crusty

Even two aluminum branch circuits that are corroding at the breaker connection. The neutrals and grounds are tied together at the panel as you mentioned. I would recommend further evaluation of that condition along with a recommendation to apply antioxident paste to prevent the corrossion which will result in brittleness and breakage. I assume that you are talking about stranded, not solid, aluminum.

I would definitely write it up as "the service equipment is not grounded to current standards." A primary issue is... what will happen in the event of a lightning strike? You did not mention what type of wiring system. Sorry the pic didn't post. Are there equipment grounding wires present at the circuits and are they run back to an equipment grounding terminal at the panel? Is it hard piped conduit where the conduit serves as the equipment grounding conductor? If they are tied to the neutral bar at the panel the system will appear as grounded which is where I think Mark was going with it. What do you see inside the panel? Does your tester identify bootleg or false grounds (the neutrals and equipment grounding conductors tied together at the outlets?) The Sure Test is the only one I am aware of that will identify this condition. Doug Hanson's book Electrical Inspection of Existing Dwellings is a tremendous resource in understanding the vagaries of what most of us hold to be the most difficult to understand system in the house. The Pushmatic panel is considered an obsolete piece of equipment in my neck of the woods. I would defer the entire system for further evaluation citing lack of equipment grounding and an obsolete electrical panel.

It didn't appear that there was much to respond to in your initial posting Dan but I am sure that the addition you placed will help you win your way into the hearts and minds of those who post here.

The IRC defers completely to the manufacturer's specifications, I would guess, based on the fact that the appliances are listed and tested.

I think that should read "framing bondage" Chad[:-bonc01]

Inspection Training Associates offers excellent courses with a great long track record as well.

Can I "borrow" that for the library Chad? The style fits in well with some of my other comments, especially the ones comparing workmanship to Uncle Buck, various Disney characters and the ever popular electrical series comments that begin with "Only a moron would..."

I thought it sounded familiar. If you see him, please send him my warm regards and invite him to stop by here for a visit. - Jim Katen, Oregon Will do Jim.

I already spent way too much time on the "do not" step when contracting.

The most satisfying part of the job for me is in educating the homeowners. I even include "Home Maintenance for Dummies" with the written report.

Walking a roof like that isn't worth it. Besides, with one that steep I can see it just fine by looking at the edges and using binocs from the ground. Cr "I ain't walkin nuttin steeper than 8/12" usty

Wow, you sure go the extra mile Mike. I carry a 22 ft Little Giant and handle it just the way you do, using binoculars from the ground or viewing from the eaves if possible when it doesn't reach, which only happens about once a month for me. Sometimes, thanks to the postage stamp sized lots out here, I can't see a lot and note it as partial only. I recommend further evaluation by a qualified state licensed roofer and have never even considered renting a ladder. You should have negotiated for lunch and a massage too [:-mischievous]

Consider that line stolen. I will be using it on the air on Saturday. Please give the credit to Mr. Jerry McCarthy of San Mateo, CA.

As long as there no non-metallic parts sectioning the gas pipes (or water lines) there is no reason for more than one.

Absolutey without fail on both recommendations. To paraphrase a good friend, "Potential safety defects do not have the ability to read a calendar to determine whether or not they should occur." Always recommend safety upgrades regardless of the age or the code in effect at the time of building or system installation. If the agent or listing client wants to take issue with the call, it isn't hard or doesn't take a lot of effort to make them look foolish, even to themselves. They would hate to be awakened by the KABOOM if they live close by.

I doubt that you will make contact here. Phone the City of Jacksonville Building department, which should be listed as part of the city government.

It would depend on whether you are referring to a gas insert or a gas appliance installed in the fireplace. For a gas insert, manufacturer's specs would rule for a listed insert. Non listed would default to code requirements. If it is simply a gas appliance installed in the fireplace I believe standard fireplace hearth extension requirements would need to be upheld.

I like short, sweet and as simple as possible, and like Kurt, I avoid the passive voice, which I too feel undermines credibity and suggests lack of accountability to clients, which I feel is an open invitation to be followed by another inspector for the buyer when performing a listing inspection. A large percentage of my business comes in the form of a buyer's inspection as a result of a total lack of confidence in the listing inspection on the buyer's part. With the necessary boilerplates in place and a clear definition of what it means in the report key (probably exactly the same as the definition of the ever popular "appears servicable" sans relish and mustard) I simply use OK.

I will not test an appliance whose breaker is shut off or a gas appliance that is shut off or whose pilot is not lit, for safety reasons. I have no idea why it was turned off. A friend of mine turned on an electric range breaker only to have to call the fire department a few minutes later.

PLEASE, be careful! I know nothing about these ladders and am not specifically addressing them but there is a commonly advertised telescoping ladder that IMO is terribly unsafe. I have a fellow inspector whose inspection career has been abruptly ended due to the collapse of one of these POS. Please research any ladder for its certified weight ratings by an accredited institution before purchasing.

PLEASE, be careful! There is a commonly advertised telescoping ladder that IMO is terribly unsafe. I have a fellow inspector whose inspection career has been abruptly ended due to the collapse of one of these POS. Please research any ladder for its certified weight ratings by an accredited institution befoe purchasing.

If not that another option for recommendation would be to have the calcs done by a qualified licensed electrician. My guess is it won't meet the load calcs for a 100 amp service.

Wow Norm. That's so archaic. Try e mail.[]

Tell him to get out the KY. My old original code check references 1994 UPC 1307.3 although I do not have that edition of the UPC.