inspection procedural checklist

[jtedesco1]

Originally Posted by Mike Whitt

Did you read 200-7 found on page 32?
i believe that you will find that the requirement to identify the white or gray conductor when being used as an ungorunded conductor in the exceptions

Page 13, 1993 NEC:

"Exception No. 1: An insulated conductor with a white or

natural gray finish shall be permitted as an ungrounded conductor
where permanently reidentified to indicate its use, by
painting or other effective means at its termination, and at
each location where the conductor is visible and accessible.

Exception No. 2: A cable containing an insulated conductor
with a white or natural gray outer finish shall be permitted
for single-pole,3 -way,or 4-way switch loops where the white
or natural gray conductor is used for the supply to the switch,
but not as a return conductor from the switch to the switched
outlet. In these applications,re identification of the white or
natural gray conductor shall not be required.

Exception No. 3: A flexible cord for connecting an appliance,
hav ing one conductor identified by a white or natural
gray outer finish or by any other means permitted by Section
400-22,sha ll be permitted whether or not the outlet to which it
is connected is supplied by a circuit having a grounded conductor.

Exception No. 4: A white or natural gray conductor of circuits
of less than 50 volts shall be required to be grounded only

as required by Section 250-5(a)."

Bottom line white cannot be used at the termination for an ungrounded "hot'" CONDUCTOR.

[Mike Whitt]

Joe

I never said that it could be legally used as a ungrounded conductor without being reidentified.

What I did say is that the use of something to identify the white wire when used as a hot conductor is sometimes overlooked by both the electtrical contractor and code official.

The home inspector is not looking for code violations but instead he is looking for safety issues. Granted the NEC is a minimum safety standard and to do anything less would be below the minimum safety standards but I don't see it as a safety issue.

If the conductor is sized to carry the load, how would the Home Inspector write it up?
In some areas the Home Inspector is not allowed to quote code sections unless they are licensed in the trade that they are quoting the violation.

Here is a good example of why some things are better not mentioned.
In a disconnect where the white conductor was colored with a black marker and faded it looked gray. As a matter of fact it looked like a dirty white. Now how would you write this up? At the time of installation the conductor was in compliance.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

In subpanel, confirm the grounds and neutrals are isolated or floating

This is inaccurate.

Check that EGC's are bonded to the enclosure and that neutrals are not grounded (or that the neutrals are isolated).

[Nick Gromicko]

I'd add: "Make sure you aren't leaning against or holding onto a water line or grounded in any manner"

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by gromicko

I'd add: "Make sure you aren't leaning against or holding onto a water line or grounded in any manner"

To rephrase that, "Make sure you're floating in mid-air".

[Nick Gromicko]

Never leave exposed panelboard unattended

Attended by whom? The buyer might allow his kids to stick their fingers in it, or the buyer him/herself may do something dumb.

How about "Keep everyone away from the open panelboard and never leave it with the cover off, even for a moment." ??

[Jim Proffer]

It's a good checklist as long as one knows the related numbers to go along with it...and... well I'm fairly new here so I'm trying to remain sorta...humble, I guess...and it IS a good idea, and I suppose a person could modify it if they needed the numbers...

But it might be wise to include some of the numbers you reference.

For instance:

Check adequate workspace

Which is what??

Measure height of main disconnect

Why? Minimum? Maximum? (I realize this has already been covered here)

No white wires on breakers

Not always true, but I know what you're getting at. Maybe "No white wires on SINGLE POLE breakers" for sure.


Like I said, it's a good list, but I would have to add some of the referenced numbers to it if I was going to use it (and I just may )

[cduphily]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

The highest disconnect (not main disconnect, could be any breaker) is not allowed to be over 6 feet, 7 inches off the deck or grade. Some panels are oriented with their main at the bottom, in which case the highest currently installed breaker can't exceed that 6 foot, 7 inch mark (2 meters for the people who measure with Communist rulers). I was just curious why the checklist is only concerned about the main, since any breaker installed too high can present a hazard to the person attempting to service it. Additionally, small buildings may not have a 'main', per se. They might have up to six individual breakers, so you'd want to measure to the highest one of the group.

(cue Maxwell Smart voice)Missed it by that much (/voice)

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by cduphily

(cue Maxwell Smart voice)Missed it by that much (/voice)

I think you can let that one slide. There comes a time when picking nits isn't really of much benefit to anyone.

[cduphily]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

I think you can let that one slide. There comes a time when picking nits isn't really of much benefit to anyone.

Both clients can reach the main with no problem, this just happened to be yesterday's inspection so I thought I would share it.