Posts Tagged ‘Electrical’

Extension Cord As Permanent Wiring
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In this video, you will see where a home owner has used an extension cord a permanent wiring. The cord is run from one room to another, through the cieling and down next to the electrical panel. I recommended to the home owner that they have an electrician provide proper wiring and a duplex receptacle to meet their needs. If you enjoyed this video, and would like to see more like it, please leave a comment.

 Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942.


Digital Spring Cleaning

As long as you are thinking about Spring Cleaning, why not take some time to attend to your digital gizmos and gadgets you have around the house.  I’m guessing, if you are like me, it’s probably been months since you have organized you computer files, or checked on the batteries in your safety devices, to make sure they operate properly in the event you may need them.

Let’s get organized this spring.  Make sure you add all of your digital gadgets and devices to the list.  Below are a few tips that should get you on the right path to your digital spring cleaning.

Let’s start with the computers first.  You might be surprised to see just how much faster they operate and process information when the files are organized.  You can de-clutter your e-mail by sorting out all old or un-needed emails.  Put important e-mails you need into folders for safe keeping.  Run your computer’s disk clean up and defragmenter software to de-clutter and organize hard disk file space.

Spring is also a great time to replace all of the batteries in your small electronics.  Restock your supplies so that you have batteries on hand when the need arises, or in case of emergencies.  Some of the electronic devices that may need new batteries are the digital cameras, digital clocks, remote controls, garage door openers, flash lights, toys, and don’t forget about the electronic key fob for your automobiles.  Changing out all of your batteries will guarantee the these electronics will be ready and in working order when you need them.

Your Smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors should also have their batteries changed at least annually.  Your family’s safety is important, and we rely on these devices to keep us safe and alert us in the event of an emergency.  Working smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors are the simplest ways to to protect you and your family from fire.

You can combine your digital spring cleaning with your regular organization of tax records, sales receipts, Auto repair receipts, and anything else you keep in your file cabinets.  I scan all of my documents and store them electronically.  This saves space and allows for easy retrieval.  Of course you should also make digital back up’s to protect your documents in the event of a hard drive crash.

Keeping your digital house in order will help to make your life a little more organized while also keeping you prepared for any technical emergencies that may arise.  Get your spring cleaning going now and enjoy the benefits of a clutter free home.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN.  507-202-8942


There’s A Spider In My Electrical Panel

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In addition to the spider, I found three wires that were charred due to arcing and overheating in this electrical panel.  It goes without saying that this client was very fortunate to have not had an electrical fire.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942


Power Strip On A Wet Copper Line

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During a recent home inspection I came across a power strip that was being used as permanent wiring.  The power strip was twist tied and duct taped to a water line supplying an external hose faucet.  The home owner was watering the lawn that day, the Air Conditioning was off and it was moderately humid.  As you can see from the picture, the water line was dripping with condensation.  Of course, it was recommended that this power strip be removed from the copper water line, and to insulate the exterior water lines to eliminate the condensation when watering the lawn.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942


Doorbell doesn’t work? You can fix it yourself

That’s right, you need not be afraid of fixing your own doorbell if it is not working.  All parts of a doorbell system are low voltage 12-24 volts.  All of the wiring in a doorbell system will be low voltage, and this low voltage can’t really hurt you.  You should not however attempt to replace or repair your transformer for the doorbell system.  It converts the 110 volt supply to the 12 or 24 volts.  Leave any transformer replacement to your local Rochester or Southeastern MN electrician.  

Start with an inspection of your doorbell button.  This is the most common source of problems, mostly because it is exposed to the elements.  If the button is screwed to the your home, remove the screws, if it is recessed into a hole or flush with the trim, use a screw driver or putty knife to pry it loose.

You should now be able to see the low voltage wiring.  If the wires are corroded or tightly attached, you have found the problem.  You can use a metal screw driver to short between the wires, and the doorbell should ring.  If this makes the chime ring, you can simply replace the button.  If the chime doesn’t ring, the problem is in the chime or transformer.

Look at the chime assembly on the wall.  Make sure that it is level and clean.  Vacuum any dust or debris from the unit.  The round plunger that strikes the chimes should move freely in the surrounding magnet.

If the doorbell doesn’t work after a complete inspection and cleaning the next step may be to contact an electrician. 

