Renron

Just purchased a Model 61-155 Ideal AFCI analyser for $219 SHIPPED at Best price I could find for this model #. Crap!!!!, Guess I gotta read the instructions now and learn how to use it. Ron

Douglas and all interested in purchasing Earl Roberts book: The phone #860-536-4496 will get you a message machine that directs you to call a disconnected phone #530-742-9870. Damn. The second phone #(860) 442-8424 is a copy center---> think Small Kinkos. Contacting the author Earl Robers directly is the only way to purchase the book that I have found so far. The manager of the copy center was unable to give me Earl Roberts phone # in Arizona when I called. He suggested I call back later in the week. (?) Perhaps he'll look it up in the meantime. If/when I am able to purchase a copy of his book I'll post the $ info. and phone #s. Ron

Thanks Mike, Thats what I thought too. It's not nit-picking if it stains the ceiling. Sheesh! thats gross... nits..... Thanks, Ron

Douglas, Thanks for the explaination for the 7' off the floor rule. I always like knowing where and why these "rules" come from. I love this website. Please don't bail out on us Douglas......icons or not... we need your wealth of knowledge. Thanks. Ron

I own the Streamlight xt/hp 45,000 ft/candles and two 1,000,000 ft/candles handheld spotlights from Home Depot. The Screaming Yellow Monsters were ~$18 on sale and I use them in the crawlspace. Their battery life is about 10-15 minuites and I don't care if I beat them up or get them muddy. The Streamlight is GREAT for the interior and attic observations. I carry mine on a belt pouch, there when I need it and both hands free when I don't. The Big Yellow Monster is brighter by far but I hate lugging it around inside. Too big. No problems with my Streamside. (knock on wood) Ron

It looks like the vent material is plastic dryer ducting, I thought the ducting from f*rt fans were suppost to be insulated if they went through the attic space? Please correct me if I am wrong.(again) Ron

Scott, Yes, unprotected nm cable,(romex)(it's a brand like kleenex) should be reported when it is exposed and suseptable to damage. People have the tendency to shove a myriad of things under the kitchen sink that could damage the nm cable. I find quite a few GD that do not have proper wire restraint devices either. In my area it is acceptable to have it (romex) exposed in the garage if it is located 7' or higher. Ron

Wow! I am very greatful I found this Website, so many people here with experience willing to help everyone out. Thanks for the techinical info Douglas(and others), I had thought that underground conduit WAS suppost to be watertight, I have a lot to learn about inspecting. Thanks Very Much Ron

Perhaps this is old news but..... I found this of interest while searching the web for AFCIs. UL warns of potentially hazardous AFCI circuit testers NORTHBROOK, Ill., USA - Sep. 24, 2002 - Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is notifying consumers and retailers that Etcon Inc.'s receptacle/AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter) circuit tester, model AF120, may pose a risk of electric shock. This product has not been evaluated by UL and bears an unauthorized UL Listing Mark. In addition to the potential shock hazard, this product may not properly test all types of arc fault circuit interrupters. This product is distributed through electrical supply outlets and can be identified by the following markings on the product: "ETCON Receptacle/AFCI Tester," "CAT.AF120." The dates of production are from July 10 - July 16, 2002. The product's packaging is marked "ETCON AF120." The unauthorized UL Listing Mark appears on the product and packaging. UL encourages consumers to immediately stop using this product and return it to the place of purchase. For more information, contact Etcon Inc., 7750 Grant St. Burr Ridge, IL 60527; phone: 630-325-6100; fax: 630-325-6838. object has been scanned by Norton anti-virus and is clean. Download Attachment: AFCI.jpg 30.66 KB Ron

Brian, If we end up exposing the entire line to just to find out where the defect is .....we may never know. Backhoes are notorious for craking underground PVC pipes. But I'll keep all informed if not amused. <-----No icons (Mike) Ron

Hey Guys! You all did such a great job on my last question, I'll try another one. A customer of mine has a Service panel where the feed is from the bottom. No problem yet, here is where it gets interesting. The bottom of the Service Panel is severely rusted, but no rust is present above 1" from the bottom of the Panel. I think water is comming in through the underground service (grey)PVC pipe when it rains hard. The house is down hill from the street, so if there is a crack or disconnection somewhere in the pipe from the drop water can travel downhill and then enter the service panel and run out on the side of the house. I personaly have seen this twice before living in Tahoe. My question is: What does code say about a drain or Pee trap type of arrangement prior to the Service Panel? Can a hole be cut in the PVC before the entrance to the panel and then protected by a screen? I know we don't do "code" checks but I would like to know (for myself) how to correct this problem without having to dig up the line all the way to the street ~400' away. Any thoughts? [:-banghead] I am proud to be a (newbie) Home Inspector! Thanks, Ron

COOL

George, I apologize for the **** word and will try to be more cautious in the future, I meant it as a proper name. Renron

Norm is right...ON! It's tough to compete with someone who caters to the 'zoids', but I tell it like it is, and sleep well at night. I'm in favor of state testing to weed out some old dead growth and let the light of respectability and honesty shine through. I WON'T lower my standards and smooth it over. OK i'm done now......ramble.......ramble.........ramble. Renron

They might have to change the name of the show to "The House ****." Boooo....Hissssss.......Snarlllllll.....

New I am, niave I am not. (says with the voice of Yoda) I have sulked in the dark corners of this board for almost a year, afraid to come into the light of your wisdom. I think I shoulda waited a little longer. I'm grateful for all your comments, yes all, and enjoy the sense of humor we posess. I'll take the suggestion of the empty water bottle instead of the empty bladder test method. Thanks Guys your help is very much appreciated. I'll Be Back. Ron CREIA Inspector General Contractor

Jim thanks for the info, however, I'm not small enough to fit into 3/4" pvc pipe to test it the way you do. Any other ideas? (no matter how small )

Howdy to all the other HIs out there! Thanks for your future response(s). Being a new HI and knowing the (lack)quality of new homes being built. I know to look for a secondary pan and a vent/cleanout on the primary drain line. But how do I test the condensate line for blockage? Also, is that a vent or cleanout b4 the trap? and should it be open to the atmosphere? Thanks for helping out a newbie lurker. Ron

I bought one also, what a great price. I have used mine, and abused mine too, still a very solid ladder for the money. Much easier to use than the big aluminum extension ladder. I would buy it again, knowin' what I know now. Happy buyer. Ron