90 Hour Home Inspection (Electrical Systems)

Service entrance conductors run from the service drop to the service box or service panel. True or False?

True

A 14-gauge Copper Wire is protected by a 20-amp fuse. You should report that:

this is a defect, and recommend improvement

What size wire is found on most general purpose outlets for lights and receptacles?

14 gauge

The maximum cord length permitted for corded pool equipment is __________ feet?

3 feet

In most areas, for what distance can service entrance wires run inside the building before going into the service box, without special permission?

0 feet, or as short as possible

What are some common problems with Knob-And-Tube wiring?

1-Connection not in boxes 2-brittle wire, insulation, or sheathing 3-wire buried in insulation 4-fused nuetrals

What are 3 common problems with using Aluminum Wiring?

1-Connectors not compatible with aluminum 2-No anti-oxidant grease on stranded wires 3-Overheating

What are some common Branch Circuit Wire problems?

1-Damaged 2-Not well secured 3-Loose connections 4-Open Splices 5-Wires too close to ducts, pipes, vents, chimneys, and flues 6-Wires run through steel studs without protection 7-Exposed wires on walls or ceilings 8-Exposed wires in attic 9-Wire under carpet 10-Indoor cable used outdoors 11-buried cable

What are 3 different types of Cable you may see?

1-NM, Romex, Loomex 2-UF 3-BX (AC-90), armored cable 4-Knob and tube

The wire size for for the service drop must be the same as the wire size for the service entrance conductors. True or False

False

The Drip Loop should be as close to the roof as possible. True or False?

False

There can be up to 10 throws to disconnect all of the electricity in the house. True or False?

False

What are the issues about running through Steel Studs?

Wire may be damaged by sharp edges of steel studs. Wires passing through holes should be protected with grommets, for example. Wires running parallel to studs should stand off studs

The main service fuses have been installed with labels facing backward, to read their rating. No other markings are visible. You should?

report that the the rating was not determined

A copper wire at least # ___________ AWG must connect to structural rebar within the pool structure and deck, wet niche features of underwater lighting, diving boards, ladders, pumps and their associated equipment, and any other exposed apparatus within _________ feet of the pool walls.

#8 and 5 ft

What are 3 common areas of water penetration into service entrances?

- Conduit joints - mast head - roof flashing

What are some problems with service entrance conductors?

- No drip loop - No masthead - service entrance wires too close to roof - wires too close to roof - mast and conduit bent - mast rotted

What are some conditions found in ALL types of panels?

- Obsolete and/or fused neutrals - Damaged panels and components - loose or missing door - openings in panel - panel too small - overheating - rust or water panel - loose panel - inappropriate support material - panel crowded - poor access

What are some common conditions you might find in a service box?

- poor access or location - loose - rust or water in box - unprotected opening - damaged parts - overheating - illegal taps - fused neutral wiring

6 common problems with service drops are?

1. overhead wires too low 2. overhead wire too high 3. damaged or frayed wires 4. trees or vines interfering with wires 5. wires too close to doors or windows 6. wires not well secured to house 7. poor connection between the service drop and service entrance

All switches must be greater than ___________ horizontal feet from the pool walls?

5 horizontal feet

How far should wires be kept from a Metal Vent Connector or Gas Appliance?

6 inches

What is a brief definition of a watt?

A WATT is the measure of current of electrical energy being consumed or released

Why should Heat Lamps not be located over doors?

A towel thrown over the door may be ignited by heat lamp

What is the definition of a Volt?

A volt is the measure of force or potential energy in an electrical system

During what time period was Aluminum Wiring used?

Aluminum wire was used from the mid-1960s to the late 1970s

What is the brief definition of an AMP?

An AMP is the measure of how much electrical current is flowing

What is the definition of an OHM?

An Ohm is the measure of resistance to electrical flow in a conductor or insulator

What is an Open Slice?

An open splice is a connection that is not made inside a junction box

Where must a light switch be for a light in the stairwell?

At top and bottom of well

Isolating link should be used with a light that has a metal pull chains. The isolating link is made of?

Cardboard or plastic

What are different Branch Wire materials you might see?

Copper Aluminum

What are the implications of and undersized service? A. shock hazard B. fire hazard C. shock and fire hazard D. melting insulation E. nuisance tripping the main fuses or breakers

E. nuisance tripping the main fuses or breakers

Polarity occur whens?

Electrical Receptacle is connected properly

A 200 amp service will have 2-100 fuses in the service panel. True or False?

False

Electrical wiring in a house direct current. True or False?

False

What is required to be installed in unfinished basements or exterior walls?

GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter)

What effects polarity?

Hot and neutral wire crossed

Report as deficient breaker boxes that are?

Installed in hazardous location/safety issues

What is the difference between Insulation and Sheathing?

Insulation is around the individual wires, and sheathing forms the cables by wrapping around the insulated wires

What is the advantage of 240 volt circuit?

More electricity can flow at lower amperage ratings

What is a suitable location for Branch Circuit Wire?

Stapled to two-by-four studs

How do you identify Aluminum Wiring?

The conductor itself is silver colored. The sheathing usually has the word ALUMINUM, ALUM, OR AL.

Which One of the following is a safety issue? a. The main fuses have a lower rating than the service entrance wire b. The main fuses have a higher rating than the service entrance wire c. The service box has a higher rating than the service entrance wire d. The service box has same rating as the service entrance wire

The main fuses have a higher rating than the service entrance wire

What is a reliable way to identify the Service Size?

The service entrance conductor size

What is a reliable indicator of service amperage?

The size of the service entrance conductors

How many wires would you typically find in a 240 volt service drop?

Three

The service size is determined by the amperage and voltage ratings of the service. True or False

True

The service size is determined by the amperage and voltage ratings of the service. True or False?

True

How are Lights tested?

Turn them on and off

Wire should be kept

at least one inch away from heating ducts or pipes

All of these are common closet lighting problems EXCEPT a. the light is above the shelf b. the light is mounted on a wall above the door c. bare bulbs are used d. bare bulbs are used with cages to provide mechanical protection e. installing the light above and toward one end

b. the light is mounted on a wall above the door

Problems with Aluminum wiring include all of the following Except a. it tends to creep out from under terminal screws b. some of the early aluminum wiring was low quality c. it lacked a ground wire d. the aluminum oxide is not a good conductor of electricity

c. it lacked a ground wire

What suggests an improperly supported service drop?

missing Drip Loop

Double Tapping Is

the term for attaching 2 wires to a single fuse or breaker terminal