Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Kevin,
While you can't "see" that it is wired incorrectly, you can "know" that being wired incorrectly is the main cause for this condition.
Thus, you could have written something like:
'While the GFCI device does protect receptacles downstream, it does not protect itself, the receptacle outlets in the GFCI device itself did not trip off. The most common cause of this is incorrect wiring. Typically, this means that the 'line' and 'load' were reversed, i.e., it was wired incorrectly.'
or (for one receptacle only) 'While the GFCI device tripped when the 'test' button was pushed, the GFCI receptacle outlets were still 'hot' - power did not turn off. The most common cause of this is incorrect wiring. Typically, this means that the 'load' terminals were connected to the circuit conductors (instead of connecting them to the 'line' terminals.'
This not only enhances your standing with your clients (because you know the most likely cause), but with the electrician when he tells the seller, agent, buyer, whomever 'That HI was correct, that was the problem.' instead of saying 'Wonder why that HI called for me to "evaluate" it? They should have know what was wrong with it. It's just wired wrong."
But that leads me to my other rant of (take a deep breath, exhale slowly, no all caps screaming, calmly now) ... why do we, who are being paid to "evaluate" what we inspect, calling for "further evaluation"? Why can't we, HIs, simply call for what it really needs? It really "needs" to be "repaired". Thus, all we (HIs) need to say is 'Repair as needed'.
Whew, I made it through without ... WHAT ON EARTH ARE WE (HIs) DOING CALLING FOR "FURTHER EVALUATION" WHEN WE ARE BEING PAID TO "EVALUATE" IT? WHY DON'T WE JUST CALL FOR "REPAIRS"?
Dang! Almost made it through!
--
Jerry Peck
South Florida