I studied the GCFI branch circuit protection. I have noticed in several homes I have worked on, that all receptacles have been replaced with GCFI outlets. Most of these were performed by the homeowner. I know the branch only needs to be protected by one GCFI I am wondering if it will cause any faults or problems having more than one on the circuit?
InterNACHI Standards of Practice Course Essay Response:
I chose to summarize the Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI’s) paper by Gromicko and Ward because the eclectic components of a dwelling are extremely interesting to me. I have found that one of the most mis-understood aspects of the electrical system by most people are the requirements and more importantly the testing of the GFCI in the dwelling. The following is a summary of those points stated within the paper.
The GFCI is a devise used to disconnect a circuit when unbalanced current is detected between an energized conductor and a neutral return conductor. The imbalanced is caused by the leaking of current through a person when that person contacts a ground and an energized part of the circuit. Standard breakers guard against overload, GFCI’s guard against an imbalance of current.
The NEC outlines where GFCI’s should be placed to protect and serve the safety of the inhabitants of the dwelling. The paper outlines the code’s requirement for location to include: bathrooms, garages, outdoors, crawlspaces at or below grade, kitchens…ect. Please refer to complete list of required locations.
Lastly, the paper what I think to be an extremely important and overlooked aspect of GFCI’s, and that is testing. It doesnt matter if the receptacle is located in the correct spot if it does not function as intended. The paper noted the way to test the GFCI is to plug something into the outlet, turn it on, and then push the test button. Most people just press the button to test, doing this does not guarantee the receptacle is working as intended. GFCI’s should be tested once a month.
Standards of Practice Essay
My photo is example of under sink plumbing. All piping was installed properly and no leaks were detected after water was ran on both sides of sink. Cabinetry doesn’t show any signs of water damage or warping. Wall has some deterioration that could be due to pre-existing water leakage or age. Fixture water feed lines appear to be in good condition with no signs of water seepage of cracking. Trap is installed properly and all drain connections are tight. During inspection did notice that the dishwasher doesn’t not have a proper airgap device installed and the drain line connects directly to the sink tail piece.
Recommend installation of proper airgap device
No other discrepancies noted.
Reading and Writing Assignment
My library article was about dryer exhaust inspection. It always puzzled me as to why people refuse to clean this. Understandably the washer and dryer are heavy appliances and people don’t want to have to move them for cleaning but the dryer is one of the biggest fire hazards in a home. Requirements about proximity to air conditioning units and heat pumps was interesting as well as the restriction of exterior dampers and covers. Makes sense not to use a screen because every one I’ve seen is almost always clogged with lint. I knew that dryers exhausted damp hot air but I never realized up to a gallon per load. That’s a significant moisture risk if not properly installed.
Picture and Essay:
My picture is of the roof shingles. You can clearly see the shingles have not been attached correctly and are starting to shift on the roof. They have also deteriorated and lost a lot of the granular material covering. The fiber used to hold the asphalt together is visible and there was water intrusion below the shingle.
Reading and Writing assignment:
Garage Inspection: Conducting the inspection and making reference to a Structural Engineer to determine if modifications are done correctly is a smart route to go. Many homeowners modify the roof trusses in garages to increase storage without really knowing how much weight it can hold above the current weight of the roof it supports. Additionally they have used the trusses as “make shift” supports for other thing(engine hoist, punching bags, etc) and could have already damaged the truss.
Research Exercise:
I have researched the Clearance of Non Treated wood from grade. It was interesting that the supporting girder was above the treated wood or concrete and below the Joist. Many times I have seen the Joist supported directly on the Treated Wood or concrete support at the 12" mark vice the 18" .
Essay and image requirement:
I have attached an image of a downspout that is need of repair. The downspout is draining directly into the ground against the foundation. This may cause water/damage to foundation. I would recommend that a qualified contractor further investigate reattaching and proper drainage.
During the exterior inspection the sliding glass door was inspected. The door operated smoothly on its track which was also inspected for any wear or defects. None were found. The door sealed close at the jam from top to bottom. The screen operated as it should and was free from defects. The exterior flashing and trim were installed properly. There were no signs of water leakage.
please find attached my essay for the Standards of Practice.Picture for Essay for Standards of Practice Course.pdf (135 KB)
Research Essay for Standard of Practices Course
Blower Door Testing
This was a good article to read as I have been a certified energy auditor for the State of Maine for over 20 years and I don’t think I have ever read such a short article on the use of a blower door which explained the advantages and uses of this piece of equipment. This tool is one of the main pieces of equipment used in performing an energy audit and clearly assists an auditor with making decisions as to what a home may need in the way of weatherizing. This article did a great job in explaining that (especially to the novice) by covering the basics in such a short article.
Essay and photo:
The toilet is fastened properly to the floor with no wobble. No visible signs of leaking. Shutoff valve in proper working order. NO visible signs of water damage on floor.
This is my Post on Research and Inspection Articles. I chose Ceiling Fan Inspections. I found it to be very informative. This Forum and Course is a great learning tool
Article review
Th article I read was on bathroom exhaust fans. A common problem I have seen personally is the venting. The vent should exit the structure and not terminate in an attic or just tucked into the soffit. Improper termination could result in an excess build up of moisture which could result in the possibility of mold growth and damage to wood.
This gas fireplace was inspected to its fullest accessibility. It does not have manually operated damper doors. The system is enclosed and not readily accessible to a non-professional. I have determined that the gas lines as well as the chimney flue and flashing, are all properly connected. There is currently a smoke detector and carbon-monoxide detector present in the same room. Does not appear to be in need of clean out.
Standards of practice is a loose term. While from one side it states what should be done, from the other side one might question why it wasnt done. Its very important to keep these definitions clearly stated as to what will and wont be done.
Recent reports show that more than 60% of home owners say they’d rather have less square footage and more amenities. National Association of Home Builders have reported similar percentage regarding new builds being smaller. The tiny house movement is here. Less maintenance, reduced utility bills and consumption equals increased cash flow and quality of the build. With small homes enjoying a reduction in all house systems, simplicity and sustainability seem inevitable.
This here is a hotpoint 40 gallon water heater. From what I visually inspected its in a good condition. There are no leaks. The PRV valve is attachted correctly. Everything is working fine
Research Essay :
The topic that I chose to learn about was plumbing. A specific picture that I selected was a shut off valve. This picture is showing a closed ball valve. We know its closed because the handle is in a horizontal position to the pipe.