Gerry Beaumont

Hi to all, Wow, 60 views on this thread 80 attempts at the exam and no comments, that is not like you all [] Thanks to all you have had a go at this exam I hope that you found it usefull, I would love some feed back on it from those who have taken it, at the moment it appears to be pretty tough which is what I intended, but the stats show that a significant % of takers are only missing by a small % here are some raw stats to see how you compare. I will leave the link open until next Friday Total Exams Taken: 80 Average Grade: 54.66 Number of Exams Passed: 18 Average Passing Grade: 78.78 Number of Exams Failed: 62 Average Failing Grade: 47.66 Regards Gerry

Hi to all, Ok, now bear with me this is a little unusual, NACHI has long been criticized over its current entrance exam and is used by many outside of our organization to belittle its members as being some what “lesserâ€

Hi to all, Interesting area here, from my twisted perspective I believe that the COPALUM conectors are the "BEST" way to "repair" single strand aluminum conductors, but personally don't much trust any of the so called repair methods, and if I had aluminum in my own home it would be comming out. I recommend to my students that if they see any SS Aluminum brach wiring to recommend further evaluation by a licensed electrical contractor, as it is not unusual for some readily accessable joints to have been "repaired" but others in attic and other junction boxes to have been ignored. Regards Gerry

Hi to all, Not to be out done by a mere Ashi education chair (sorry Scott, could not resist) LOL 312.2 Guard opening limitations. Required guards on open sides of stairways, raised floor areas, balconies and porches shall have intermediate rails or ornamental closures which do not allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102mm) or more in diameter. Exceptions: 1. The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard at the open side of a stairway are permitted to be of such a size that a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) cannot pass through. 2. Openings for required guards on the sides of stair treads shall not allow a sphere 4 3/8 inches (107 mm) to pass through. Regards Gerry

Hi Konrad, I don't have the code right in front of me, but nothing larger that a 6 inch sphere should be able to pass through that gap. regards Gerry

Hi to all, I am still trying to figure out how you get a nail through a slate ?? In the mean time for those who don't have IRC available, the clown from "The Simpsons" ref means: 907.3 Recovering versus replacement. New roof coverings shall not be installed without first removing existing roof coverings where any of the following conditions occur: 1. Where the existing roof or roof covering is water-soaked or has deteriorated to the point that the existing roof or roof covering is not adequate as a base for additional roofing. 2. Where the existing roof covering is wood shake, slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile. 3. Where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering. Exceptions: 1. Complete and separate roofing systems, such as standing-seam metal roof systems, that are designed to transmit the roof loads directly to the building's structural system and that do not rely on existing roofs and roof coverings for support shall not require the removal of existing roof coverings. 2. Metal panel, metal shingle, and concrete and clay tile roof coverings shall be permitted to be installed over existing wood shake roofs when applied in accordance with Section R907.4. Regards Gerry

Hi Brian, that is about the nastiest gas line I have ever seen, I cannot believe that that is legal anywhere in the developed world. Regards Gerry

Hi Jay, here's another link that puts another slant on it, you know what they say about lies damn lies and statistics: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml03/03144.html Regards Gerry

Hi Jay, Here is the link that you need it is to the FEMA site, you can get further information from the Association of State Fire marshalls as well: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/inside-usfa/nf ... _fire.shtm Hope this helps Regards

WOW, it looks like you guys have been having way to much fun, and I missed all the juicy bits I guess I gotta log on here more often [:-dev3] Jimmy, how is the Kevlar holding out ??, would it not just be easier to move this topic into "Flame & Blame" so it disappears itself after 24 hours ??, would save you the trouble of having to moderate it at all !!! regards Gerry

Hi Terry, sorry about the dead link, looks like now the lawyers aren't making money of this they have pulled the site, this is the best link that i can give you that shows details of the various "T1-11" type materials. http://www.pacificnwhousing.com/identify.html this one works (I just checked it for you) Regards Gerry

Hi Terry, i may be wrong, but my first guess is that it is an 8x4 sheeting product commonly refered to as T111, or T1-11, try googling that until you find something that matches, also look at www.sidingclaims.com for more info. Sorry i can't help you more, but I'm heading for a cook out. (the sun is finally shining in New england !!) regards Gerry

Hi Mike, I could not agree more, there are very few good home inspection books out there, and Cauldwell's is about the best for newer inspectors, what it looses in scope it more than makes up for with quality diagrams and super photographs. I actually teach to Becker's book due to it's wider scope, but have to do a PP presentation along side it with my own pictures. However I suggest to my students, that they also buy the Cauldwell. Regards Gerry

hi Jimmy, as you opperate in a State that has seen fit to regulate every other area of business, my recomendation would be to put this issue in front of the Massachusetts State Licensing Board, you can't be too carefull. [:-bonc01] as my learned friend Brian G pointed out "every mans home is his castle" so you should be safe there (god help the rest of the family though !!) [:-sick] However as to the out of state issue that you raised, my best recomendation is that if you suffer from terminal flatulence due to a diet soley made up of a mix of Clam Chowda, Sam Adams & Boston baked beans. I think you should concider moving your business over the boarder to New Hampshire, "The Fart Free or Die" state [:-eyebrows] I hope you find this usefull [:-jester] Regards Gerry

