"Live" Knob and Tube

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Your meter enclosure says it is only 100 amps. It would need to be a little rectangular to be 125 amps.

[James H. Bushart]

Billy....you're scaring me.

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Round can be 100 or 60 amp (you need to go by the wires in the loop to determine size). Square is also 100 amp. Rectangular is 125-200 (you need to go by wire size of loop to determine size).

[Billy Boerner]

Wire size is 100amp Jim I scare myself when it comes to electrical. Hate it. However I'm getting there.

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Originally Posted by jbushart

Billy....you're scaring me.

At least he is not afraid to ask questions. Scare away, Billy

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by bboerner

Guys,

When calling out a panel should we list all defects or should we blanket say multiple defects found in panel. Recommend bla bla bla. If we call out certain defects whos to say A. You didn't miss one and B. The electrician is only going to go down your list and inspect those items. Far stretch I know just was always curious on this question.

I call out as much as I can, but there reaches a point where I want to refer it all. This is my catch-all narrative.

"The house electrical system contains many defects, is outdated, or is in general disrepair and we cannot comment on every instance of each defect because they are too numerous. Electrical upgrades and modifications appear to be amateur and do not meet today's standards and maintenance of the system has been poor throughout the home. We recommend that a licensed electrician evaluate the entire system, because the cost of bringing the house up to acceptable standards may be considerable."

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

The residence is wired with suspect knob-and-tube wiring, which was commonly installed prior to 1950. It is ungrounded and over time the wire's insulation may become brittle and fall apart or wear thin, resulting in exposed conductors and a risk of shock and/or fire. The hazard is increased by covering it with insulation (a common practice), and incorrectly tapping new wiring into it. The wiring should be evaluated by an electrician and certified as being safe or replaced.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Also, tell them to unplug everything but the smoke alarms.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

The *LOCATION(electric/panels)* employs obsolete, screw-in, fuses that should be evaluated by an electrician with a view to upgrading the system.

[wsiegel]

Originally Posted by bboerner

My narrative... what do you think?

Multiple defects observed in the main panel. It is recommended that the panel, breakers and conductors be fully evaluated by a qualified electrician. Examples of defects would be red wire not terminated correctly, wires under breaker, missing cover where breaker can be installed, panel not labeled correctly, double tap, missing clamp. Please note this is not an exhaustive list. A complete review by a qualified electrician may lead to more discoveries.

These statements always get me. Once you have listed the defects, which you have, why do you go and say that it now needs to be evaluated by a qualified electrician. YOU have already evaluated it and found it to be in need of repair. Recommend that it be repaired by a qualified electrician. He will have to do his own evaluation anyway in order to repair it.

[rbrady]

Originally Posted by wsiegel

These statements always get me. Once you have listed the defects, which you have, why do you go and say that it now needs to be evaluated by a qualified electrician. YOU have already evaluated it and found it to be in need of repair. Recommend that it be repaired by a qualified electrician. He will have to do his own evaluation anyway in order to repair it.

There may be defects/issues which were not reported/visible. I give my clients as much information as I can, but if there are multiple issues I believe the system should be evaluated fully by a specialist. It certainly takes a burden off you and the specialist is already called for, why not add in "evalute fully".

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by rbrady

why not add in "evalute fully".

Because that is what you are being paid to do.

Following your full evaluation, you will recommend that something be repaired or replaced.

The only time a request should be made for "an evaluation" is when the inspector is not a licensed engineer and an evaluation of evidence that your evaluation reveals regarding the movement/potential movement requires an evaluation by an engineer, IMO.

[rbrady]

Originally Posted by jbushart

Because that is what you are being paid to do.

Following your full evaluation, you will recommend that something be repaired or replaced.

The only time a request should be made for "an evaluation" is when the inspector is not a licensed engineer and an evaluation of evidence that your evaluation reveals regarding the movement/potential movement requires an evaluation by an engineer, IMO.

I use to avoid recommending further evaluation, but I realized that a specialist is more than likely to find issues which I did not report on for one reason or another. I know that I don't know as much as a good HVAC contractor, plumber, electrician, roofer, achitect, etc (I do know more than some). The professionals do this stuff every day and they know it better.
If you see 3 issues, how many more are there you didn't see, sometimes through no fault of your own. Sometimes things have to be disassembled for further evaluation. Quite often when you start working on something you realize there are other issues.
If something is really straight forward, I call for repair. If there is any chance of complications or concealed damage/issues, I will call for repair/evaluation. If there are a lot of issues, like unprofessional plumbing I will recommend "full evaluation".

[James H. Bushart]

A good contractor is going to "evaluate" the system before he takes a hammer to it....whether you "recommend" it nor not. That is a given.

If I were paying a full fee to a fully qualified home inspector who recommended to me to pay an additional person for a "full evaluation", I would be demanding all or some of my money back.

[rbrady]

Originally Posted by jbushart

If I were paying a full fee to a fully qualified home inspector who recommended to me to pay an additional person for a "full evaluation", I would be demanding all or some of my money back.

I only charge half price anyway!!

My customers are very satisfied with my reports:

"We truly appreciate the care and effort that has gone into both the inspections you've done for us. You have been one of the brightest, most positive parts of this whole involved process. Thank you"