StevenT

Thanks for the input, Since nobody has yet to say that there is a better way to go than SURETEST, I guess I'll end up getting one. Probibly, when using it, I'll accept good readings, but if it reads FG (or anything other than good), I end up looking inside to see what is going on. Yes, it makes sense that if there are no grounds in the panel, or two prong outlets and 3 prong outlets, that something is up. I'm just thinking about a system where the BX or EMT is the grounding conductor. I think in that situation, there would be no possibility of false grounds, unless someone did some improper add ons using Romex or something else without hooking up a ground. Perhaps another scenerio could be EMT or BX pulled out of a coupling or connector, I seen that. Once again, thanks for the input, if anyone has anything to add, of course I'm interested. Steve Turetsky Homeinspector54@aol.com

I am preparing to purchase an electrical outlet tester. The 3-light tester I have is functionally limited. I understand that SURETEST is the way to go, except I have been warned that a SURETEST will incorrectly read false ground when testing outlets in the close proximity of the main breaker panel (where neutral and ground are connected). Is there a better way to go? I don't want to assume that because of it's location, I am getting a "false, false reading" Or, do I have to physically open and examine each outlet that reads "false ground"? I have also been told that the SURETEST tester that checks AFCI is slightly more prone to this phenomenon. Are there any other shortcomings related to the SURETEST? Is there another tester that is more reliable?

Locating where the circuits originated was not a problem (grasp and wiggle), locating where they terminated was a different story. I would have felt better had they originated at breakers that were tied together (that would have been easy). Although I have been involved in many different aspects of construction, and know "a little bit about alot of things", I am relatively new as a home inspector. I see that my limited knowledge can be dangerous, and I must learn "alot about alot of things". The most important lesson I learned was to "confirm what I think I see" and "think I know". Looking back on what transpired, I am relieved that I invested the extra 20 minutes to trace the circuits and another 10 minutes confirming how multiple conductor circuits can and cannot be wired. Rather than taking a "quick" look and incorrectly calling in an uneeded "expert". I feel that there are many different reputations that I can build as a H.I., and I realize that occaisionally, I will make that mistake, I prefer it be when dealing with unfamiar "oddball" systems or rare techniques. I do not feel that multiple conductor circuits is one.

During a recent inspection of a panel, I noticed two multicircuit conductors that shared a neutral in a common conduit, connected to two separated single pole breakers. As they were not next to each, I checked to see that they were not on the same bus. I understand that multicircuit conductors that supply devices that do not have a common yoke or strap do not have to connect to breakers that are tied together, so I attempted to trace it's destination in order to determine such. Of course, the panel was not properly marked, extremely crowded, and the basement was a maze of bx and emt, exposed, hidden, and abandoned. I found a box where the circuits split to separate locations. I felt satisfied that the installation was acceptable. I feel that the required actions that I had to take were borderline of being exhaustive, especially since portions of the run were hidden and buried in ceilings. My question is; At what point should I simply have put it off to have the system checked by a "qualified electrician"? Now that it's done, I'm glad that I didn't make that call. Besides the added expense to my client, I think I would have been embarrassed when the electrician would have said..."there's nothing wrong with it"

I have seen a few different styles and have different likes and dislikes about each one. Whether it be the layout, content or whatever. I am considering creating my own. Probibly a combination of checklist/narrative.

Regarding water heaters (or clothes dryers, etc.) being a minimum of 18" above finished floor in garages; although I am not attempting to quote code, I have always understood that in addition to the electrical connection, the heating/ignition source is to be at least 18" AFF. Regarding residential/commercial application of this theory; since flamable fumes could be present from automobiles, landscape maintinance equipt., etc., I don't differenciate between the two. I also reccomend a ballard or some type of physical protection. As I stated, I am not attempting to argue code, nor am I challanging anybody's knowledge of code. I certainly do not profess to be a code guru. But, if I am wrong, it doesn't bother me so long as I err on the side of safety. Steve