JesseWBryant

I also have been using ISN for over a year know and absolutely love it. Integration with my report writing software (whisper), QuickBooks, and other programs, is also a plus. I maintain better communications with my clients now than I ever did on my own. Great mobile app to boot.

I got talking to one of my clients on a 1-year warranty inspection about our prior military service (him: Airforce, me: Army). Before I left he asked if I liked to play golf. I told him that I got to play occasionally but I was by no means a pro. However, he ended up giving me a complete set of mens and womens clubs, travel cases for the golf bags and multiple other items (gloves, shoes, tees, balls, towels, etc.) He said he had been trying to get rid of them and he didn't even ask for a price discount. I ended up giving him one anyway. I actually got to go play this last weekend (still need practice).

Nevermind, I found it. IRC 4204.1.

I can't remember the specific reason or if there is a code for it, but why cant you run the low voltage wiring from the thermostat to the condenser unit in the same conduit as the electrical wiring that runs from the service disconnect box to the condenser unit? Just one of those things where if I am going to tell them its wrong, I want to make sure I know why. Thanks

Thanks Mike. Just wanted to verify that there weren't any exceptions to the rule because the last thing I want is for someone else to come along and say that my statement is incorrect and be able to prove it.

I have been seeing this quite a bit lately and want to know if there is any type of exception that I am not aware of. There is a main panel box (service disconnect) at the power pole outside of the home. Ground wire from a driven ground rod runs into the panel and the grounds and neutrals are bonded. 4 wires (2 hots, ground and neutral) run in conduit underground from the panel at the pole, into the home and feed the distribution panel box in the garage. Here, the ground and neutrals are again bonded. This I know is incorrect. However, is it allowed if there is another main disconnect switch installed in the garage panel box or is the first disconnect switch at the pole the only one that counts. I just can't understand why if it is incorrect, why I am seeing it so often; especially in the municipalities. BTW: I have searched numerous threads on this and I suppose I just haven't quite found an answer for my question Thanks

Got this in an email today. "This comes to us from Tucson Electric Power. Look for any opening in breaker boxes as they are likely to house something we do not want to come in contact with. The pictures show what one of our lineman came across the other day while checking a meter. The critter had climbed up through the knockout hole and was after a mouse. Needless to say, neither he or the mouse made it. " Click to View 68.31 KB Click to View 49.05 KB Click to View 50.06 KB Click to View 41.76 KB Click to View 40.29 KB

I know it was a jumbled description. I was rushing in order to get it posted. When I said main service panel I did mean main disconnect and I meant sub panel when I said distribution panel. I only used the other terms because I was reading through some posts yesterday and ran across one in which someone went to great length describing why you should not say "sub panel". Anyway, I feel that the ground and neutrals should be bonded at the main disconnect panel but the ground wire coming in from the meter led me to believe that the bonding occurred elsewhere. So, even if it is bonded further upstream, it still needs to be bonded at the main disconnect for the structure....correct? Thanks by the way.

Todays house had a 125amp service panel on the exterior and a distribution panel at the garage interior. There were no other panel boxes on the property, just one of those ground-mounted transformer boxes across the street (electric feed to the meter is underground lateral). There are four wires coming into the service panel from the adjacent meter; two hots, a neutral and a solid copper ground wire. There is also an additional solid copper ground wire in the service panel, leading down to a grounding rod below the panel. The thing that is stumping me is that the ground and neutral bars in the service panel are not bonded together. I am assuming that the ground/neutral bond is present at the transformer based on the 4-wire feeder from the meter. Is this okay or does the ground/neutral bond have to be accessible at the main service panel? Your thoughts please.

That is a great question! Let me get back to you though...... I am a little busy as I am currently paying bills, fixing computer problems, modifying my report template, etc.

I've been using myfax.com ever since I started. It's $10 a month and works through your email. Thats cheaper than having a standard local hard line phone service (wife and I use cell phones and cable internet). I couldn't pick a local number but the number that they assign you is toll free (866).

It was a straight AC system with a gas furnace. Both units are Goodmans (maybe thats the problem). I agree that it is more than likely an issue with the board. However, the status indicator light showed "all systems go."

I didn't either. Thats why I had to post it to see if anyone else has. The funny thing is, my client originally did not want to get an inspection as it is a new home. Her mother-in-law talked her into it by paying the inspection fee for her. As I was describing the HVAC issue to her, she said "I'm really glad I got that inspection!" Converting clients one day at a time.

Yes, that is exactly what I am saying. I apologize for the brief and hurried description. I am currently multi-tasking and getting into sloppy mode.

New home inspection today. The heater was a gas forced air furnace in the attic and the AC was a split system, outdoor condenser and indoor evaporator coil. When there was a call for heat or AC, both units would come on. Is it likely that this is due to an improperly wired thermostat? Just curious.

Jerry, There must be some conspiracy going on. I spent the last week and half painting and working on the house as there were no calls coming in (my termite guy even called to see if I was still alive). Then, out of nowhere, I get three calls yesterday and two today. Go figure, I am getting ready to go to NY and CT to visit family and all of a sudden I get busy. Murphy's law at its best.

Just wanted to check and see if there are any TIJ guys in the Alexandria, VA area who may be able to help an Army buddy of mine. He is purchasing a 2000 Townhome (http://matrix.mris.com/Matrix/Public/Em ... 0985579302) and wanted to know if I new anyone in the area. If interested, please email me. Thanks

I agree. I wouldn't want to accidentally step off of a 28" patio, deck etc. and suffer a hyper-extended knee or other injury. Sometimes I'll add an FYI for safety if the drop off is just under 30"

Do you guys call out openings greater than 4" for a guardrail that is at grade or less than 30". I know the intent is to prevent children from falling through but is the requirement also intended to prevent them from getting their little cabeza's stuck?

That is the sheathing for the 240 supply lines to the well equipment.

Jim, There was a heavier copper wire that ran from the ground all the way up the pole to the top near the top of the service drops. It looked like it was a ground for one of those large exterior "parking lot" lights. Nothing that ran to the panel or the meter. I think your right about the confidence thing. One day, I think I'm ready for any argument that may come my way and other days I will mull over one comment in a report for an hour trying to make sure I get it right. I guess if this business was all easy as pie, it would soon lose its appeal.

Okay, maybe its not that serious, I am just drawing a blank. Here is the situation. The two pictures are of the Service panel at the power pole in the back yard (upper and lower half for more detail). I could not find any ground conductor anywhere. 202.28 KB[/img] 200.64 KB[/img] The main distribution panel in the house has the grounds and neutrals bonded together, but no sign of any ground conductor that would appear to go to the earth, ufer or water pipe. 340.37 KB[/img] The thing is, every outlet is showing proper grounding..plug bug and suretest. Could the ground and neutral be bonded somewhere before the main service panel? Maybe its just because its Friday but what am I missing here.

For what its worth, a lot of my clients that found my website were directed to it through inspectionzone.com. I have had no complaints with there service as the money I have spent with them has been well worth it.

Is there a code to support the need to insulate bathroom exhaust fan vent pipes to prevent condensation inside, or is this simply a regional suggestion?

Todays dishwasher did not have a sufficient "high loop" and did not have an anti-siphon device at the sink deck. However, a check valve was added to the drain line with the directional marker clearly pointing towards the disposer where it terminated. Good enough? Just curious.