I love the SMELL of ashi propaganda in the mornings Regards Gerry

Hi Rob, I think the real issue hear is that US code has realy not got to grips with H.E. appliances much of 2003 IRC code is different from 2000 IRC, and neither of them give a vertical clearance to overhanging projections. I wonder what 2005 will have to say ?? Regards Gerry

Hi Rob I only have the IRC in front of me and that does not appear to address the issue in your photo, but there is an obvious problem as can be seen in the siding above the vent termination. anyway for what it is worth here's the code (IRC2003) G2427.8 (503. Venting system termination location. The location of venting system terminations shall comply with the following (see Appendix C): 1. A mechanical draft venting system shall terminate at least 3 feet (914 mm) above any forced-air inlet located within 10 feet (3048 mm). Exceptions: 1. This provision shall not apply to the combustion air intake of a direct-vent appliance. 2. This provision shall not apply to the separation of the integral outdoor air inlet and flue gas dis-charge of listed outdoor appliances. 2. A mechanical draft venting system, excluding direct vent appliances, shall terminate at least 4 feet (1219 mm) below, 4 feet (1219 mm) horizontally from, or 1 foot (305 mm) above any door, operable window, or gravity air inlet into any building. The bottom of the vent terminal shall be located at least 12 inches (305 mm) above grade. 3. The vent terminal of a direct-vent appliance with an input of 10,000 Btu per hour (3 kW) or less shall be located at least 6 inches (152 mm) from any air opening into a building, and such an appliance with an input over 10,000 Btu per hour (3 kW) but not over 50,000 Btu per hour (14.7 kW) shall be installed with a 9-inch (230 mm) vent termination clearance, and an appliance with an input over 50,000 Btu/h (14.7 kw) shall have at least a 12-inch (305 mm) vent termination clearance. The bot-tom of the vent terminal and the air intake shall be located at least 12 inches (305 mm) above grade. 4. Through-the-wall vents for Category II and IV appliances and noncategorized condensing appliances shall not terminate over public walkways or over an area where condensate or vapor could create a nuisance or hazard or could be detrimental to the operation of regulators, relief valves, or other equipment. Where local experience indicates that condensate is a problem with Cate-gory I and III appliances, this provision shall also apply. Regards Gerry

Hi Tom, I did not concider that my bubble had been "burst" the typical asbestos product is in fact a combination name for a group of related minerals and in particular fall into 2 main categories asbestiform tremolite and non-asbestiform tremolite, the later of which is not concidered by the EPA to be a health risk and this is the variant that is used in current asbestos based products, including some replacement flues. the other more dangerous form of asbestiform tremolite is still banned as it was in 1978. Regards Gerry

hi to all, Asbestos started to be banned from most residential building products in the 1970's specifically: - 1973 NESHAP, banned for fireproofing/insulating - 1978 NESHAP, banned for "decorative" purposes Here is a link to the EPA pdf file that covers the regulations and dates of enforcement etc: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/asb-bans2.pdf while Mike is basically correct, about the bans having been challenged in court, most manufacturers of residential products had during the 1970's to find alternatives the using asbestos in all products, and never went back to using asbestos even when some of the restrictions had been lifted. funnily enough after all the bad press that asbestos got manufacturers found it hard to sell any product that included asbestos (I wonder why []). I teach my classes that effectively asbestos was banned by 1978 and that any home biult after 1980 should have no asbestos content at all. regards Gerry

