This module is designed to help walk a new inspector through some basic electrical
concepts.
It begins with electrical concepts, including electrons and their place in the
world, and includes the how’s and why’s. Absent of a basic understanding of how
electricity functions, and why things occur as a result of changed in conditions,
the Inspector may never understand what he is looking at, and more importantly,
why something should be examined.
Basic safety precautions should be practices at all times. Aside from walking
the roof of a dwelling, the electrical inspection is clearly the most hazardous
portions of the inspection process.
Personal protection equipment should be worn when examining the electrical panel.
This includes comfortable rubber of leather soled shoes, eye protection, and clothing
that is comfortable, but somewhat resistant to flammability. In lieu of this type
of clothing, a welder’s apron would also suffice when examining the inside of
electrical panels. Electrician’s gloves are also a possibility, but should only
be worn if you are comfortable using a screwdriver while wearing them.
Use extreme caution when opening electrical panels, when coming in close proximity
to ANY electrical cabling, when laddering a building, and when carrying ladders.
A metallic ladder coming into contact with an overhead cable can have catastrophic
consequences to the inspector.
Accessibility is also a key concern. If you do not have a secure footing, and
are physically stable at the time, do not attempt to remove any electrical covers.
With these things in mind, you are ready to begin this module. It has been broken
into 5 Sections:
Section 1 - ELECTRICITY, ITS CHARACTERISTICS, AND some basic physics
Section 2 - GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Section 3 - INSPECTION TECHNIQUES AND METHODOLOGIES
Section 4 - PHOTOS.
Section 5 - INSPECTION REVIEW AND CHECKLIST
