[FONT=Times New Roman][size=2]F. Receptacles (Outlets)
[/size][/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman][size=2]Three prong receptacles were observed on a two wire electrical system. This gives a false sense that the receptacle is grounded
when it is not. Suggest installing two prong receptacles in all locations where the three prong receptacles are connected to a
two wire electrical system. (all receptacles ungrounded except kitchen)
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The first article is “Inspecting Aluminum Wiring” by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard. The article discusses the hazards of single strand aluminum wiring. Those hazards are due to the undesirable characteristics of aluminum as compared to copper. The article also describes how to identify aluminum wiring and gives some options on how to make some repairs.
The second article is "Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter’s (AFCIs) by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard. The article describes how AFCIs work, what constitutes an arc and how they form, where AFCIs are required by code, and explains the difference between AFCIs and GFCIs.
I read the articles, Electrical Service Panel from Hell and Edisons Early Accident.,
I found the call-out for unstripped romex entering the panel interesting in the Panel from hell section. In regards to Edisons early accident. The fact that the wallpaper in the late 1800’s had tinsel in them, makes sense I guess, but I can see the need for insulation on the conducters, especially in that scenario!
Smoke and Carbon monoxide detectors
It is not only the law to have both in Ontario it is important to test and properly locate them in your home.Having a smoke alarm to close to some appliances will cause it to activate unnecessarily leading to homeowners disconnecting them.When detectors are hard wired they should have battery back-up in the event of electrical outage and electrical fires.Carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in proper locations also to ensure proper operation as smoke rises and carbon monoxide is heavy accumulating towards the floor al. in all we can make are homes much safer with proper installation ,maintenance and sufficient numbers of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Inspection assignment:
During the electrical inspection of my home I checked all the GFCI outlets. All plates were secured tightly with proper screws. I also confirmed that all GFCI outlets tripped and rest properly…which they did.
Reading writing assignment:
I read two articles, first was the Electrical Terms article and second was the Service Panel article.
Both good articles, The electrical terms is a great article for those of us new to the electrical side of inspecting and need some clarification. The service panel article serves as a great reminder of the possible dangers associated with inspecting the panel. Also provides some good safety measures such as, do you have an escape plan, is there visible water, safety glasses and protective attire to name a few.
I inspected this home and found this GFCI was ungrounded and and wouldn’t trip. After inspecting the interior of the home I found 75 percent of the recepticals were ungrounded. The main concern if the recepticals were designed to be grounded. I recommended they recepticals be changed to the original recepticals or the home be rewired to ensure the recepticals were grounded properly.
This plug was found on the exterior of the house under the deck. There was not a plug on the deck. The plug has un-shielded romex cable coming through the exterior wall to a non-water tight box. The plug was not GFCI protected, nor did it have a approved water proof cover. All items were marked as repair/replace on the inspection report.
The first article I read was Electrical safety. Over 400 people are killed and over 2000 people are injure each year in the US by electricity. Electrical heaters are ok to use but keep them away from combustibles and away from water. Do not over use cords and ensure rodents and pest do not chew wires. Keep children informed about the dangers of electricity, keep safety plugs installed in outlets and don’t allow kids to climb trees near powere lines.
The second article I read was GFCIs. This article indicated that over 300 people are killed each year by electrocution. Since the early 80s, GFCIs have been built into the recepticals. GFCIS should be installed along kitchen countertops, 6 feet from sinks, wet bars, and or any water source. Also outdoor recepticals, rooftop and boat houses should have GFCIS.
I read the articled AFCI’s and Electric service panels. I mostly find AFCI protection on newer homes, and only with protection in the bedrooms. However, starting last year they are requiring all circuits in new homes to be AFCI protected, except for circuits that have GFCI protection. The licensing dept is requiring AFCI protection to be installed when permits are pulled to do any work in an existing service panel. I always test AFCI circuits at the breaker. The AFCI tester has been shown to not be a completely reliable method of testing.
Reading & Writing Assignment;
AFCI’s and GFCI’s: After reading the two articles on the different types of electrical hazard protection and some further research I am of the conclusion that nearly all breakers (and/or outlets) will be required to be a combination of both types eventually. There will be a few exceptions likely as in dedicated circuits, alarms, and perhaps 220 outlets.
I need a plan on testing these. I can’t imagine tripping the AFCI breakers one at a time, hunting down the fine print on the panel for the room location (which is probably wrong or misleading), and finding the area of the house for each breaker. Maybe thats how it’s done. I have never seen an AFCI yet.
One other new bit of info I didn’t know about GFI receptacles is that even though it looks like there is only one GFI outlet in the kitchen, that one can control several downstream. I also found no GFI outlets in a bathroom, only to find the upstream GFI in another bathroom. The rooms are adjacent. Not sure if this is code.
Upon removal of the dead panel there were two double taps and some oversize breakers. One breaker was not seated properly. Recommend electrician inspect and correct as needed.
The main breaker and the panel were labeled 200 amps. There were no markings on any wiring inside the panel box. The main service amperage could not be verified because there were no identifying marks or access to inspect the underground cable insulation.
