John Dirks Jr

Ok, I see. I actually like the summary first, especially in my format with the limitations I'm under. Most people don't care about material descriptions and stuff. The want the meat and bones. That's why I put the summary up front. And again, I'll explain the duplicate text and limitations later.

Tom, what sop stuff is missing? I thought I had it all covered in the main text body that follows the summary.

The problem is the limitstions of the software combined with my personal preference in report format. I'll explain the duplicating text issue later when I get to my PC. My mobile device is too clumsy for detailed explanation.

What'd you get? I got Palm Tech. It has some minor limitations but I'm learning to work around them. My report writing times are cut almost in half. The work process also became more relaxed after I learned to trust what it does. Here's a sample of a recent inspection. I'm due for a lashing. Everyone, feel free to criticize. http://home.comcast.net/~arundelhomeins ... sample.pdf

I recently switched away from Word. The new software saves me time and is less clumsy than Word. However, I miss the unhindered freedom I had in Word. Word created reports looked better too. There's always a trade off. I don't have 3D. Based on Marc's expierence, I'm happy I don't.

This slice is probably at lease a 32nd deep. It was in the 1" supply pipe that feeds the fire sprinkler system. I'm sure it weakens the pipe to some extent but I'm not sure how much. I wrote it up for replacement. Would you have done the same? Download Attachment: P1370180.JPG 84.16 KB

PVC can be used for main supply or for cold distribution lines. PVC should not be used for hot water distribution. Before you call anything out, just make sure what the application is. To clarify, it is acceptable to use PVC on cold distribution lines and main supply lines.

For the record, the report was delivered before I started this thread. I did not write it up. Initially, when I first removed the cover I thought it was an issue. But when I realized it was the same breaker, I backed off. In any case, I would rather issue an addendum than a correction to a report. In this case, I didn't have too.

The two hots are using a single neutral. I traced it and verified it. Now, think of it like this. In order for there to be 28 amps coming back on the neutral, there would have to be 28 amps flowing through that breaker (both hots are on the same breaker). Tell me how 28 amps is going to flow through that 15 amp breaker. It won't. The breaker will trip before the neutral is overloaded. It caught me at first but after I thought about it, I cant see a problem.

The level of ill informed persons in this world is saddening. The idea of schmucks looking to prey on them is even worse. For once it would be nice to hear the lawyers tell us how much they got out of these deals. Hype = more money.

Set the ivy roots into mortar aside for a moment. Bricks absorb moisture and expand over their life, correct? Ivy can trap moisture against the brick that might otherwise evaporate. I see the general moisture issue as much of a concern as root damage. Expanding bricks are going to move. Gaps open up, more water comes in......and so on.

I suspect this one might not pose a problem but I wanted to run it by the gang to get opinions. As you can see, two hots from a 14/3 are on the same breaker (same phase). The breaker is listed for two conductors so no issue with double tap. Since both hot conductors are fed by the same 15amp breaker, the shared neutral for this multi wire circuit should not ever be overloaded since the combined currents of both hots would trip the breaker at anything above 15amps. Thus, the neutral would not be subjected to an overload. Am I thinking this through correctly? The label on the panel listed both hots as serving the living room. The way I see it, that really no different than having a single hot serving the entire living room. I can't see a problem with this arrangement. Can any of you? Click to Enlarge 56.79 KB

Have you looked at Godaddy's Website Tonight?

I'm not sure myself but I bet sewer scope guys and chimney guys might have some good input.

Yes. Stop what you were doing and get an electrician! Man, you got lucky the first time. What if? I keep my angels busy.

From his first post "I flung it out of there with a piece of quarter round trim." Sorry, didn't see that. HE DID WHAT?!!!!!! In hindsight there was something I should have done but failed to. I should have asked the client to leave the area before clearing the object. I didn't waste much time with it. I looked at it for about 10 seconds and figured an upward and slightly outward flip would work. Fortunately, it did.

Any hard numbers on that? I only ask because the last time I tried to pin down actual statistics, I could only find two houses that had burned down as a result of this. Some local Fire Marshals are onto it and others are not. I bet checking with them for statistics is a way to begin counting. This document claims "several recent". That's just one county in one state in a relatively short period of time. http://www.howardcountymd.gov/uploadedF ... 100611.pdf

It will take effect in October this year.

BTW, the right end of the metal rod was touching the unpainted interior surface of the panel. Really close call! Almost looks like an intended boobie trap. The rod is the perfect length to provide a jumper between the two hot lugs.

Well, the second I heard the ca chink, I became very concerned. At that point, both my hands were on the panel. I slowly pulled it away from the enclosure. I guess it wasn't my day for fireworks. If the insulation on the SEC conductor would have been stripped a bit farther, things would have lit up. However, if you look at the design of the insulation guards, you can see how they performed as designed and prevented the short.

Page 62 of this Gastite manual singles out the yellow CSST in comparing it to their newer Flash Shield CSST. In certain instances they prohibit contact with the appliance cabinet. It's kind of admitting the concern I think. http://www.gastite.com/downloads/pdfs/G ... 4_9_LO.pdf

I don't know but they're certainly forcing us into the conversation wouldn't you say? People are going to ask, "whadda ya mean safer? what's not safe about it"? I have been initiating conversation with clients about CSST on my own for a few years now anyway. This new law says I'm not qualified to determine if its properly bonded. But the forced "bold 14 point" language I'm obligated to use will get people asking questions.

Here's another one from today. It's 2003 construction. Click to Enlarge 34.5 KB Click to Enlarge 29.54 KB

From now on I'm going to sweep the top of the panel for loose objects before removing the panel cover. I don't remember being told I should be doing it but I sure as heck will be now. As I removed screws and the gap at the top of the panel opened I heard a ca chink sound. Sure enough, a metal rod that was on the top of the panel enclosure fell in. It was a close call. I flung it out of there with a piece of quarter round trim. Download Attachment: P1360726.JPG 1593.73 KB

New regs to take effect in MD regarding presence of CSST. http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2013RS/bills/hb/hb1435f.pdf