Electrical Inspections by Home Inspectors

[gbeaumont]

Originally Posted by jpope

Without codes (all codes), the HI has no reference for what is right or wrong. It's as simple as that.

Agreed Jeff, those who say that codes have no place in home inspection are just plain wrong, while we should not be trying to quote specific articles of codes we should be applying the principles behind them. Code changes are the result of prior failures and changes in technology and as HI we need to be aware of them.

Does thois mean that we should all be swatting the IRC or NEC, no probably not (unless you are doing new construction inspection) but any inspector who does not at the very least carry the "CodeCheck" series around with them is simply not providing the best service to his clients.

Regards

Gerry

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by pabernathy

I did not post the links...but their are alot of articles and so on at www.mikeholt.com to browse through.

Sorry for the confusion Paul. Of course I meant MR. Tedesco.

Mike Holt's site is a very good resource that I use regularly and encourage others to as well.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by gbeaumont

while we should not be trying to quote specific articles of codes we should be applying the principles behind them. Code changes are the result of prior failures and changes in technology and as HI we need to be aware of them.

Well said Gerry. I completely agree.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

I agree...well stated Gerry

[Richard L. Bennett]

Don't forget all the NEC code around cat 3-5, cable TV, FCC required prewire telephone for new construction, HVAC control systems, and other low voltage items like home entertainment and alarm systems.

Smoke alarms that are hardwired have some standards that a just plain fun. In our town they must have battery backup.

If you don't have it you do not meet the min housing standards! -- Now if it was only enforced. Like an HI is going to call city hall but if we put it in our report that this house does not meet min. housing standards it does wake people up.

Yes, I understand that NEC code for low voltage is outside our scope but perhaps we should revise this part. The NEC has for many years -- at one time it was outside of their scope - Anyone remember when this change?

rlb



rlb

[jtedesco1]

Sure glad to hear from some of the new kids who understand the intent of my post.

I have been criticized by someone recently here on this forum for trying to teach the NEC to the Home Inspector, how many NACHI people are qualified to teach the NEC? Not you Bubba! Please let others come forward!

I would like to hear more about new construction inspections .. you check box fill and all of the items that the City Inspector's check?

[Patrick Bolliger]

Originally Posted by roconnor

I agree with Jeff that an HI has very little to reference as a guide to assist with deciding what gets reported as (installation) defects except for an SOP and model codes (as "current construction standards"). A basic working knowledge of major provisions is sufficient, with a practical application. But reports should never call out defects as "violations" or reference code sections.


Just one ... the International Residential Code (IRC). Also includes a real handy 70 page summary of the NEC requirements applicable to residential construction, with some diagrams ...

Robert,
Check this out: An ICC code adoption by state and local jurisdiction. When you find Chicago , Il. Tell me what you see?

www.iccsafe.org/government/
(right side pane under Jurisdiction and one under state adoptions) Down load the state and the local PDF files. Great reference....for all

[Robert J. OConnor]

Many areas have not adopted ICC based model codes like the IRC, or have local requirements that are more restrictive (like in your area with restrictions on sheathed cable wiring for example). It is still an excellent reference for HI's, and many preach the use of the IRC based CodeCheck series by HI's regardless of what model codes have been adopted at the state/local level. You just have to be aware they are not the legal requirements, and there may be local restrictions.

I was using references like the CABO code (predecessor to the IRC) and CodeCheck as a guide for home inspections well before my state adopted ICC codes in 2003. Worked very well as a guide.

JMO & 2-nickels ...

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

Sure glad to hear from some of the new kids who understand the intent of my post.

I have been criticized by someone recently here on this forum for trying to teach the NEC to the Home Inspector, how many NACHI people are qualified to teach the NEC? Not you Bubba! Please let others come forward!

I would like to hear more about new construction inspections .. you check box fill and all of the items that the City Inspector's check?

Joe how many Home Inspections have you done for pay.
Roy Cooke sr alias BUBBA sr.

[Robert J. OConnor]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

I would like to hear more about new construction inspections .. you check box fill and all of the items that the City Inspector's check?

I have done code compliance inspections as a former chief building inspector for a local municipality, and although there are some common elements a home inspection is completely different. Unlike code officials, home inspectors just need a working knowledge of major model code provisions as a guide, and the practical application of those provisions. As far as checklists, CodeCheck is indeed a widely referenced HI guideline.

For example, box fill should be checked on a code compliance inspection based on the number and type of cables for a given box size. However, as part of a phased home construction inspection it may become an issue only if it looks really bad (in which case it probably is well beyond the acceptable limits). It would also be written up differently, possibly as a "safety concern" with a practical explanation and recommendation for further evaluation, and not as a "violation" with just a code reference section that requires correction.

JMO & 2-nickels ...

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

Sure glad to hear from some of the new kids who understand the intent of my post.

I have been criticized by someone recently here on this forum for trying to teach the NEC to the Home Inspector, how many NACHI people are qualified to teach the NEC? Not you Bubba! Please let others come forward!

I would like to hear more about new construction inspections .. you check box fill and all of the items that the City Inspector's check?

lol.......knowing the NEC is a HUGE bonus for HI's.....gives them better understanding and knowledge of the foundation of Electrical Safety.

Lets all join hands....sing and PRAISE the NEC......

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by pabernathy

Lets all join hands....sing and PRAISE the NEC......

Kumbaya my code, kumbaya...kumbaya my code, kuubayyaa

[jtedesco1]

Originally Posted by rcooke

Joe how many Home Inspections have you done for pay.
Roy Cooke sr alias BUBBA sr.

Thousands! During my career since 1958 as an electrician and an Electrical Inspector since 1969.

I am not a Home Inspector, what's your point Bubba Sr.,

Paul knows I meant him "Bubba" anyway.

He He He Lol Lol

[jtedesco1]

Hurry go for it!

Too late!

They are gone!

[John Bowman]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

Hurry go for it!

http://www.mikeholt.com/download.php...NEC-1Part3.pdf

http://www.mikeholt.com/download.php...NEC-1Part4.pdf

I don't see them Joe....