dangerous electrical: Service-Drop Conductors Way Too Low - 05/08/17 03:27 AM
Service-drop conductors way too low.  It's a drooping loop!
Service conductor wiring brings electricity to the house.
In older neighborhoods they are often above ground.  In newer neighborhoods they are underground.
At this subject house the connection to the "telephone" pole had gotten lower and lower.
The loop was only about 12' over the street.
And about 8' over the front sidewalk at the street.
On the front of his house there was a front porch, with a small deck extending out with a staircase to the driveway.
From that deck I could reach up and only about 7' high was the service line!  And I could have … (7 comments)

dangerous electrical: How NOT To Create Two New Circuits To Finish A Basement - 04/29/16 07:17 PM
How NOT to create two new circuits to finish a basement.
This house boasted a newly-finished basement. It had a family room, a new bathroom, and a finished laundry/storage room.
I knew there were electric problems when the bathroom GFI receptacle turned off the lights, fan, and another receptacle in the family room.  Electricians don't do that.  Permits don't allow that.
I had not been in the electric panel box, but knew something fun was in store.
On one side was a classic "double tap."  Called a double lug, but referred to colloquially as a double tap, we see two black wires secured under one circuit … (11 comments)

dangerous electrical: This Wiring Would Not Be Approved By A Boy Scout Getting A Merit Badge - 03/25/16 08:24 PM
For sure, this wiring would not be approved by a Boy Scout getting a merit badge.
There are more than 100 merit badges that a Boy Scout can earn.  One of them is called "Electricity."   This is one of the requirements to get the Electricity Merit Badge.  The requirements take up two whole pages:  "Complete an electrical home safety inspection of your home, using the checklist found in this pamphlet or one approved by your counselor.  Discuss what you find with your counselor."
So, let's say a 13 year old is crawling around the house and sees this.  I bet, I JUST BET(!), … (14 comments)

dangerous electrical: Remodeling One KNOWS Is Unsafe Without Looking Much Further - 08/07/14 09:33 PM
Seeing this I knew we were dealing with remodeling one KNOWS is unsafe without looking much further.
Seeing a few new-looking breakers in the panel box I was anxious to remove the cover to look inside.
But one of the older circuit breakers was wired up with this wire.
It enters the box like any other wire.
It's what it does later that is so, um, creative.
Notice that the white (neutral) wire goes straight up?
Weirdly, it goes directly into a breaker newly labeled "1".  On the cover it says that breaker services the attic.
Neutral wires do not, (um, well, … (58 comments)

dangerous electrical: A Scary Phone Call - "You Ruined The Sale Of My House!" - 06/06/14 08:39 PM
 
After hardly saying hello, the voice on the phone yelled, "You ruined the sale of my house!"
He then went on in a rant that ended with, "I know where you live."  It was said in a very unkind manner.
I have heard this sort of thing before.  People upset that I identified something on their house that "cost" them the sale.
Frankly, and properly said, a home inspection doesn't make or break the sale of any house.  It is merely observation of the house on the day on an inspection and reporting conclusions. 
But after hearing the threat I … (29 comments)

dangerous electrical: Frightful Homeowner Electrical Installation - 03/01/14 08:35 PM
What does a home inspector say when outside he sees indication of what will eventually be a lot of frightful homeowner electrical installation?
I knew going in that the home was substantially remodeled. 
The sign out front advertises "Gorgeous Remodel."
The proud seller met me at the door to tell me he wanted to show me some special features in the home that I might not understand.
Everything was wonderful, fluffy, warm and wonderful.  Did I say it was wonderful?
Then while walking around outdoors I saw this.
The legal seal on the electric meter box was broken.
The service line, … (45 comments)

dangerous electrical: How Much Rust In An Electric Panel Box And Its Components Is Too Much? - 02/18/14 05:09 PM
I run into rusty or damaged electric panel boxes very often and have to ask how much rust in an electric panel box and its components is too much?

