Or the verbage about older homes?

Chad … with 36 yrs inspecting and as a code inspector also, for the scenario you describe my report would say. For the age of the house those conditions are improvements NOT defects

FYI - At the time this property was built, GFCI’s (ground fault interrupter circuits) were not in common use at “wet areas” (wet areas are locations like kitchens, restrooms, exterior, garage, laundry, wet bars, unfinished basements, jacuzzi’s, pools, etc). One or more of the electrical outlet(s) at the “wet areas” did not have GFCI protection. Current safety standards recommend them at these type of areas. We recommend installing a GFCI at any applicable area without one.

FYI - One or more 2-prong electrical outlets were present. Although commonly seen in older buildings, it would be prudent for a new owner to install grounded outlets (especially at wet areas).

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I categorize these as “Recommended Safety Upgrade,” since codes are not retroactive, unless the receptacles are “newer” or the areas have been renovated.

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Well said Dan and Jeffrey!

An unsafe condition should always be reported as such, without exception.