Umair Gaines
InterNACHI, a registered trademark of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, offers a free online course on how to perform residential electrical inspections. The course, developed by InterNACHI's Educational Consultant Gerry Beaumont, aims to teach students how to conduct electrical inspections in residential properties. Upon completion of the course, students can take a 100-question final exam and receive a Certificate of Completion. This certification can enhance career opportunities and mobility within the building safety industry, as it is recognized nationally in the US. Additionally, InterNACHI provides over 1,000 hours of complimentary online education, assisting members in obtaining licenses and certifications to distinguish themselves in the field.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Course | How to Perform Residential Electrical Inspections Course |
| Provider | InterNACHI® |
| Format | Free, online course |
| Accreditation | InterNACHI® is a registered trademark of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors |
| Course Goal | Teach students how to perform electrical inspections at residential dwellings |
| Course Completion Requirements | Passing a 100-question final exam |
| Certificate | Certificate of Completion available for download and print |
| Course Materials | Images and illustrations contributed by InterNACHI members |
| Course Platform | Developed by InterNACHI's IT Director, Chris Morrell |
| Related Offerings | How to Perform Residential Electrical Inspections book |
| Additional Benefits | InterNACHI® offers over 1,000 hours of free online education, and helps with licensing and certification |
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What You'll Learn
Inspecting the service entrance
When inspecting the service entrance, here are some key areas to focus on:
Height Clearance:
For overhead SECs, ensure the service drop clearance is sufficient. It should be at least 12 feet above the driveway and at least 10 feet above walkways. If the wiring is lower than the required height, it needs to be called out for repair.
Wall Anchor Condition:
Inspect where the SEC is anchored to the wall. Check if it is properly secured and in good condition. Any signs of a loose or damaged wall anchor should be noted and addressed.
Wiring Condition:
Examine the wires for any visible damage or fraying. Ensure that all wiring, whether running from underground or the roof, is completely encased in conduit. Any openings or damaged areas in the conduit must be repaired by an electrical specialist.
Service Lateral Riser:
For buried service lines, inspectors can evaluate the point where the line comes up from the ground through the service lateral riser and into the meter. Check for any visible damage to the wiring and ensure all conduit is properly fitted without gaps.
Grounding Rods:
Inspect the grounding rods to ensure they are connected to the main panel and properly buried. Grounding rods are crucial in residential electrical systems as they help channel surplus electrical currents away from the home and into the earth.
Main Electrical Panelboard:
The main electrical panelboard, also known as the main breaker, is the master switch that controls the electrical power in the residence. Inspect the panelboard for any damage and ensure it complies with safety standards, such as the required working space dimensions and proper labelling. Check for issues like overfusing or oversized breakers and ensure all connections are tight.
Main Bonding Jumper and Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC):
Inspect the main bonding jumper and locate and follow the grounding and bonding components. Check for proper grounding throughout the residence, including GFI (ground fault interrupter) outlets, which are typically found in bathrooms.
Voltage and Amperage Testing:
Test the voltage at various outlets to ensure the wiring is functioning properly and safely. Also, check the amperage to ensure it meets the required standards, typically a minimum of 100 amperes for homes.
Compliance with Electrical Codes:
Ensure that the service entrance complies with electrical codes, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC) in the United States, which sets the benchmark for safe electrical design and installation.
Remember, electricity can be extremely dangerous when improperly configured. By thoroughly inspecting the service entrance and addressing any issues, you can help prevent electrical hazards and ensure the safety of the residence and its occupants.
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Grounding
During a residential electrical inspection, it is imperative to verify that the grounding system is properly installed and maintained. This includes checking that all grounding conductors are intact, securely connected, and have adequate wire size and rating to handle the electrical load. Inspectors should pay close attention to the grounding wire, ensuring it is appropriately connected to either the receptacle box, the grounded conductor, or the grounding conductor itself.
Ungrounded or improperly grounded receptacles pose significant safety hazards. Inspectors should be vigilant in identifying false grounded receptacles, where the ground wire is incorrectly connected. This can lead to faulty equipment operation and, in the worst-case scenario, electric shock or fire hazards.
Additionally, it is important to inspect the bonding connections within the electrical system. Proper bonding ensures a low-impedance fault current path, enhancing the overall safety of the electrical installation. Inspectors should also be familiar with local and national electrical codes to ensure compliance with grounding requirements, as these may vary depending on the region and the specific electrical installation guidelines.
