Snake bite!

Originally Posted By: jpope
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



Trying not to step through the drywall ceiling of an attic, looking down at where I’m crawling and out pops this!


![](upload://o8PRoL8NHKJhq3z9OaX0j7Qricx.jpeg)

Lucky for me, this was not energized


--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738

Originally Posted By: dvalley
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



Jeff,


That wire looks familiar. I see that wire two or three times a week. And most of the time, it's LIVE.
What goes through homeowners minds when they decide to tuck it under the insulation or even to leave it there LIVE for that matter.
![](upload://AlUHl1yNJO2p2rkgcbpKl0yXapS.gif)


--
David Valley
MAB Member

Massachusetts Certified Home Inspections
http://www.masscertified.com

"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."

Originally Posted By: pdacey
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



Jeff,


Good catch. I had a similar situation a couple of weeks ago.

Here's a pic. of some orange NM in the attic just laying on the ceiling joist
![](upload://8XZzBrkqNr0Ju8aSUwIwyvjJE5Q.jpeg)

Now here's the other end of the NM. Note that it by passes the panel and goes straight into the meter box.


My client, who was the buyer, is an agent that I work for frequently. She was purchasing the house from a friend. When I showed her that her friend had been stealing electricity, she was speechless.


--
Slainte!

Patrick Dacey
swi@satx.rr.com
TREC # 6636
www.southwestinspections.com

Originally Posted By: dfrend
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



Patrick, maybe I am slow today. Is the wire bypassing the meter? If not, Is it stealing electric?



Daniel R Frend


www.nachifoundation.org


The Home Inspector Store


www.homeinspectorstore.com

Originally Posted By: pdacey
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



Daniel,


I guess I should have said "possibly" stealing electricity. It all depends where the cable is connected inside the meter box. At the very least, it's an unprotected cable. But why connect a cable directly into the meter box if you are not stealing?


--
Slainte!

Patrick Dacey
swi@satx.rr.com
TREC # 6636
www.southwestinspections.com

Originally Posted By: Gino Conner
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



I think “probably” is a suitable adverb to use here. Patrick is right. There is no other reason to run a cable into the meter pan but to steal electricity.


Originally Posted By: dfrend
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



except maybe they are dumb. icon_biggrin.gif



Daniel R Frend


www.nachifoundation.org


The Home Inspector Store


www.homeinspectorstore.com

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



Are you sure that was orange NM cable?


Looking at the light reflections off the cable, it looks like orange extension cord with twisted conductors inside.


--
Jerry Peck
South Florida

Originally Posted By: Mike Parks
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



Jerry


Good call. Turns are too smooth for 10awg.

Mike P.