dtontarski

I think it is some type of coated copper and not AL. I'm looking for more information on coated copper...coated with what...what is the precise name for it...is it a copper alloy? I'm guessing that AL is probably plastic coated as Romex came into use in the mid-60's when the copper shortage came about.

Would single strand AL wiring always be plastic sheathed and insulated, or was this manufactured prior to the Romex era and will I run across AL single strand that is fabric wrapped and rubber insulated? I observed silver colored single strands in fabric today. What are the names/components of the other types of wire (non-AL) that have a silver finish?

The panel's grounding electrode conductor is double tapped under the incoming neutral conductor terminal. How should I address this in my report? Further analysis & correction? (Yes - I realize the neutral conductors require individual terminals) Download Attachment: Double Tap.jpg 130.64 KB

Thanks everyone!

A follow-up on the cast concrete home thread that recently appeared - Would someone post a timeline for concrete foundations in general: Dates of first or early use of: cast, poured, and block foundations Other: What are the characteristics of cast iron vs. steel support posts? Could someone post some photos of examples of each? Other: I posted a couple of questions last week regarding a home cited as built in 1880, and based on the discussion it generated it seems like this home was probably built closer to 1900. Should I send an addendum to my report or follow up in some other way with my client regarding this date discrepancy?

Thanks Paul. I was hoping that you would chime in. I continue to learn a great deal from the threads you contribute to.

Thanks for the review. The green screw is probably the panel enclosure bond. I typically see a main disconnect on the exterior with manufactured homes and a sub-panel with isolated neutrals and grounds. This home did not have a remote main disconnect. There could be a bonding strap under the plastic, but I couldn't verify this. As long as I'm recommending further analysis, I'm going to recommend that the main bonding jumper be verified. I'm used to seeing exposed bonding wires or metal bars between the terminal bars. As the main bonding jumper at the service panel is so critical, I'd rather be safe than sorry on this one.

I inspected a 90's manufactured home this morning. The service panel has separate terminal bars that both appear to be isolated from the service panel and no apparent main bonding jumper. Each terminal bar appears to have grounding electrode conductors that go to grounding electrodes (could not verify due to heavy snow cover). The neutral terminal bar is bonded to the home's copper water lines, but not to earth through the plumbing, as plastic runs from the home to the pump. As I understand it, this service panel requires a main bonding jumper between the terminal bars and the panel enclosure should also be bonded. I've enclosed a photo. Am I missing something? Both GEC's and the bond to plumbing supply pass through the enclosure together in a threaded clamp - would this be sufficient to properly bond these components? I'm recommending further evaluation and corrections by a qualified professional due to the double taps and excessive sheathing in the panel. Please advise on the bonding issues and any other issues you observe in this photo. Thanks! Download Attachment: Copy of Gardner 032.jpg 134.13 KB

"Dewoodify" - actually - Sorry Jesse - we can't use this - I understand Pfizer is using it one on their sites!

Sorry - I didn't do my homework. I just went through some earlier threads and answered the concrete question. Up till 2:00 AM working on report and rushing to leave for an inspection in a blizzard. I love this job! (Really!)

What about dates for first use of poured concrete foundation walls and cast iron columns? Other than here and on the job, where can I learn more about old homes? "Dewoodify" - classic term for classic homes!

The walls appeared to be poured concrete.

Inspected an 1880 built home yesterday. I've attached a few photos of the framing and support beams. Do you think this is how is was built in 1880, or do you think this has been modified? The space above the beam just doesn't seem like the best way to bear a load. The bottoms of the beams were wrapped in heavy cardboard. Maybe to thwart off head injury? I removed some. The wood was solid - no evidence of pest or weaked wood. There is some floor deflection on the above floors, but it doesn't seem bad for over 120 years. Was it a common practice to use steel posts in 1880? Download Attachment: Boylan 080.jpg 120.93 KB Download Attachment: Boylan 083.jpg 99.88 KB Download Attachment: Boylan 086.jpg 110.04 KB

Thanks Gary. I kind of answered my own question after submitting it by doing some online research. I guess without having the kw rating or access to the manufacture requirement I can't calculate this, but I do see that there are 30 AMP rated appliances out there. Dave

Yesterday I observed an oven and range - separate appliances – wall installed oven and counter top installed range wired with 8 AL protected by 30 AMP breakers. I generally see 6 AL on 40-50 AMP breakers for these appliances. As these were both installed flush – no manufacturer tags could be observed. Are there appliances out there that have 30 AMP requirements?

Chad, Confirmed by the author. This is the same book with a new title and binding. Dave

I just wanted to pass this on as an FYI. The Douglas Hansen book titled "Electrical Inspections for Existing Dwellings" has been republished with the new title, "The Professional Inspectors Resource Guide to Electrical Inspections". The links for the old title on the ITA site take you to the new book and it is a little confusing. See photo of new cover. I'm looking forward to the read. Thanks for recommending this book. The TIJ is a great resource! Download Attachment: Hansen Book.gif 14.07 KB

Mike - I guess I should have called this a "hotter" spot. I don't see much of this, and when I observed that most of the ceiling had relatively even lower temperatures, I thought I'd take advantage of this resource to ask if I should be concerned. Sounds like I shouldn't be. As always, I'm just trying to be thorough and use all of the tools and resources afforded to me. Thanks - this is a great resource. Dave Tontarski

Thanks for the insights. No access - this was inspected with a laser thermometer. I rarely see these either...and told the client I would research it a bit. The report is not due till tomorrow. I'll wait to see whatever other info. flows in. Thanks again. This is a great resource.

I inspected a home today with electric radiant heat in the ceilings. The heat was fairly even across the ceilings (about 80-85 degrees) after the thermostats had been cranked all the way up for about 20 mins. However, in one room (the longest room in the home) there were a few 95-100 degrees hot spots. Any thoughts on this condition and how I should address it in my report?

This paneling was installed in an enclosed porch in a 100+ year old home in Rochester New York. Is this just a distressed style of paneling, or could this be evidence of some type of wood destroying pest? This is on an elevated porch that has been completely sealed up on the exterior with vinyl siding and metal cladding. There was no (observable)evidence of pest anywhere else in the home - there was significant carpenter bee damage to the garage fascia boards - There were water stains along the wall adjacent to the drip edge on the porch - I'm speculating some type of ice damming damage. Has any one seen this type of paneling? Should I recommend further analysis by a bug guy? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks! Download Attachment: Distressed Paneling 1.jpg 88.29 KB Download Attachment: Distressed Paneling 2.jpg 85.64 KB Download Attachment: Distressed Paneling 3.jpg 82.81 KB

Bill - There was sealed off area near it that I thought may have been a window type AC install, and a toggle switch that reversed this device. It was a camp that was winterized over the years, and I'm guessing this was a owner install of some type. It was near a large window and could well have been some type of curtain control device. I'd be surprised, considering this wasn't a very upscale property, but I'm surprised more than I'd like to be. I think you might be on to something with the curtain control ideal.

Thanks Chad....I'm guessing this home was owned by a downsized engineer.

Here we go again. Time is all we have right? I'll give this one more shot with IE and see if that is the problem on why my photo is not displaying. This is the device I saw in the 1950ish home. Any ideas what this might control? Download Attachment: Tenny 112.jpg 67.87 KB

Well...everytime I upload the photo it says that it has been successfully received, yet I don't see it, and obviously no one else does either. Must be a FireFox issue...I'll try IE.