Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Joe,
scarey picture, while I have not had one go up in flames, I did a few years ago have a lazer printer hooked into a surge protector that started to arc at the wall outlet when I switched on the lazer printer, as the start up on a lazer printer has a big load.
Joe it would be worth explaining to members how to check the loads that are placed on a surge protector, and the outlet that it is connected to, could you do that ??
Originally Posted By: kmcmahon This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
gbeaumont wrote:
Hi Joe,
Joe it would be worth explaining to members how to check the loads that are placed on a surge protector, and the outlet that it is connected to, could you do that ??
Regards
Gerry
I wouldn't have a clue how many amps the items plugged into my surge protector are pulling. 
Originally Posted By: jtedesco This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Sure:
I found this listing information in my UL Directory "White Book" on page 124-125. We should refer to it as a "Relocatable Power Tap". Please read this first.
The receptacle in the wall with the two "duplex" outlets, is probably only rated for 15 amps, and is not designed to carry more than 12 amps (80%) on a 15 amp branch circuit, so when the equipment that is plugged into the "power tap" is rated beyond that figure the wall receptacle starts to heat up, and may begin to deteriorate and weaken the contacts.
That's one of the reasons I always suggest that new receptacles (specification grade) be used as replacements to give more strength to that first connection.
The best advice would be to run some individual 20 ampere branch circuits.
The two receptacle outlets in a duplex are not enough for everything we need to play with our toys!
PS: I am on the Amtrak now at Newark station so I have a receptacle next
to me so I can play and get some work done before I get into Baltimore!
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Pardon my naivete but how does this fit into a limited visual inspection? Most inspections are for the buyer. The picture shows what would be considered portable appliances that are owned by the occupant of the house and will be removed when they vacate the premises. As an HI, I only inspect permanent appliances, ie… dishwasher, range, oven, etc… items that are part of the sale of the property. If I start making recommendations on how these items are plugged in, I’m opening myself up for a lot of trouble. What about the frayed cord on the lamp I didn’t see, or the plug on the surge protector that had the ground prong pulled out… it’s and endless list. Even if it was a prelisting inspection or a warranty inspection where I was hired by the occupant of the house I probably would not go beyond a verbal warning. I wouldn’t touch determining the load on a surge protector with a ten foot pole.
Originally Posted By: hgordon This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
doing a comprehensive electrical inspection, but a visual inspection of the entire house.
That being said I do believe that we should note OBVIOUS safety concerns.
In the case where we are doing PRE-LISTING or PRE-SALE inspections, this is a MUST CALLOUT.
 All that being said, I still thank you Joe for pointing all this out...maybe we should all unplug our PC's right now
Originally Posted By: jtedesco This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
When I posted the picture above the thought that came to my mind was a typical worn out old and broken 20 year old .39 cent receptacle often encountered in the area where equipment of the type shown is used.
I was not asking anyone to do anything different, especially when it would be a problem that would come back and haunt you!
I did not want to read about a fire in a home that was caused by a situation like the one above.
Questions: Is it acceptable the tell an owner that the receptacle(s) tension is inadequate, and should be replaced?
Doesn't NFPA 73 include something related to this?
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
Questions: Is it acceptable the tell an owner that the receptacle(s) tension is inadequate, and should be replaced?
Yes, and I do. But, I only test accessible outlets and I do not unplug an appliance to test the outlet it is plugged into (except for GFCI). If the house is vacant, I test every one of those suckers. 
