Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting the electrical of a home, home inspector should practice safety fist starting from the clothes he is wearing to safety code require by the local authority. Home inspector should not turn switch breaker on if found in a off position.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The grounded conductor buss bars are over loaded. Many lugs are holding more than one conductor. Also, the breaker at the bottom right is double tapped. Another circuit breaker should be installed. I recommend having an electrical contractor correct the issues.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Many injuries occur to home inspector, while performing a home inspection on electrical service panel. Home inspector should never touched or even removed an electrical panel if moisture or corrosion is visible around the panel. Also safety of workable space should be observed and meet the requirement.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I looked at a drawing of a grounding rod and the picture clearly depicts a properly placed rod. It is driven below the surface of the ground and the lug is installed properly with the conductor placed on the opposite side of the bolt, securing it to the rod.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Ground and neutral wires terminated on the same bus bar in the sub-panel. This is improper and an unsafe condition. Ground and neutral wires must be isolated in a sub panel. The Inspector recommends this condition be corrected by a licensed electrical contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the main electrical service panel, two conductors were connected to a circuit breaker lug designed for only one conductor. This is known as a double-tap" and is a defective condition which should be corrected by a licensed electrical contractor.
If the panel is only fed with 3 wires the panel is again bonded like a service and the conductors can land on the same bus. There are other conditions also. It is not always incorrect.
The lugs can accept and are listed for multiple grounding conductors. The breakers are also listed and labeled for two conductors.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Listed ground rods composed of copper, stainless steel, or zinc-coated steel are required to be a minimum diameter of 0.5 inches. Unlisted rods are required to be at least 5/8" in diameter. All rods should be driven 8 feet into the ground.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting electrical service panels scan the metal surface and mounting screws with a voltage ticker to ensure the panel is not energized. Personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and electrical gloves should be worn when inspecting electrical equipment. Once the panel is deemed safe slowly remove the cover, using it as a shield from any potential arc flashes.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attached photo from a previous inspection shows a portion of the horrendous electrical work done in the house. Only a portion of the electrical panel is shown however there are multiple issues. Included are multiple splices in the service entrances conductors, grounding conductors terminated in the main grounded conductor lug, and improper connection and bonding of the conduit for the service entrance conductors and the panel.
Research & Writing Assignment:
For this assignment I read “Edison’s Early Accident” which I chose for my interest in gaining a historical perspective. I learned about the early production of electricity and electrical plants. Initially electricity was generated at very small local facilities that served very few houses as compared to today’s electrical systems.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture shows a Federal Pacific panel that has been subject to recall, which requires replacement. While many reputable companies have designed a variety of panels, some have proven either ineffective or dangerous. This is a serious issue in any home inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting and electrical panel you will want to begin with making sure the correct clearance was given and the panel has the correct amount of blunt tipped screws. You will then want to inspect the panel for any openings or signs or electrical and overheating damage. Make sure the breakers or fuses are used for the panel you are inspecting. Finally you will take off the panel cover and check for aluminum branch wiring, corrosion such as oxidation, signs of rodents, damaged wiring, and improper bonding.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image is of an electrical panel in the garage. The panel was left open by the previous user and has been held open by lumber that is being stored directly in front of the panel. The panel should have a 3 foot clearance in front, 30 inches of clearance from the center point of the panel, and a headroom of 6 feet. There were 2 missing screws on the bottom right and mid-left.
Those panels were not recalled.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When performing an inspection, one should be highly vigilant in maintaining safety while investigating any electrical components. While normally safe and commonly used without hesitation, electrical components can be deadly, especially if installed incorrectly or damaged. This issue should be at the top of the mind for anyone intending to approach electrically charged items.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Unsafe Installation:
Pictured here is an installation of 14-2 romex in the drywall. The installer did not want to cut through the wood, behind the drywall, to properly run the electrical wire in the wall cavity. The installer further applied mud and tape to the surface to hide the wire. This is a very dangerous installation and does not comply with any code or standard. Penetration/damage to current carrying conductors could be possible with a thumb tack.
Research & Writing Assignment:
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Grounded to Waterline
With new construction this method of grounding rarely applies. As an old standard for a grounding option, one must be aware of the proper grounding and bonding requirements, especially when inspecting updated older homes. On an older home where the old water main may have been utilized as a ground, but a newer plastic line has been installed, the grounding may be compromised or non-existent at all.
The 30 inches does not need to be centered on the panel. The panel can be all the way at the edge or anywhere in between.
