Free: InterNACHI's NHIE® Prep Webinar: Electrical & Plumbing

Quick recap

This was the third edition of InterNACHI's NHIE exam prep webinar focused on Electrical and Plumbing Components, taught by Andy Kuszak. The webinar covered how the National Home Inspector Exam is structured, with 200 multiple-choice questions (175 scored, 25 unscored) requiring a passing score of 500 out of 800. Andy explained different question types including memorization, applied reasoning, and deep analysis, along with strategies for approaching questions, such as identifying limiting words, benchmark words, and using paper and pencil to organize answers. The session included detailed examples of electrical and plumbing questions, covering topics like service drops, GFCI protection, water heater safety, and proper installation practices. Andy emphasized the importance of knowing current code standards, using proper testing procedures, and understanding safety considerations for various systems. The webinar concluded with tips for exam tactics when facing unfamiliar questions, including elimination strategies, reading questions carefully, and trusting initial instincts rather than second-guessing answers.

Summary

NHIE Exam Prep Webinar

AJ welcomed participants to InterNACHI's third edition NHIE exam prep webinar on Electrical and Plumbing Components, hosted by Andy Kushaw. The webinar was attended by inspectors from various locations across North America, and AJ reminded participants to use the Q&A feature for questions rather than the chat. Andy began his presentation by explaining the structure of the National Home Inspector Exam, noting it contains 200 multiple-choice questions with 175 scored and 25 unscored items, and that a passing score requires approximately 70% correct answers.

National Home Inspector Exam Guidance

Andy discussed the National Home Inspector Exam, explaining that over 35 states require passing this exam for licensure. He provided guidance on how to approach the test, including understanding the three question types: memorization, applied reasoning, and deep analysis. Andy advised using the provided paper and pencil to write down options and mark true/false statements, particularly for questions involving reversals and loaded words like "every," "only," and "never." He also clarified that the electrical section represents only 6% of the test with approximately 12 electrical questions total.

Electrical Service Conductors Training

Andy explained electrical terminology and concepts related to service conductors, including the difference between service laterals and service drops, and how to determine service ratings based on the lowest rated component. He discussed proper installation practices for breakers and neutrals in service panels, emphasizing the importance of following current national code standards rather than local variations. The session concluded with a deep analysis question about FPE panel markings in 1972 homes, where Andy explained the appropriate inspection procedures for these older panels.

Electrical Inspection and Safety Guidelines

Andy discussed various electrical inspection topics, including Federal Pacific StabLock panels, proper installation of non-metallic cable, concerns with solid aluminum branch wiring, and safety hazards with unprotected incandescent light bulbs in closets. He addressed a question about a website that can identify FPE panel issues by serial number, stating he would look into it himself. The discussion concluded with guidance on verifying safety features at roof-mounted solar photovoltaic arrays, emphasizing the importance of a readily accessible disconnecting means.

Product Standards and Regulatory Evolution

Andy discussed how products and standards evolve faster than regulatory systems can accommodate, using Simpson StrongTie's new deck ledger product as an example that will likely take three years to gain code approval. He emphasized that home inspectors should research new products, present information to clients without making determinations, and refer safety-related questions to qualified contractors. The discussion also covered GFCI requirements and testing procedures, including how to test GFCI outlets on ungrounded circuits and the importance of proper labeling when GFCI outlets are installed on ungrounded circuits.

Electrical Code and Inspection Updates

Andy discussed the importance of understanding electrical code changes, particularly regarding GFCI requirements in crawl spaces, and emphasized the value of knowing the reasoning behind code requirements to build confidence with clients and realtors. He explained how staying updated with code changes across different fields (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) helps inspectors identify potential issues and provide valuable insights during home inspections. Andy also shared a tip about checking the color of carbon monoxide and smoke alarms to determine if they have exceeded their useful lifespan. The discussion then moved to plumbing categories and included an analysis of a scenario involving a 1958 home with specific water supply issues, explaining the likely cause as internal corrosion and scale in galvanized steel piping.

Plumbing Inspection Techniques Discussion

Andy discussed plumbing inspection techniques, focusing on identifying issues in older homes. He explained how to detect problems with galvanized steel pipes by testing water pressure and examining mineral buildup in cut pipe sections. The discussion covered cross-connection definitions, plumbing trap purposes, and proper drain piping slopes. Andy also addressed water heater TPR discharge tubes, explaining the differences between traditional tanks and newer valve systems, and warned that expansion devices may be included in upcoming exams. Finally, he analyzed a scenario involving a gas water heater with moisture and rust issues, determining it indicated backdrafting combustion gases as a safety hazard.

Exhaust Gas Backflow Indicators

Andy discussed indicators of exhaust gas backflow in gas-fired water heaters, including melted plastic components, burn marks on pipes, and the need for metal connections within six inches of the vent hood. He explained how backdrafting can occur in confined spaces with insufficient combustion ventilation, often caused by appliances like dryers nearby. Andy also covered sump pump discharge requirements, emphasizing that discharge should not terminate near the foundation and must use a dedicated circuit with a check valve to prevent water recirculation.

Home Inspection Standards Updates

Andy discussed several key updates and insights about home inspection standards and practices. He explained how weep holes are no longer required in new construction due to code changes, which has caused confusion among realtors and home inspectors. Andy also covered important topics about plumbing defects, including galvanic corrosion between copper and galvanized steel piping, and reversed hot and cold water supplies at fixtures, which are common installation errors by apprentices working under master plumbers. Finally, he addressed concerns about gas water heaters in tightly sealed closets, identifying inadequate combustion air as the primary safety concern that can lead to backdrafting and carbon monoxide issues.

National Home Inspector Exam Tips

Andy provided tips and strategies for taking the National Home Inspector Exam, focusing on exam tactics when faced with unknown questions. He emphasized the importance of using paper, slowing down, and circling key words, while recommending specific tactics like ruling out incorrect options, reading questions aloud, and paying attention to grammar and language matching. Andy also discussed exam day preparation, suggesting practice runs to the testing facility and arriving early to reduce anxiety, while noting that while most people don't pass on their first attempt, proper preparation can improve chances of success.