Hi to all, here's the NEC 2002 section that Jim refered to: 250.32 Two or More Buildings or Structures Supplied from a Common Service. (A) Grounding Electrode. Where two or more buildings or structures are supplied from a common ac service by a feeder(s) or branch circuit(s), the grounding electrode(s) required in Part III of this article at each building or structure shall be connected in the manner specified in 250.32(B) or ©. Where there are no existing grounding electrodes, the grounding electrode(s) required in Part III of this article shall be installed. If a single service supplies more than one building, such as illustrated in Exhibit 250.16, and the feeder is installed with an equipment grounding conductor, 250.32(A) requires that a grounding electrode system be established, unless one already exists. The equipment grounding bus must be bonded to the grounding electrode system. The disconnecting means, building steel, and interior metal water piping must be bonded to the grounding electrode system. All non-current-carrying metal parts of electrical equipment are required to be grounded by connection to the equipment grounding bus. Exhibit 250.16 A single service (grounded system) supplying three buildings, where each building is required to have a grounding electrode installed in accordance with 250.32(A). Exception: A grounding electrode at separate buildings or structures shall not be required where only one branch circuit supplies the building or structure and the branch circuit includes an equipment grounding conductor for grounding the conductive non–current-carrying parts of all equipment. If a building is supplied by only one branch circuit with an equipment grounding conductor, there is no requirement to establish a grounding electrode system or connect to one if one exists. See Exhibit 250.17 for an example of such a system. Exhibit 250.17 An installation in which connection from the enclosure of the building disconnecting means to the electrode is not required because an equipment grounding conductor is run with the circuit conductors. (B) Grounded Systems. For a grounded system at the separate building or structure, the connection to the grounding electrode and grounding or bonding of equipment, structures, or frames required to be grounded or bonded shall comply with either 250.32(B)(1) or (2). (1) Equipment Grounding Conductor. An equipment grounding conductor as described in 250.118 shall be run with the supply conductors and connected to the building or structure disconnecting means and to the grounding electrode(s). The equipment grounding conductor shall be used for grounding or bonding of equipment, structures, or frames required to be grounded or bonded. The equipment grounding conductor shall be sized in accordance with 250.122. Any installed grounded conductor shall not be connected to the equipment grounding conductor or to the grounding electrode(s). If a feeder supplies another building from the same service and an equipment grounding conductor is run with the feeder, the grounded conductor (neutral) is not permitted to be connected to the equipment grounding conductor or to the grounding electrode system, as illustrated in Exhibit 250.18. Exhibit 250.18 An installation in which connection between the grounded conductor (neutral) and equipment grounding terminal bar is not allowed. A connection to the grounding electrode is required. (2) Grounded Conductor. Where (1) an equipment grounding conductor is not run with the supply to the building or structure, (2) there are no continuous metallic paths bonded to the grounding system in both buildings or structures involved, and (3) ground-fault protection of equipment has not been installed on the common ac service, the grounded circuit conductor run with the supply to the building or structure shall be connected to the building or structure disconnecting means and to the grounding electrode(s) and shall be used for grounding or bonding of equipment, structures, or frames required to be grounded or bonded. The size of the grounded conductor shall not be smaller than the larger of regards Gerry

