Mention voltage drop?

[dbucknavich]

Originally Posted by dandersen

Good article Jim !

Dylan, this article is discussing the other readings I was talking about and their relationship to what is a significant problem.

You should always follow up electronic measurements with other investigative techniques or equipment when possible. As Speedy Pete mentioned, comparison of baseline test (outlets next to the service panel versus outlets at the furthest distance from the panel) gives a differential that is probably more meaningful than the actual numbers displayed.

I look at the percentage of voltage drop, and when I find it high I look at all of the other information the testing device gives. Beginning and ending voltage, resistance on the conductor, which conductor has the high resistance etc.

This is one way I follow up.

Thank you David,

And short of using an $8,000-$10,000 camera for follow up, which other methods would you utilize? I do know how to use the suretest. As mentioned above, I test what I believe is the start, middle, and end of the circuit. I just usually do not report the situation, which is why I started the thread. I only brought it up to my client because he is an electrical engineer and seemed very concerned about it before and after the inspection.

And I do appreciate the feedback on the narrative from everyone. It will be edited before submittal. I don't know what I would do without the advice, besides get myself in trouble.

[David A. Andersen]

Just be sure you are reporting something factual.

I have received several irate phone calls from electricians.
They don't have a clue what, or how to test voltage drop.
With the price of copper out of sight, I find more skimping on the long runs.

I pull cover plates and see if they are back stabbed.
Yes, it is their SOP to do it, but what do they do when the run is too long on small wire?

I have seen Electrical companies fired for unsubstantiated response to my inspection report. Builders have called to apologise.

I have had home runs made from other sub-panels to get the needed power to an important part of the house.

Now this stuff is in very large homes with business applications.

I always ask my clients how they plan to use the house.

I always test outlets next to cable outlets. They are likely to have electronic devices that can't stand low power supply.

When you have 120 at an outlet near the panel and 90 VAC in the master bath, I think this is a concern.

I have spent a lot of phone time with Paul Abernathy (where is he, by the way?) and you can just do the math and show it can't work!

Cheaper IR thermometers work well, you don't need the picture.

When you report, put all the information the sure test provides in the report. Just >5% is not sufficient. But 87 VAC under a 15 amp load needs consideration.

[dbucknavich]

Lot of good considerations to keep in mind there. Nice.

[wsiegel]

Originally Posted by dbucknavich

Good point William. That line is in there because of the rest of the house. The same company appears to have done all the work- hvac, plumbing, elec, and roof. Each component was "less than professional". Would you replace the line with something or just omit it?

I would omit it and just state what I see and defer to be corrected. I have on occassion used the word "installed in an un-workmanlike manner" in a situation such as yours, but that is usually when I can back it up with pictures.