Research exercise:
Adjustable Steel Columns
A support system that may be found on basement across the country are adjustable steel columns. These are comprised of a structural pipe with a threaded adjustment to adjust the total height. While the adequacy of the column for the supported load can not be determined as part of a home inspection, the inspector should look to see that they are straight, plumb, securely fastened to the floor and beam and are not over extended.
Pictured below is a 20 amp and a 30 amp double pole circuit breaker. The wires are correctly sized to match the current rating of the breakers they terminate on. The ends of the conductors were properly stripped and secured in the breaker lugs as well. However, what would normally be used as a grounded conductor in a circuit(the white wire)is being used as an ungrounded conductor(normally a black or red wire 120v-240v)to carry current to a load. This is an acceptable practice as long as the grounded conductor is re identified as a ungrounded conductor by placing a wrap of colored electrical tape on the conductor near the point of any termination or splice in the circuit. This should be done to keep some one working on the circuit from confusing ungrounded conductors for grounded conductors.
A very bad condition where insulation is dry rotted off the SE cable. This allows water to track into the panel, is a trap should a roofer need to work around it.
So wrong picture again. Dang it. That picture is of a recalled exit fixture that was built at the factory with improper low voltage electronic parts that would allo th fixture to burst in flame.
This is the bad SE cable
This is a photo of what I think is an impressive, professional install. The electrician labeled the dead front cover as well as individual wires. This is a lateral feed system, the top of panel was approximately 6’ a.f.f., there was nothing impeding panel access, wire gauge was appropriate for breaker size. There were no empty knockouts.The wires were neatly placed. And there was no debris on the bottom of the panel box.
I read the article “Barbecue Safety”. A lot of what I read seemed to be common sense. storing tanks in your trunk, storing full tanks next to the grill, Charcoal used outdoors, proper size extension cord for electric grills. Not a bad reminder for lazy behaviors though.
The electrical service was noted to be a 100 amp service. The neutral wire was observed to have been properly re-identified. No AFCI protection was present on bedroom circuits. We recommended that the client upgrade the electrical system to include AFCI protection on all bedroom circuits for enhanced safety.
I just finished reading an interesting article on the AFCI Testers. It reminds inspectors of the importance of following up all AFCI tests done with a portable tester by testing again at the AFCI breaker, as per the manufacturers recommended testing procedure. These courses are a constant reminder of the many details involved in a proper and safe inspection.
I inspected the Main Electrical Panel in my rental home. As you can see from the picture several screws are missing… The panel legend is present. identification of several circuits is not clear… The dead front was not removed
For my research article essay I read Electrical Safety… It’s always good to reinforce what we learn throughout this course… Also to reinforce what home owners should practice on a regular basis
The photo below shows the sub-panel for an outbuilding at the inspected property. The panel is rated for 125 amps max. The panel does not have a main shutoff and does not show any evidence of a GEC. The breakers are labeled except for one, which appears to be for overhead lighting. The hot water heater conductor should be 10/2 rather than 14/2 that is currently installed, which could pose a safety issue. It is recommended that a licensed electrical contractor conduct a thorough inspection to remedy safety issues.
Article: Electrical Service from Hell
This pictorial training article is a helpful tool for inspectors who are just beginning to understand electric panels. It gives a variety of scenarios with photos. I will be looking at this a few more times to become more familiar with panel issues I might encounter.
Picture shows a service panel breakers that were double tapped. This practice is not allowed on most breaker types. Evaluation and repair by qualified electrical contractor is recommended.
The particular item inspected was the grounding wire.
The attached picture shows the grounding wire of an adequate size connected to a grounding rod.
The rod was stable in the ground.
The grounding wire also had a clamp for grounding of the cable TV system.
I noticed that there was paint sprayed at the clamp to the grounding rod so it would be recommended to check this connection.
The illustration reviewed was that of the proper work space required for an electrical panel.
The clear width needed is 30".
The clear space in front of the box required is 36".
The minimum headroom required is 78".
This is for sefvice equipment rated at 600 volts or less.
Picture above shows a typical fan support box that should be used on all ceiling fans. Those mounts are attached to ceiling joists and should be rated for 45 lb or more. Fans that are installed to a regular unsupported box designed for just a light fixture may be unsafe. I could potentially cause the fan to drop and hurt people below.
Here is an image of a 200 amp electrical panel. The panel was installed in 2005. Seems to be in great condition with no current appearance of any malfunctioning systems. EP.pdf (147 KB)
Electrical Service From Hell - Article
Electrical panels and wiring can have such a wide array of issues. This article in my opinion does a great job of showing some of these issues versus reading about them. You give a great description of each issue to help us better understand what the problem is and what it looks like.
Panel Has double tap wires . Three black wires from wash machine conduit two of them in grounding bus . Also an improperly installed surge protector . Black electrical tape wrap on Main supply wire may have cut or bare spot . Also note burnt lug at breaker for the AC condenser wiring . This panel requires an Electrical Contractor to inspect and repair as needed .This is a safety concern and should not be over looked .
Adjustable Steel Columns
Are used to support the weight of a homes upper floors. More than 3 inches of the screw thread are exposed. Could indicate a potential defect. A rust spot or out of level could also be a potential defect . Any cracks in upstairs walls are signs of Defect as well.