Hi Brian, I was going to paraphrase this for you but it's way past my bed time, here's the code, enjoy the read. BTW Codecheck HVAC is well worth the investment M1305 APPLIANCE ACCESS M1305.1 Appliance access for inspection service, repair and replacement. Appliances shall be accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement without removing permanent construction. Thirty inches (762 mm) of working space shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance. Room heaters shall be permitted to be installed with at least an 18-inch (457 mm) working space. A platform shall not be required for room heaters. M1305.1.1 Central furnaces. Central furnaces within compartments or alcoves shall have a minimum working space clearance of 3 inches (76 mm) along the sides, back and top with a total width of the enclosing space being at least 12 inches (305 mm) wider than the furnace. Furnaces having a firebox open to the atmosphere shall have at least a 6-inch (152 mm) working space along the front combustion chamber side. Combustion air openings at the rear or side of the compartment shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 17. Exception: This section shall not apply to replacement appliances installed in existing compartments and alcoves where the working space clearances are in accordance with the equipment or appliance manufacturer's installation instructions. M1305.1.2 Appliances in rooms. Appliances installed in a compartment, alcove, basement or similar space shall be accessed by an opening or door and an unobstructed passageway measuring not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide and large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance in the space, provided that a level service space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and the height of the appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm), is present at the front or service side of the appliance with the door open. M1305.1.3 Appliances in attics. Attics containing appliances requiring access shall be provided with an opening and a clear and unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide and not more than 20 feet (6096 mm) in length when measured along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance. The passageway shall have continuous solid flooring in accordance with Chapter 5 not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide. A level service space at least 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be present along all sides of the appliance where access is required. The clear access opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm by 762 mm), where such dimensions are large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance. Exception: The passageway and level service space are not required where the appliance is capable of being serviced and removed through the required opening. M1305.1.3.1 Electrical requirements. Alighting fixture controlled by a switch located at the required passageway opening and a receptacle outlet shall be provided at or near the appliance location in accordance with Chapter 38. M1305.1.4 Appliances under floors. Under floor spaces containing appliances requiring access shall be provided with an unobstructed passageway large enough to remove the largest appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide, nor more than 20 feet (6096 mm) in length when measured along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance. A level service space at least 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be present at the front or service side of the appliance. If the depth of the passageway or the service space exceeds 12 inches (305 mm) below the adjoining grade, the walls of the passageway shall be lined with concrete or masonry extending 4 inches (102 mm) above the adjoining grade in accordance with Chapter 4. The rough framed access opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 22 inches by 30 inches (559 mm by 762 mm), where the dimensions are large enough to remove the largest appliance. Exception: The passageway is not required where the level service space is present when the access is open, and the appliance is capable of being serviced and removed through the required opening. M1305.1.4.1 Ground clearance. Appliances supported from the ground shall be level and firmly supported on a concrete slab or other approved material extending above the adjoining ground. Appliances suspended from the floor shall have a clearance of not less than 6 inches (152 mm) from the ground. M1305.1.4.2 Excavations. Excavations for appliance installations shall extend to a depth of 6 inches (152 mm) below the appliance and 12 inches (305 mm) on all sides, except that the control side shall have a clearance of 30 inches (762 mm). M1305.1.4.3 Electrical requirements. Alighting fixture controlled by a switch located at the required passageway opening and a receptacle outlet shall be provided at or near the appliance location in accordance with Chapter 38. M1306 CLEARANCES FROM COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION M1306.1 Appliance clearance. Appliances shall be installed with the clearances from unprotected combustible materials as indicated on the appliance label and in the manufacturer's installation instructions. FIGURE M1306.1 REDUCED CLEARANCE DIAGRAM Note: "A": equals the required clearance with no protection. "B" equals the reduced clearance permitted in accordance with Table M1306.2. The protection applied to the construction using combustible material shall extend far enough in each direction to make "C" equal to " A." M1306.2 Clearance reduction. Reduction of clearances shall be in accordance with the appliance manufacturer's instructions and Table M1306.2. Forms of protection with ventilated air space shall conform to the following requirements: 1. Not less than 1-inch (25.4 mm) air space shall be provided between the protection and combustible wall surface. 2. Not less than 1-inch (25.4 mm) air space shall be provided between the protection and combustible wall surface.. Air circulation shall be provided by having edges of the wall protection open at least 1 inch (25.4 mm). 3. If the wall protection is mounted on a single flat wall away from corners, air circulation shall be provided by having the bottom and top edges, or the side and top edges open at least 1 inch (25.4 mm). 4. Wall protection covering two walls in a corner shall be open at the bottom and top edges at least 1 inch (25.4 mm). FIGURE M1306.2 WALL PROTECTOR CLEARANCE REDUCTION SYSTEM TABLE M1306.2 REDUCTION OF CLEARANCES WITH SPECIFIED FORMS OF PROTECTION a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per cubic foot = 16.019 kg/m3, a. Reduction of clearances from combustible materials shall not interfere with combustion air, draft hood clearance and relief, and accessibility of servicing. b. Clearances shall be measured from the surface of the heat producing appliance or equipment to the outer surface of the combustible material or combustible assembly. c. Spacers and ties shall be of noncombustible material. No spacer or tie shall be used directly opposite appliance or connector. d. Where all clearance reduction systems use a ventilated air space, adequate provision for air circulation shall be provided as described. (See Figures M1306.1 and M1306.2.) e. There shall be at least 1 inch between clearance reduction systems and combustible walls and ceilings for reduction systems using ventilated air space. f. If a wall protect or is mounted on a single flat wall away from corners, adequate air circulation shall be permitted to be provided by leaving only the bottom and top edges or only the side and top edges open with at least a 1-inch air gap. g. Mineral wool and glass fiber batts (blanket or board) shall have a minimum density of 8 pounds per cubic foot and a minimum melting point of 1,500°F. h. Insulation material used as part of a clearance reduction system shall have a thermal conductivity of 1.0 Btu per inch per square foot per hour per °F or less. Insulation board shall be formed of noncombustible material. i. There shall be at least 1 inch between the appliance and the protector. In no case shall the clearance between the appliance and the combustible surface be reduced below that allowed in Table M1306.2. j. All clearances and thicknesses are minimum; larger clearances and thicknesses are acceptable. k. Listed single-wall connectors shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with the terms of their listing and the manufacturer's Regards Gerry

Hi David, Very interesting photograph, I can only guess that it is some kind of electric door opener for a sliding door. Regards Gerry

Konrad, I love it, could I use that photo in educational courses that I run at college and also for NACHI. Regards Gerry

Hi to all, Brian, here ya go: Electric baseboard convectors: all the IRC & NEC have to say on the subject is to be installed as per manufacturers instructions, but that they cannot be mounted below regular outlets. having said that I know that most manufacturers do list clearance to combustibles such as drapes (typically they call for 8" above the heaters, and if hanging in front of the unit have 3" clearance and be 1" above the floor). As to the temp of the furnace, that does not sound particularly excesive as they do get very hot particularly on the top panels. regards Gerry

Hi Brian, what was the heating source for the baseboard, were they electric or hydronic ?? What was the "furnace" I mean was it heating air or water and what was the fuel source ?? Regards Gerry