Research & Writing Assignment:
Be Extra Carefull My Fellow Electrical Inspectors. On Circuit Distrubtion Panels Made By Zinsco,Federal Pacific(FPE),FPE-Stab-Lok,Fedral Noarc,Federal Pioneer. For These Panel Reputation are very Problematic. (FPE) Have been found not to Trip when need and over Heat Causing Electrical House Fires.
Research & Writing Assignment:
According to Healthy Homes, Part 11: Electricity Course, temporary cords longer than eight (8) feet, or cords used for a permanent installations, or cords rolled up should not be used because all violate the National Electrical Code (NEC) which by definition create a fire and/or eletrical safety hazard.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This grouping of electrical connections on the north side of the attic was observed without the required protective junction box and cover plate, together with various loose wires of questionable connection, etc. This condition is improper construction practice and poses risk to electrical fire and safety. A qualified specialist, e.g. licensed electrical contractor is recommended for prompt attention, investigation and corrective repair as needed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting the service panel, I ran into several issues. First of all, there is no panel cover. Grounds are hanging loose. The panel and wires are not properly bonded. I called it out and went on to the next area to be inspected. Written as a material defect and in need of an electrician’s evaluation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Many things need to be considered during an inspection of the electric service panel, as safety is the number one priority. You need an escape route. You need the minimum clearance. Is the panel screws damaging the wiring? Is there water on the floor? Always be aware of your surroundings.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting the electrical panel your personal safety is the highest priority. Avoid standing on wet ground when touching any electrical portion of the home. Wear proper person protective equipment and rubber soled shoes when inspecting live electrical panels. If you deem an inspection at that time isnt safe notify your client and disclaim the inspection and schedule another time to inspect that perticular item.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Identifying aluminum wiring is required in the home inspections standard of practice. Aluminum wiring is a fire hazard that should be noted and photographed for the current and future homeowner. Aluminum wiring may affect the ability to insure the home or increase the costs of insurance. Aluminum was used for a short period of time when copper became more expensive then aluminum. There are quite a few problems with aluminum wiring that lead to an increased fire hazard. Fatigue, corrosion, and gapping are the most common problems and rewiring of the entire home maybe needed to resolve the problem.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The photo shows a garage laundry room outlet where a washing machine is plugged in. An adapter was used to make the three wire cord connect to a two wire outlet. The metal prong on the adapter is screwed into the rusty cover screw but the box is mounted to a wooden stud with a home made bracket and a piece of stranded wire attached to the box wrapped around a nail driven in to the stud. If a hot wire in the washer shorts to the cabinet, anyone who touches it will likely be shocked.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the article about service panels the author describes some conditions that should be checked before inspecting a service panel. Water should not be entering the enclosure and it should not be rusty. The enclosure should be secured to the wall. A voltage detector should be used before touching metal parts to make sure that they are not energized.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
GFI outlets were noted throughout the property (Kitchen, bathrooms and exterior walls). However, some defective GFI
(test faulty) and/or reversed polarity were detected in some outlets (kitchen - Right side of sink; Front exterior wall - top floor). Have them checked and corrected by an electrician.
Research & Writing Assignment:
All connections or splices should be in junction boxes. Splices in electrical wire that carries electrical current in a building (such as for lights or electrical outlets) must be completed using an approved mechanical connector and must be enclosed in an approved junction box which itself is secured to the structure.