Furthermore, inspectors should be cautious when evaluating electrical panels and service entrances. They should be well-versed in identifying issues such as improper electrical splices, overloaded panels, or incorrect breaker ratings. Particular attention should be given to problematic electrical panel brands, such as Zinsco panels, which are known for their loose breakers, difficulty in obtaining replacement parts, and inadequate amperage for modern needs.
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Electrical safety issues
One of the primary electrical safety issues is faulty wiring. Over time, wiring can wear down due to exposure to water, heat, and humidity, increasing the risk of electrical fires. Older homes, in particular, may have damaged or deteriorated wiring, or wiring that is incompatible with modern appliances. Outdated wiring systems, such as knob and tube wiring, can also be potentially dangerous. Inspectors will typically check for fraying, signs of water damage, and other defects during a routine safety inspection.
Another safety issue that is commonly identified during electrical inspections is insufficient grounding. Ungrounded outlets, which lack the ground wire that helps to minimize the risk of electrical fire, are considered a safety risk. Outlets that don't have this feature are due for an upgrade, and this can also reduce the reliance on extension cords, which can also increase the risk of fire.
Overloaded circuits are another common electrical safety issue. This can be indicated by dim or flickering lights, which suggest that the circuits are struggling to handle the load they've been given. This can lead to short circuits or electrical fires, so it's important to have an inspection carried out to check the circuits and wiring.
Other safety issues that might be identified during an electrical inspection include faulty or outdated appliances, missing or faulty GFCI outlets, improper splices, and exposed wiring, which can pose a risk of tripping, electrocution, and fires.
Electrical safety inspections are an important way to ensure that a home's electrical systems are safe and compliant with relevant codes and regulations. By identifying and addressing these common electrical safety issues, homeowners can help prevent fires and other serious hazards.
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Feeders
When inspecting feeders, it is the responsibility of the residential electrical inspector to verify various factors, including the size, clearances, location, materials, and grounding conductors of the feeders. This comprehensive inspection ensures that the feeders comply with the relevant code provisions and industry standards.
The inspection of feeders is a detailed process. The inspector must pay close attention to the size of the feeder conductors, ensuring they meet the minimum requirements for the electrical load they are intended to carry. Additionally, the clearances around the feeders are scrutinised to guarantee they adhere to the necessary safety distances from nearby objects, such as windows or trees.
The location of feeders is also a critical aspect of the inspection. Feeders should be installed in appropriate areas, considering factors such as accessibility for maintenance and potential hazards. Inspectors will also assess the materials used in the construction of feeders, ensuring they meet industry standards for quality and safety.
Furthermore, grounding conductors are a vital component of feeders. Proper grounding helps protect the electrical system and connected equipment from transient over-voltages caused by lightning, wind, flooding, or other factors. Therefore, inspectors will carefully examine the grounding conductors to ensure they are properly installed and bonded, providing a low-impedance fault current path.
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Branch circuit and feeder calculations
When performing residential electrical inspections, inspectors must be well-versed in branch circuit and feeder calculations to verify compliance and identify potential hazards. These calculations involve determining the appropriate sizes, ratings, dimensions, and other characteristics of electrical equipment and components.
One key aspect of branch circuit calculations is determining the maximum permissible ampere rating or setting of the overcurrent protective device, as outlined in Section 210.18 of the NEC. This rating establishes the branch circuit rating, which is crucial for selecting compatible electrical devices and ensuring safe operation.
Additionally, inspectors should be adept at calculating the minimum conductor size for branch circuits. This calculation considers the maximum current-carrying capacity of the circuit, typically 15 amps for residential applications, as well as the requirements stipulated in Section 210.19(A)(2) and Section 210.18 of the NEC.
The calculations also extend to feeder circuits, which supply power to branch circuits. Inspectors need to determine the maximum unbalanced load a feeder will carry, as per Section 220.61(A). This calculation involves considering the loads connected between the neutral and ungrounded conductors, ensuring that the feeder can handle the maximum load safely.
Furthermore, branch circuit and feeder calculations take into account specific appliances and their nameplate ratings. By summing up the individual ratings and applying demand factors, inspectors can determine the total load and current requirements for the circuit. This information is vital for selecting the appropriate wiring and ensuring adequate power distribution.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a free, online course provided by the tuition-free college, InterNACHI® School, that teaches inspectors how to perform the electrical portion of an electrical inspection at a residential dwelling.
The course is designed for newer inspectors and as a refresher for more experienced inspectors.
The course was originally developed by InterNACHI's Educational Consultant Gerry Beaumont with help from InterNACHI® member and NEC® trainer Paul Abernathy.
To pass the course, you need to pass a 100-question final exam. After passing, you can download and print your Certificate of Completion.
