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Be Careful, He Might Bite

Have you ever have gone into a house and the owners have a dog? You walk in and the dog comes charging up to you tail wagging. Just as you're reaching out your hand the owner warns you off with, "careful sometimes he bites". WHOA!

Now you're thinking, can't you put that beast in a cage or something? Kind of irresponsible to let a dog loose on an unsuspecting person when you know it might bite.

Sometimes I find that same kind of irresponsibility in homes with another kind of "animal", electricity.

Everyone knows electricity is dangerous and can "bite" if you touch a live wire. Depending on the circumstances it can be a little nip to a fatal chomp. This is exactly why wiring is supposed to be shielded from our probing little fingers.

On a recent inspection I found not one, but two unprotected and exposed wires. But how is one to know if they bite? Well since I'm a home inspector (it says so on my license) I have tools and can test the wires safely. Now I doubt that Mr. & Mrs. Homeowner are going to have tools. The only way they could "test" a wire is by accidentally touching it and getting bit, OUCH!

In the first photo that wire was found right next to the main water pipe and meter in the mechanical - laundry room. Water filled copper pipes and unprotected electricity equal bad karma.

The second wire was right in the living room and was found to have been abandoned. It was for another electric baseboard heater.

These wire need to be properly and safely contained. The hot wire in the laundry room should be contained in a box or if it is not used disconnected and removed. The second wire should be simply removed.

You can never tell if a wire is going to bite because the owner usually left it for you to discover. GRRRR....

James Quarello
NRSB #8SS0022
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC

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Posted by James Quarello - ASHI Certified CT Home Inspector on 07/12/2009 09:18 AM

Comments (16)

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16 Comments on Be Careful, He Might Bite

JUL

Be careful! Is your insurance paid up? Ha ha

What's worse, Death by electrocution or dog mauling? Either way you're still dead. Thanks for reminding us that danger looms in unexpected places.

Thanks for reminding us how crucial home inspections are! We really need to guide our clients in the right direction if they are considering taking a pass on inspecting an as-is or any other home purchase!

I think pet owners should have to pass a test or take a class before being allowed to have a pet.

In other words, I think the owners need to be licensed to be a pet owner!!

Unfortunately, stupidity doesn't come with a license. Home inspections are incredibly important and crucial for new home owners - having one could just save your home and your life!!

I just wish electricity simply didn't work when it was done wrong:)

Mr James,

I am back after a long weekend and will assure you that I never miss instances where there are electrical concerns.

Nutsy S Wallenda

James, Nutsy has been interested in electricity since his in depth involvment with the "electric cool-aid acid test."

Bridget, Yup, it is.

Tom, Talk about a tough choice.

Judi, New or old, as is or not , a home inspection is always a good idea because it can save you from getting bit:)

Ralph, An interesting idea.

June, At the very least it can save you some money.

Charlie, that would solve a lot of problems.

Nutsy, I can assure you weren't missed.

Charlie, One flew East, one flew West and Nusty resides in cuckoo nests.

Mr James,

Thank you for the reassurances that you, more highly than any other, listen to my advice. It is reassuring. By the way, did you see that Mr Charles snapped and is now posting naked photos of himself on the Internet.

Nutsy