You can purchase a new battery operated door chime for around $20.  These units need no wires and are easy to install.  All you have to do is make sure that the doorbell button is within 100 feet of the chime and you have a new doorbell. 

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942


Unprotected Electrical Garage Wiring
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As a Home Inspector I frequently find exposed garage wiring that is subject to damage.  You can protect wiring by placing a 1×3 board in front of them or by finishing garage walls with sheetrock or plywood.  It’s never a good idea to use wiring at a method of storing or hanging items in a garage.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942


Beach Outlets

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Even when the Home Inspector is on vacation in the Mayan Riviera, he’s checking things out.  Here is an example of a public beach electrical system.  About half way from the edge of the jungle to the water I came across this electrical outlet in the sand.  Who knows what the code is in his particular area of the Yucatan Peninsula….

Rick Erickson, Home inspector, Homepro Home Inspections, Rochester, Southeastern MN.  507-202-8942


Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

 

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter 

 A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, (GFCI), sometimes called a Ground Fault Interrupter, (GFI) is an important electrical safety device in your home.  GFCI’s should be installed in Kitchens, Bathrooms, and any other room with a sink, like a Laundry area, as well as Garages, Exterior Outlets, and near Pools or Hot Tubs. 

 New construction typically has GFCI’s in all applicable locations.  The codes have changed over the years as far as placement, but if you have them in the locations listed above, you should be covered.  GFCI’s will provide a high level of safety in potentially wet areas, with a reasonably small cost, and in most cases they are fairly simple to install.

 Within the GFCI there is sensitive circuitry designed to prevent electrical shocks.  Any current imbalance between the hot (power) and neutral lines will cause the GFCI to trip immediately, thus cutting power to the circuit.  The imbalance tells the GFCI that there is a possibility of current leakage which may result in an electrical shock.

 GFCI’s should not be confused with the circuit breakers, or fuses that are installed in your electrical panel.  Circuit breakers and fuses protect your electrical wiring from overloading, overheating and burning.  Fuses or Breakers limit the amperage that flows through the wiring.  For example a 15 Amp breaker will trip if the load on the circuit exceeds 15 Amps.

 You should check your GFCI’s once a month using the “Test/Reset” buttons on the front of the outlet.  Sometimes GFCI circuit breakers are installed in the electrical panel in place of the usual breaker.  These will also have a “test” button on them.  Keep in mind that only one GFCI needs to be on a circuit.  For example, all outlets in a garage may be protected by a single GFCI at the beginning of that circuit.  Occasionally all bathrooms will be connected to a common GFCI  

 As I perform Home Inspections, I check all GFCI’s for functionality.  About 5-10% of the time I find defective units that either do not trip or reset when tripped. 

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942


Building Codes

 

When it comes to building codes, most people have an opinion, Are they there to keep us safe, or are they a nuisance?   Without a doubt, building codes are a good thing.  Their purpose is to ensure proper workmanship and to provide for your safety.  Although a home inspection is not a “code check”, it is important that a home inspector keep up on the latest code changes so that any health and safety issues can be communicated. 

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People can be confused when it comes to required building permits and applying codes to work being done on a home.  There are national code organizations that set national building codes.  The best way to make sure you are in compliance is to contact your local officials.  In Rochester, and other cities in the southeastern MN area, you can contact the city to talk to the appropriate building inspector.  In the  outlying areas, contact the county to learn about specific  requirements for your project.  These folks can probably do a pretty good job in showing you why and hw a perceived nuisance is really a good thing.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942


Damaged Electrical Wiring

On a recent home inspection I came across some wiring in a wall that had been damaged.  The homeowner had covered the damaged insulator with electrical tape.  My recommendation is that the homeowner have an electrician come in and replace the wiring from the switch to the light fixture.

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Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern MN. 507-202-8942



We used Rick for our first home and the inspection was great. It’s a very old house so we made sure to be absolutely thorough. Rick’s inspection report reflected this with photos of all the issues he found. Rick’s a great guy to boot.‎

Aaron S. Minneapolis, MN

Very impressed with the inspection software. The walk through and quality of responses to our questions were better that expected. Highly professional.

Mark W, West Concord, MN

The home inspection was very thorough!  We learned a lot about the house, both good and bad.  You were very approachable and answered all of our questions in a manner we could understand.  Job well done!

Rhonda J. Rochester, MN


Call and schedule your inspection today 507.202.8942