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