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I often do inspections on older houses that have been remodeled.  This one turned out to be a pretty good one.  There were a few things, there always are it seems.  But this one thing stood out.

This very new disposal was installed and they used the old cable to do so.  While that isn't necessarily a problem, two things needed to be done. 

First, the cable should have been trimmed a bit to utilize new, smooth copper and get rid of the frayed material. 

And, second, they should have used a connector clamp and secured the cable to the drain nearby.

Connector clamps are very important.  Every electrical connection should have some sort of clamp.

Guaranteed, one came in the kit when this disposal was purchased.  It would look much like this.  Maybe they didn't think it was important, or didn't know, or actually found it in the box when they were finished and wondered what it was!  Who knows?  It is very easy to install.

Not surprisingly, there is a purpose in putting one in.  They do two things - they secure the cable into the box so it cannot accidentally be pulled away, and they fill the hole so no sparks can escape.  An electrical spark is about 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit and can easily cause a fire.  The clamp is machined to perfectly pop into the hole into which the cable would go.  It tightens down real easily, and it makes everything very secure.

My recommendation:   When you see a remodel, one way to check to see how professionally it was done is to reach under the disposal and feel for a very secure clamp.  You won't get shocked if you touch it.  It is little stuff like this that makes a job top rate or otherwise.

Wisdom looks for the small and simple.  And a professional pays attention to it!

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC

Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia

www.jaymarinspect.com


 
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11 Comments on Are You Connected?

JUL
17
2009

Thanks for the tip and the photo. It truly is worth a thousand words.

9:00am • #1
613,658 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

You are very welcome, Jennifer.  So, reach under there and feel around!

9:03am • #2
177,611 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jay,
I see so many jobs where the contractor didn't bother to use electrical connectors. I don't understand what they think they're saving. All they accomplish is to make me look harder.

9:11am • #3
220,736 Points Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Thanks for the excellent explanation on this.  It is very often the case that the attention to details with the inexpensive parts can mean the difference between peace-of-mind and living with a hidden error that could be a ticking time-bomb!  John

9:11am • #4
613,658 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Suesan - and everywhere!  Hot water heaters, ovens, dryer outlets, disposals!  It goes on and on...

Alexander - the little things make all the difference.  But if a contractor is concerned with the small details, they will be concerned with the larger ones.

9:14am • #5
JUL
18
2009

My favorite saying is"the devil is in the details". This is one example

7:45am • #6
613,658 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Susan - devilish work, to be sure.  Actually not connecting that cable properly is dangerous.

7:47am • #7
JUL
19
2009
173,547 Points 50 Featured Posts

What about the wire itself?  I can't quite tell from the picture, but it looks like unprotected NM wire to me.

9:34pm • #8
JUL
20
2009
613,658 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Reuben - it is a 55 year old house with some 55 year old wiring.  This is the old wrapped wiring, with paper filler.  You can see one of the cables inside.  If it was to be trimmed off to new, unfrayed material I think it would be fine with a clamp.

5:19am • #9
431,062 Points 72 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Jay this is an awesome quote. Yours?

"Wisdom looks for the small and simple.  And a professional pays attention to it!"

7:10pm • #10
613,658 Points 164 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Si, mi amigo...

But you can use it if you want.  Fees not charged.

8:22pm • #11

This blog does not allow anonymous comments

 
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Jay Markanich - Northern VA Home Inspector

Bristow, VA

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Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC

Address: 12315 Sherborne Street, Bristow, VA, 20136

Office Phone: (703) 330-6388

Cell Phone: (703) 585-7560

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


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