Mechanical Systems - Electrical

It would be hard to imagine life without electricity. Although electricity greatly affects the quality of our lives, the average person knows very little about it. A successful real estate inspector will have the knowledge and skills to perform a thorough inspection of the electrical system of a house or building. Electricity provides us with light, mechanical systems and heat. An inadequate electrical system containing overloaded circuits or defective wiring and outlets can be a severe safety and fire hazard. The inspector will carefully evaluate the condition of the entire electrical system and check for any improper wiring and hazards associated with outdated methods and poor quality workmanship.

Mechanical Systems - Electrical - Power Supply

The electrical power supply to your home is delivered through either overhead cable or an underground conduit. The cables run through a meter to measure the amount of power you use for billing purposes to you local utility and then they are routed to a main panel box. The main feed cables must be sized correctly to supply your home with adequate power for the comfortable and safe operation of the equipment currently being used. Many new homebuyers ask, “can I add central air conditioning or a home office”. Although your inspector does not do an electrical load calculation for this purpose, he will be able to guide you on what type of system expansion is possible and advise you about the current supply of electricity to your home.

Mechanical Systems - Electrical - Circuit Protectors

The two types of circuit protectors found in homes today are fuses and circuit breakers. Fuses are found mostly in older homes or for specific equipment installations. They are normally not desirable for your main panel box because normal replacement will require you to expose yourself to a potential electrical accident. Many old fuse boxes contain oversized fuses and in poor distribution for modern electrical requirements. Most homes today have a minimum 100 Ampere power supply with 110/220 voltage capability or greater. Some circuit breaker types are prone to over heating and malfunction. Your inspector will not normally turn breakers on and off or remove fuses because the failure of such devices could affect the current homeowner or the dwelling. He will however advise you in great detail about the current condition of these devices and possible repairs required.

Mechanical Systems - Electrical - Wiring

Wiring carries the power from the main box to the end switch, receptacle or fixture. Wiring can either be in conduit, metal sheathed (Bx), Rubber sheathed (Romex) or in old installations knob and tube. Wiring systems are either 2 wire or 3 wire applications, which may or may not be grounded properly. Conduit is used primarily in commercial installations. Bx cable has a ribbed metal covering to protect the wires inside of it. Romex, which is the most abundantly used type of wiring in residential construction today, has a soft rubber covering. Your inspector will be checking the exposed wiring carefully to evaluate what alterations may be required. If your inspector finds old wiring such as knob and tube or certain types of Bx cable, he or she may recommend further evaluation by a licensed electrician. Romex wiring should not be exposed in many areas as it is soft and can be a hazard. There are different materials that wire is made of including copper, and aluminum. Copper wire when sized correctly is the most popular and best conductor for normal household electrical requirements. Aluminum wire was used in the early 70’s and turned out to be a potential fire hazard. Your inspector is always on the lookout for this type of installation.

Mechanical Systems - Electrical - Panel Box

There are many different varieties of main electrical panel boxes. Certain brands or types of boxes are known to be potential problems with maintenance or safety. The panel box must be installed correctly and sized properly for the incoming main electrical feed lines. Overcrowded and corroded boxes need to be addressed to prevent future problems. Your inspectors experience as a trained professional will be of vital importance when evaluating your electrical system.

Mechanical Systems - Electrical - Panel Box

There are many different varieties of main electrical panel boxes. Certain brands or types of boxes are known to be potential problems with maintenance or safety. The panel box must be installed correctly and sized properly for the incoming main electrical feed lines. Overcrowded and corroded boxes need to be addressed to prevent future problems. Your inspectors experience as a trained professional will be of vital importance when evaluating your electrical system.