receptacle

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by ccurrins

So you don't agree with Mark on replacing instead of removing? That is what I would recommend. You even said the rec. was most likely there before the heater.

Replacing and putting it where?

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by marc d. Shunk

you could actually enhance the nature of the hazard if you step into recommending how the hazard is to be remediated. If this receptacle is installed to satisfy spacing rules, summary elimination of the receptacle is not the fix for the hazard. removing the receptacle and installing two more, each at the outboard ends of the heater, is more likely the fix the electrician will have to do.

here

[James F. McKee]

precisely why I try to never give an opinion on the proper repair...even as an experienced contractor ...that is not why i am there ...i am there as an inspector. If i find a defect i point it out and reccomend the proper trade professional for the job ..in this case a qualified electrician...it is no difference to me how he chooses to repair it... it is no longer my problem....my job is done...telling another professional how to do His job only only complicates mine....jmho....jim

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

I'm puzzled why you'd recommend any particular repair at all. Wouldn't the more prudent approach be to simply point out that it's being there is a hazard, and recommend an electrician correct it? Whether the electrician simply blanks it off or whether he blanks it off and installs another 1 or 2 outside of the heater's length should be up to someone besides the home inspector. Sorry, but I get a little cranked up when a home inspector attempts to tell the homeowner or buyer how I ought to effect the repair.

Where did I say the word repair? I was agreeing with you. REPLACE it at the proper location. You do not have to be a licensed electrician to make that recommendation.

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by ccurrins

Where did I say the word repair? I was agreeing with you. REPLACE it at the proper location. You do not have to be a licensed electrician to make that recommendation.

Call me crazy, but when you use words like "replace" (place again) and words like "it" (singular) you're overstepping your bounds. What actually needs done may not involve placing anything again, and may involve multiples of something. Call it a repair, call it a recommendation, call it remediation; I don't care what you call it. Nothing beyond pointing out a hazard and directing the way to the type of person to correct it is about all I'd like you to do.

[bdoles2]

The main word here is "recommendation". The customer can take it or leave it, the ball is in their court now.

[pdickerson]

Marc, you are right on the money (as usual). Point out the hazard, let them know who to call, and let them know what can happen if the issue is not addressed. Don't tell them how it should be repaired, replaced, or anything elsed. Let the licensed trades person sort that out.

Sometimes I will discuss verbally with a client what I think an electrician (or plumber, or ...) might do, but whenever I step out onto this limb, I always state that I just might be dead wrong. I certainly would never put anything like that in my report.

[Barry Adair]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Replacing and putting it where?

bold move leaving yourself so wide open

[canderson]

Just let's flip that coin over . . .
Why not have the baseboard heating fixed?
Problem seams to stem from poor improper heating element placement.
Again, call it out, reccomend a Qualified electrician remedy the hazzard.
How he does it is not a concern. Just wanted to point out that
two smaller Elecric baseboard elements instead of one big one
may remedy this hazzard

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by badair

bold move leaving yourself so wide open

Thanks for the chuckle Barry.

[Barry Adair]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Thanks for the chuckle Barry.

Roger that, Michael, have a Happy Holiday and let it play through for more

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

A lot of older baseboard units are not as efficient as the newer units. A new smaller heater may match the heat output of the current unit. Or replace with a wall heater w/fan.

Or how about..... "Recommend older baseboard unit be replaced with new model electric wall heater w/fan to be installed by a licensed general contractor. In that way you will not need the services of an expensive and egomaniacal electrician."

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by sstanczyk

A lot of older baseboard units are not as efficient as the newer units.

That makes no sense whatsoever. All electric heaters are 100% efficient, regardless of age. The only thing that has changed is that the watt density per foot is greater. An 8 foot heater 20 years ago was 2000 watts, and now they're 2500 watts. They've just crammed more watts per foot now. A 2000 watt heater from 20 years ago will still cost as much to operate as a 2000 watt heater you'll buy brand new.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

A 2000 watt heater from 20 years ago will still cost as much to operate as a 2000 watt heater you'll buy brand new.

No it wont...my electric bill cost per KWH has gone up ALOT since 20 years ago ( like gas and so on...lol ) so it wont cost as much 20 years ago to operate that 2000 W heater as it would today.....lol..well maybe you are factoring in the inflation rate and so on....

However, yes....technically yes 2000W's is 2000W.....no matter how you slice it for THIS type of heating source anyway.

[David P. Valley]

When I find a receptacle over a heat source (any, for that matter) I recommend "not utilizing outlet" due to the heat source drying up the cords that are plugged into it. When wires dry up, it becomes brittle and then there's a fire hazard.