Sometimes the boxes are indoors.  Oftentimes boxes are in a shed connected to, but behind, the house.
This box is outdoors, in such a shed, is receiving too much moisture, and has been for some time.
It is obvious that the problem lies in the roof and siding of the shed.  But what to do about this box?
Water is regularly getting into the top of the box and making its … (33 comments)

dangerous electrical: That's Right, An AR Ambassador Owes Me Big - 08/30/13 09:50 PM
I didn't even get to set the radon device because, well, that's right, an AR Ambassador owes me big.
THE REALTOR knew I would call following my first inspection to meet her at this house to drop off a radon.  That way we would meet at the same time.  Calling THE REALTOR she didn't answer but I left a message.  I was at the house for a while when THE REALTOR called, saying she was just leaving her house.  Apparently she had just pried herself out of bed.  And she was in a terrific mood!
Sitting in front of the house … (65 comments)

dangerous electrical: With Electricity, Close Doesn't Count - 08/28/13 10:01 PM
Surely, when connections should always be strong and tight, with electricity, close doesn't count. 
I have always heard the cliche that close only counts playing horseshoes, throwing hand grenades, dancing and nuclear war. 
BUT NOT WITH ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS!
Notice the lone wire in the center of the photo.
That is a neutral connection.  It is not "hot" as far as some panel box connections go, but it is relevant.
Touching it I could make it move.  It was laying on the neutral bus, but not connected to anything.
It's hard to know what the neutral lines service when one looks … (20 comments)

dangerous electrical: Electrical Stress Manifests Itself As Heat - 08/26/13 08:50 PM
We all know that electrical stress manifests itself as heat.
With a thermal camera many times electrical or mechanical damage can be predicted by finding something to be unusually hot.  Thermal cameras are excellent predictors!
A fun definition of stress says that it is the confusion created when one's mind overrides their natural instinct to unceasingly wring the neck of some stupid jerk who utterly deserves it.
While that definition surely works for me (!), it doesn't exactly describe the electrical problem I am pointing out.
Looking into a panel box the other day I noticed that one breaker was different.
(43 comments)

dangerous electrical: Homeowner Electrical Wiring Gone Wild! - 08/23/13 09:08 PM
This show doesn't come on as infomercials late at night, but let's call it Homeowner Electrical Wiring Gone Wild!
It starts with a completely remodeled home - new kitchen, new bathrooms, bedrooms redone and beautiful.
There was a new roof and siding as well!
Completely remodeled.
The kids even had their own spot out back, a small deck comfortably tucked into the wooded area behind the house.
But wait!  How could the chillens listen to music and play video games without power in the deep, dark woods?
No problem!  Dad to the rescue!
Thinking carefully, what better way to extend power … (28 comments)

dangerous electrical: A House Full Of Kids Needs An Extra Fridge In The Basement - 04/25/13 07:49 PM
This family has lots of kids and an unfinished basement that is partially finished as an ice hockey rink!  And, as we all know, a house full of kids needs an extra fridge in the basement. 
And there it is.  Sitting there just beside the penalty area.
It's full of sodas and water and treats for the kids.
Ice hockey makes you thirsty!  And hungry!
See how it's plugged in on the side?  Right there to the left.
Can't see it too clearly?
There it is, in the left photo, a little more close up.
Just kind of hanging there.
(15 comments)

dangerous electrical: "What The Hell Is This!?" - 02/05/13 07:49 PM
While examining some very fun things in a newly-finished basement (perhaps even without a permit), from behind me I heard my client's wife scream, "What the hell is this!?"
I have to say, given some of the stuff we had been looking at, she got our attention!
I turned to see her standing in front of a doorway, pointing inside.
Well, it was the electric panel box.
It looked a bit like the spaghetti special offered at the local Italian restaurant.
The cover was missing.
There was interesting wiring.
Overall it was a very dangerous thing!
I told her not to … (114 comments)

dangerous electrical: Sometimes What You See Isn't What You're Gonna Get - 11/18/12 07:17 PM
Before we went to the basement the buyers excitedly told me that there was a nice bar.  Well, sometimes what you see isn't what you're gonna get.
When we got to the basement there it was, tucked into the corner.
I asked if there was plumbing.  They didn't know.
But, it was long, ended at the column, and had lighting.
It looked nice!
So I suggested we look at it first!
Peeking around back I saw the truth!
It was not a bar at all!  It was a shell!  And as such, not likely to convey.
The buyers did not want … (19 comments)

