Download Inspecting Electrical

Inspecting Electrical
Inspection Includes:
Service entrance & masthead
 Main panel and subpanels (if any)
 Branch circuit wiring
 Junction boxes, outlets & fixtures
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National Electric Code
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Governs all electrical installations for
both commercial and residential
NEC does NOT require updating to
older homes with new code revisions
The MOST important aspect of the
electrical inspection is to be on alert
for SAFETY HAZARDS
Required to Inspect
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Service entrance
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Main distribution panel
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Branch circuit wiring
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GFCIs within 6 ft of interior plumbing fixtures
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Polarity & grounding of representative number of
interior receptacles and ALL carport receptacles
Not Required to Inspect
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Low voltage systems
Telephone, security, cable TV, intercoms or other
ancillary wiring
DO NOT:
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Insert tool, probe or testing device inside panel
Test or operate overcurrent devices except GFCIs
Dismantle any electrical device or control other
than to remove main panel cover
Inspecting Service Entrance
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Service entrance
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Overhead or underground
Secure attachment to house
Copper, aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum
Amperage 60A (round meter base), 100A (square meter
base), or 200A (rectangular meter base)
• By today's standards, 100-amp service is considered
minimal service.
Typical Service Entrance Wiring
Typical Service Entrance Cables
Wire Size
Amperage Rating
Width
#4/0
200 Amps Aluminum
1 7/16 inches
#2/0
150 Amps Aluminum
(AL)200 Amps Copper (CU)
1 5/16 inches
#2
100 Amps Aluminum
125 Amps Copper
1 5/16inches
#4
100 Amps Copper
3/4 inch
#6
60 Amps Aluminum
3/4 inch
Service Drop & Masthead
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If service comes in below roof level,
it must be at least 3’ from windows
If service comes in above roof level,
it must be at least 3’ above roof
Service wires must:
• Be 12’ above driveways
• At least 10’ above ground
• At least 8’ above a flat roof & 18” above
roof ridges
Voltage Rating
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Service drops:
• Number of wires going to masthead
indicates voltage
• Three wires with one tied back & two
entering = 120 V
• Three wires entering = 240V
Service Panel
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Check box for heat.
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Don’t open of warm..cause for immediate concern.
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If OK remove cover:
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Inspect for any “tapping before the main” …SAFETY
HAZARD
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If no main disconnect, must be able to power down in six
hand movements
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Inspect for properly sized wires to properly sized breakers
or fuses
Wiring to Branch Circuits &
Breakers
AWG#
COPPER
COPPERCLAD AL OR ALUMINUM
18
Typically lampcord wiring and low voltage applications
16
Typically lampcord wiring and low voltage applications
14
15 Amps
12
20 Amps
15 Amps
10
30 Amps
20 Amps
8
50 Amps
30 Amps
6
65 Amps
50 Amps
4
100 Amps
70 Amps
3
110 Amps
80 Amps
2
125 Amps
100 Amps
1
150 Amps
110 Amps
1/0
175 Amps
125 Amps
2/0
200 Amps
150 Amps
3/0
175 Amps
4/0
200 Amps
Service Panel Inspection Overview
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Look for signs of corrosion outside
and at interior connections
Look for circuit breakers that have
more than one conductor attached
• (Double or triple tapping is normally
prohibited)
Double Tapping Breaker
Service Panel Inspection
Check for loose or unattached
conductors
 Check wires for signs of arcing,
charred metal or burnt wire
insulation
 Evaluate cables entering box for
proper protection and fastening
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Main Service Panel Inspection
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Report wires smaller than #8 (fire
hazard)
Clearance around panel should be:
• 6-6” headroom
• 30” all around
• 36” clear in front
Grounding Conductor
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Grounding releases unwanted electricity to
“ground” (earth)
Ground wire must come from the neutral
to the plumbing system or to a steel rod
driven into earth. (Both reqd since 1987)
Check for continuity of plumbing and
dielectric connectors!
Common Defects To Report:
Recommend an Electrician Be Called
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Double tapped circuits
Broken or cracked fixtures or outlets
Melted insulation
Handyman wiring
Loose ceiling fans
Permanently installed extension cords &
temporary wiring
Missing or inoperable GFCIs
Oversized breakers & fuses
Safety Hazards: Report &
Recommend An Electrician Be Called
Masthead within reach of occupants
 Frayed entrance cable
 Tapping before main
 Oversized fuses or breakers
 System not grounded
 More than 6 hand movements to
power down
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