Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting overhead electrical mast it is important to take note of the loop and mast tiedowns. Look for tension pulling the mast to a point where the mast begins to bend this is a noted deficiency. Take pictures and document everything.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Personal safety is a highly important factor to every commercial inspection from maintaining awareness to all potential exposures to visible and non visible hazards to ladder safety, masks and eye protection. Your personal protection equipment (PPE) is by far the best investment for all inspectors.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Commercial lighting is much more that just decoration. There is saety, task, specialty and fire/life safety lighting. Many buildings use a back up power source in case the power goes out. Many things need to be locked at when assessing the lighting
Research & Writing Assignment:
Fire safety is a big item at a commercial inspection and generally involves hiring specialty contractors. This includes the Ansul system which is usually part of a kitchen. Fire extinguishers need to be checked and proper records kept as is the maintenance of all fire safety equipment
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an image of an electrical panel with signs of moisture intrusion inside the panel.
This is in a common wall with a shower on the other side. It was determined to have been from a defective riser to the shower head.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Inspecting commercial electrical systems are quite similar to a typical home inspection in many ways, however different experts may and or will, be necessary to ensure that the components and systems are installed and working properly. The information obtained from the experts can be then added to your inspection report.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I observed the distribution panel in my home, which is located in the basement. It was evident that some communication cabling (cable/satellite and telephone) should have cable ties attached to secure and contain them. Review of the breaker guide indicates that labeling of various breakers is not clear.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Article: Creating a Team of Expert Consultants for Your Commercial Property Inspection Business
Commercial property inspectors that are successful serve as a general contractor or project manager for their client and rely on specialists to perform component- or area-specific inspections. In this way, the commercial property inspector acts as a facilitator, scheduling subcontractors, facilitating access to the building, compiling reports, and communicating with the client. In order for a commercial property inspector to ensure service of multiple clients and projects, it is advised to have backup consultants available.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Proper warning Arc Flash & Shock Hazard Sticker on Dead Front Panel cover present.On GE 3 Ph 100Amp 4 wire 120/208. Missing 4 panel Blanks. Panel legend Not Corrsctly Filed out. Illegal boxes stored on top of Panel not Allowed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Electrical Chart very Informative on AWG size, insulation Types, Fuse & Breaker. Also Amperage Rating of Copper / Aluminum. Illustration of proper Romex Stapling & wire Markings on Non meticulous cable. Plus proper stud Drilling 1 1/4 & Metal plate.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspection was of a foreclosed property on behalf of an Agent listing the property. Review of the electrical systems uncovered an electrical enclosure used for the purpose of a junction box. The cover was not secured and there was unprotected wiring inside the enclosure causing both a potential shock hazard and eliminating ground protection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Photo taken from the Illustration gallery was of a Commercial Kitchen Inspection. A critical component would the the Ansul System which should be inspected to determine that the system has been properly maintained and serviced with tags attached indicating the last date(s) of service as well as confirming that records are kept on-site or at the Owner’s location.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Confined Space Inspection: Many confined spaces require a permit to enter. Be aware of the dangers while conducting inspections. Examples of confined spaces include tanks, vaults, pits, manholes, tunnels, equipment housings, pipelines, boilers, furnaces, compactors, sewers, attic spaces and elevator pits. Review safety rules for entering confined spaces. Do not inspect confined spaces alone.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Picture of leaking waste line with corrosion in a Motel crawlspace. By repairing this one item prior to failure the purchaser saved more than the cost of this commercial inspection. Not only would the cleanup have been expensive, but business revenue loss would have also been significant. Inspections don’t cost money, … they save money!!
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I photographed this oil cooled transformer outside of a grocery store. Because it’s located in a vehicle traffic area steel bollards filled with concrete and painted with a safety yellow paint help protect the transformer from damage by delivery trucks or automobiles. Transformers should never be concealed or enclosed. When underground digging is required on the property the utility locate company needs to clamp on to the transformer in order to accurately trace all lines under ground.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I studied the commercial kitchen cook line and ansul system. The ansul systems actuating sequence typically includes closing the grease damper to prevent the spread of fire and closing the gas line feeding the grills,fryers,ovens ect. All gas fired fryers or grills on wheels must have a commercial grade Quick release gas connector and must best secured to the wall with a coated cable that is impervious to grease.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A transformer is found that decreases voltage for supply to panels. 4- disconnects are found 3- mains to turn of power to panels and 1- to turn off power to machinery or H.V.A.C. Commercial disconnects for panels are often separate from the panels.3- Panels and A trough is found under panels for wire management.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Grease Traps are found in commercial buildings with kitchens they separate grease and oil from water and trap it before it goes in the drain. There are 2- types one is found inside and is a passive trap and one is found outside underground called grease interceptor. There are no moving parts to either and must be frequently cleaned by a qualified professional.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Commercial electrical inspections are very different than residential inspections.
See the picture attached. What type of inspection is this? It’s a home inspection. A commercial inspector would NOT remove a deadfront on a commercial high voltage panel, that would be left for a commercial electrician, only it within the scope of the commercial inspection.
Although the basis of the commercial inspection remains the same as the residential inspection, the scope of work varies by each individual commercial inspection. A clear scope of work must be detailed in the inspection agreement. A commercial electrician may be required on some inspections putting the inspector into a facilitator role. That is,the inspector would assemble an inspection team and coordinate the team’s documentation based on your client’s needs and your inspector agreement. Similar to a technically exhaustive home inspection.
The commercial standards of practice and protocols are also different. These must both be understood before engaging in a commercial inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Fire extinguisher maintenance and inspection is an important part of every commercial inspection.
The health and safety of the occupants depend on a proper inspection and working knowledge of fire extinguisher guidelines outlined in InterNachi’s library of inspection articles,in the continuing education courses available as an member in good standing and referenced in the Commercial Electrical systems course.
Referencing the fire extinguisher and inspection guidelines is recommended on every commercial inspection to not only promote your client’s health and safety but mitigate your professional liability.