dangerous electrical: Alien Wiring - And My Interplanetary Encounter With Zorplon - 10/05/12 07:01 PM
Whenever I see wiring as mythical, interesting and colorful as a red and blue double tap, I am encouraged to search out what other wonders a panel box has in store!
I was not disappointed.  Knowing that this house had been remodeled (and it was, um, beautiful), I could tell it was not professional and this will always lead to further fun.
Excitedly tearing open the panel box, which, admittedly was a little like Christmas morning for a 10 year old, I couldn't wait to see what was in store!
But it stopped me short!
Looking carefully it took me a … (14 comments)

dangerous electrical: The Builder Says They Will Only Fix Code Violations. Really? - 09/25/12 09:14 PM
I am sometimes asked to sign something before a new construction inspection in which the builder says they will only fix code violations.  Really?
So let's look at a couple of things on a recent new construction final inspection.  This is the final "reveal," when the builder is "showing off" the final product.
Looking under and inside things is important.  I never know what I might find!
For instance, I looked into the kitchen cabinet under the six-burner gas cook top.
This is what I found.
What are you looking at?
That is a receptacle without a cover.
My grandmother finished … (22 comments)

dangerous electrical: Altering (Or Adding To) The Electrical Panel Box Is Serious Business - 09/19/12 07:11 PM
Whenever I see panel boxes where breakers have been added, or changed, I have to think that altering (or adding to) the electrical panel box is serious business.
This is a house with a basement "finished" without a permit.  I know this because of all the things found that are not to code (and I am not the code inspector) or professionally.   Always basements without permits are "finished" by people who THINK they know what they are doing. 
The cliche applies:  we don't know what we don't know.
I am especially bothered when breakers are installed but they are not serviced … (17 comments)

dangerous electrical: "Kitchen Fan Comes As Is." The New Normal. - 08/26/12 08:55 PM
Sometimes on listing information it will mention something like, "Kitchen fan comes as is."  That's a tip it doesn't work.  In this case they could have said, "Or isn't, as the case may be ... whatever."  This is The New Normal.
I was exceptionally amused when I saw the "kitchen fan."
And this apparently happened some time ago!
They were using the range with things in this condition!
Now, before you say there is no kitchen fan, and you might be right, there is a kitchen exhaust!
What, you say?
YES!  THAT FLAP LEADING TO THE OUTSIDE STILL OPENS!  SO YOU … (25 comments)

dangerous electrical: Electrical Cable Improperly Stripped And Connected - 05/31/12 07:13 PM
Electrical cables need to have particular connections to be safe - they need to be clamped, and the insulation must remain intact and completely surrounding the electrical wires it protects.  Often I see an electrical cable improperly stripped and connected.
This is most common under disposals, but behind the dryer, I think, it may be even more important.
Rubber insulation around electrical cables is very important.
Look at any electrical cord.  It is insulated!
Most electrical cables have three individual wires inside - the hot black, the neutral white and a green ground wire.
They are bound together and protected by … (64 comments)

dangerous electrical: The Three Amigos - 04/25/12 08:42 PM
THIS BLOG IS ABSOLUTELY TONGUE IN CHEEK AND TO BE JUST A HAIR SARCASTIC.  JUST SO'S YOU KNOW'S...
When installing attic fans, there are some things that are important.  Let's call these The Three Amigos.
1.  Thinking outside the box2.  Position3.  Consistency4.  Professionalism
In order to improve ventilation in attic spaces, many people choose the old and reliable attic fan.  They are thermostatically controlled and can be set to come on and turn off automatically.  The factory usually sets the thermostat to turn on the fan at about 110F.  It will turn itself off when the temperature reaches 100F.
This house … (18 comments)

 
Jay Markanich, Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC)

Jay Markanich

Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Bristow, VA

More about me…

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC

Address: Bristow VA 20136

Office: (703) 330-6388

Mobile: (703) 585-7560

An experienced home inspector's look at current home inspection events and conditions along with his useful recommendations.


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