There was a 40 amp breaker serving #10 awg cu wire and a 20 amp breaker serving a #14 cu wire
This is a 200 amp residential panel. It is a two-phase 240 system, which means that each phase has its own 120 amp bus. The image shows the main shut-off at the top of the panel. The neutral conductor bus is on the right of the breakers; the grounding bus is on the left. No neutrals or grounds share the same bus. There are no double taps. However, there is a neutral conductor going into one side of a 30-amp dual-pole breaker. This needs further investigation.
In this inspection the house had just been upgraded, although the panel appeared to be professionally installed, the romex wires running in the attic ( at scuttle hole and pathway for servicing hvac) and into unfinished utility room (at wall between wall studs and corners) were not properly attached or secured.
I was brought up to the owner by the real estate agent and the owner contacted the electrical contractor to follow up.
“A Garage Inspection” illustrates how an inspector must be watchful of alterations in the construction of a garage. In this case, the inspector found alterations to the trusses. Since trusses are designed to bear loads at very specific points, any deviation from specific applications may suggest defects and quick fixes.
Abrasive blasting describes the process of scouring mold sites with baking soda, which allows remediation of hard-to-access areas.
I read the article on electrical terms and electromagnetic fields.
I am very cautious not wearing rings or jewelry when inspecting electrical panels, on obvious older panels that appear to not have been inspected in a while, I use my heat detector for hot spots, I never approach panels if I am sweaty as well.
I have been involved in electrical with my gas ticket for some time but still use the following example when confused on the basics. I recall a 1500 watt hair blow dryer on a 120 volt would mean 12.5 amps. therefore 1500 divided by 120 volts = 12.5 amp and of course that can be reversed to find the missing links if required. My gas training was big on not just using memory but how to find the answers when required and leaving pride at the door as we can forget with not requiring any given info on daily basis. The Quebec region has low hydro cost due to infrastructure, meaning most homes are completely electric using it for heating in a cold region. This also means huge supply line with towers humming with electromagnetic fields that can be felt in back yards making the hair go up on the back of your neck. Interesting article on that, a good read for people if it relates to your area.
The first image shows a main electrical panel. The defect here is that the legend is not clearly provided on an acceptable panel legend form. Breaker identification is written on the panel itself. Also somewhat visible here on the left side is the grounding wires that exit the main panel and terminate outside to a connection on a grounding bar driven into the ground near the meter.
The second image depicts the proper method for a second ground as required by code. The bare copper wire is attached to the incoming cold water pipe before and after the water meter as is necessary. This would prevent improper grounding if the water meter is removed.
Tom Bianchi
The first image shows an electrical main panel that is not properly indexed. The breakers are identified by writing on the panel itself as opposed to inclusion on a proper index form mounted on the panel door.
The second image depicts the proper method for a second ground as required by code. The bare copper wire is attached to the incoming cold water pipe before and after the water meter as is necessary. This would prevent improper grounding if the water meter is removed.
Tom Bianchi
This is my assignment for the reading portion of the electrical inspection section.
Electrical Terms
Voltage is the measure of potential energy per unit charge.
Resistance is the measure of flow of electrical current through a material.
Amps are a measure of electrons flpowing in the same direction along a conductor (AKA current).
Ohm’s law is V=IR where V is the volatge, I is the current and R is the resistance.
Power is the measure of work being done by the supplied energy. P=The first image shows a main electrical panel. The defect here is that the legend is not clearly provided on an acceptable panel legend form. Breaker identification is written on the panel itself. Also somewhat visible here on the left side is the grounding wires that exit the main panel and terminate outside to a connection on a grounding bar driven into the ground near the meter.
Alternating Current (AC) is most commonly used in NA. The amount of voltage constantly changes from 0 to max and back to 0.
Direct Current (DC) is most common in Europer and is used in batteries. The amount of voltage and the direction is constant.
Both AC and DC are dangerous if improperly handled.
Electrical Service Panels
These are boxes that house circuit breakers which are safety devices that stop current if it exceeds safe levels.
Inspection of electrical panels is inherently dangerous. Never probe inside the panel with an instrument.
Before removing the cover, check for an escape path, wet floor, and rust. Use a voltage ticker to check that the cover is safe to touch. Stand back, block the client from touching the panel and inform him that this procedure is dangerous.
Inspection should include:
-Check for 3 foot clearance in front of the panel
-Aluminum branch wiring
-Sharp panel screws that could damage wiring
-Circuit breakers not properly sized
-Oxidation or corrosion on any parts.
-Damage caused by rodents
-Evidence of electrical failures or water
-Improper bonding
-A ZINSCO or Federal Pacific panel, both of which are problematic and unsafe.
Tom
After opening the service panel I first wanted to note that the main shut off was a 200 amp breaker. Also the service panel is rated for a 200 amp system. All of the breakers are properly and clearly written. All knockouts and tabs are still in place. Its in a room of its own with plenty of clearance in front and on the sides. No signs of arching or burn marks are visible on panel. The inspection sticker is still in place and has the electricians name clearly printed. I would tell the home owner that both bedrooms have AFCI breakers which is a sign of newer build, which reflects the newer codes.
