October 2013 Inside The Inspector -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ask the Inspector Maintenance Matters Snapshots from the Field Noteworthy News Ask the Inspector Inspector checking outlet grounding Q: My property inspector talked about ground wires. What does that mean? With any electrical circuit, two wires are needed to complete the circuit to create the electrical power to run lights, small appliances or electronic equipment such as a television or phone charger. This includes the hot wire and the neutral wire. The hot wire carries electricity to the outlet. The neutral carries unused electricity back to the source. Modern outlets include a third wire, the grounding wire, to prevent electrocution or property damage. The grounding wire does not carry electricity under normal circumstances. Its purpose is to carry the electricity away from the outlet when a short-circuit, or other potentially dangerous situations occur. The grounding wire is an alternative path for the current so that people avoid shocks and a sudden electrical surge cannot destroy sensitive equipment. For more information on grounding wires, electrical safety or electrical inspections, contact your local GPI professional. back to the top Maintenance Matters Lawn Mowing A benefit of purchasing a condo is that snow removal, lawn care and other maintenance tasks are taken care of by an association. It does not mean the homeowner avoids those costs, only having to do the actual work. Because much of the maintenance is handled by the association and paid for via fees, some people think that having an inspection of the condo prior to purchase is unnecessary, when, in fact, the opposite is true. In most cases, the association is responsible for maintaining, repairing and replacing all physical assets designated as common elements, whether located inside or outside the units. Unit owners are obligated to maintain, repair and replace physical assets designated as within the boundaries of the unit. Condo owners, in short, purchase only the interior space. Inspections of condo units include a check of mechanical elements within the condo itself. This includes the heating and cooling system, vents and duct work, the plumbing, the electrical panel, visible wiring and outlets, windows, doors , walls and flooring. A professional GPI inspector will note the condition of these items and any safety hazards. back to the top Snapshots from the Field Snapshot from the Field What’s wrong with this picture? A. Ground wires in a service panel are to terminate under individual lugs (connections) on a grounding bus bar. B. This is a proper bonding of ground wires. C. You can wrap multiple grounds together to get them out of the way. D. You can wrap multiple grounds together without marettes®. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The correct answer is A.) Ground wires in a service panel are to terminate under individual lugs (connections) on a grounding bus bar. Be advised GFCI Outlet Appropriate electrical safety today means insuring that outlets are protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs). GFCIs are recommended in areas that are prone to being moist or damp. This includes kitchens, outdoor outlets and bathrooms. GFCIs are equipped with a sensor that monitors the flow of electricity from the hot to the neutral wires. Anytime an imbalance in the current is detected, the GFCI trips the circuit and shuts off power to the outlet. This is aimed at preventing electrocution. AFCIs are designed to prevent fires by interrupting the service when an unintended electrical arc is detected. Arc faults, caused by mice chewing on a wire, or other problems within the walls of the home, were once a common cause of fire. The AFCI helps to decrease these incidents by detecting erratic or low current. AFCI outlets are common in new construction in the bedrooms. Combined GFCI and AFCI outlets may be used in outlets near a wet bar in a family room. back to the top Noteworthy News NPI Inspection Report In this world of instant feedback, buying property remains a process. Steps must be taken all along the way to ownership to protect all parties. Having a professional inspection puts the general condition of the home into perspective and can clarify or explain questions that several people involved may have. Completion of the inspection includes the pre-inspection agreement, a contract that explains the scope of the inspections, the standards and the fee. The client will also receive a copy of the inspection report, a detailed explanation, with pictures, of the findings in the inspection. In order to learn the most from the inspection, it is important for the inspector to be able to complete the inspection process with little or no distraction. The client will receive a copy of the report and have the opportunity to ask questions after the inspection process and the report is complete. Pictures and explanations in the document are written to help aid in understanding. Whether the seller will receive a copy of the inspection report may depend on the laws in the area. To allow the inspector the opportunity to gather as much information as possible, it is important for parties involved to avoid: ◾Following the inspector throughout the property ◾Attempting to climb into dangerous spots ◾Demanding information throughout the inspection A professional inspector will allow plenty of time for questions and/or clarification at the end of the inspection or when the report is delivered. back to the top Did You Know? The first power line between the United States and Canada was installed at Niagara Falls in 1901.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Oct 2013 10:27:17 +0000