Electricity, most people have the good sense to leave it alone. Most, not all. Tradesmen and contractors are by far the worst offenders in my experience for playing around with electricity and screwing it up. There is of course that pesky Uncle Bob, who makes appearances all over the country. There is always an Uncle Bob in every family. He’s the guy who has just enough knowledge to be dangerous and is always more than willing to help with any home project at your house.Unidentified electric sub panel, what's this for?

Like I said it’s the professionals who I find muck things up more often than an unhandy homeowner. One problem I see over and over again is incorrect and dangerous wiring done by HVAC installers. HVAC contractors are also some of the most skilled people I have met. They are a bit of a jack of trades, but that is sometimes where the problem lies.

Sometimes, when I find an A/C system installed after a home is built, the wiring is wrong. Take for instances the other day, when I was inspecting the electric panel in a 20 year old house. I found a small sub panel stuck below the main panel. This for me is a red flag. Any time I happen across a sub panel, my radar goes up, so often they are wired wrong. This panel was first off not marked labeling the circuits. The panel itself had no identifying information. And it was wired incorrectly.

This sub panel for the A/C system has been wired incorrectlyI was able to determine after a time the little panel was for the entire A/C system, the condenser outside and the air handler in the attic. After seeing the less than stellar install job for the system, the wrong wiring was not all that surprising.

I constantly tell my clients, when installing a new or upgrading an A/C system insist on a licensed electrician putting in the wiring. The sub panel and wiring in this home by all rights should have been permitted and inspected by the town building official. It clearly was not.

If you have doubts about your A/C system wiring call a local friendly home inspector to have a look. You may just end up more comfortable with your air conditioning.

 

James Quarello
Connecticut Home Inspector
2010 - 2011 SNEC-ASHI President
NRSB #8SS0022
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC

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30 Comments on The HVAC Man, the Shocking Truth

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

SEP
17
2011
1 Featured Post

Great Post James!  Unfortunately this is a common occurrence here in the desert as well. Along with the improper wiring the other thing I find is when an A/C unit is replaced the installer fails to check the circuit breaker size and in most cases the newer unit requires a smaller amperage breaker.  So if there was a problem with the new unit the breaker might not trip in time.  Never a dull moment!
10:56am • #11
479,483 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi James,

Even the so called "licensed electricians" don't do the job properly.

They still like cutting corners when it comes to the jobs they don't get a permit for.

I hear, "it was such a small job I did'nt get a permit for it" .

Now you know why it needs to be inspected. Good post.

Best, Clint McKie
11:00am • #12
917,068 Points 178 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jim, here the HVAC guys have "specialty" electrical licenses---so they have even less excuse :)
11:15am • #13
129,114 Points 1 Featured Post Hit Router

Thanks for the warning James.  That's a scary thought!
11:18am • #14
Outside Blog

I am really tired of not being able to find an inspector that is able to teach, inform, suggest and let the buyers think for themselves, not offer to give estimates, not smell bad, not scratch his butt, not act like he is afraid of snakes under the house or to go up on the roof, not remember to take photos, not talk about the deal they are getting or not on the house and not show up 20 minutes late.  My latest complaint is trying to sell other services like radon, mold, etc.  I really hate that.  If there is a home inspector in the Charlotte area listening, please speak up.  maybe I should have written a blog, huh?
11:26am • #15
158,524 Points

I am not asking if you "want" a Home Inspection.  I am telling you that you "NEED" a home inspection...  Period.  Call me crazy, but I have my clients get a home inspection even on NEW homes.  Not that builders sometimes miss a few things, but sometimes builders miss a few things...  If you know what I mean.  I am thinking of a local builder here right now, but I won't mention their name...  today anyway.  :-)
11:27am • #16
133,635 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hello James. I agree, the majority of electrical sub-panels are wired incorrectly, many times by licensed electricians!
1:12pm • #17
265,357 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

We all want to save money. Saving money by have electrical work done by the wrong person, without needed permits, will often cost more in the long run.
2:03pm • #18
155,778 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I had a strong background in construction long before I took my home inspection training. As a result much of the technical information was not new to me. So when I encountered something new I really paid attention.

One of those was 'the fused neutral', a common installation error made by equipment installers powering their new furnace, AC or other HVAC machinery.

No electrician makes this mistake, but many other (after market) installers do.
2:27pm • #19
177,169 Points 7 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I suppose everyone is just trying to save a buck and hires uncle Bob to do his thing just thinking he knows what he is doing. Its a shame that homes burn down from improper wiring because of this money savings!
6:35pm • #20
448,411 Points 27 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

James - I live with one of those "Uncle Bob's" but lucky for me he is a licensed elctrician.  While he no longer works in the trade he was very conscientious of the work he did and made sure everything was done properly and to code.  Electricity is too dangerous to leave to a non-professional. 
10:33pm • #21
120,636 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Hit the nail on the head most HVAC guys are "jacks of all trades" as a result the wiring issues after the fact. My husband happens to be a HVAC contractor but when it comes to major upgrades he has a licensed electrician on his team.
11:16pm • #22
SEP
18
2011
975,840 Points 351 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

But the system worked! 

And remember the nationwide sage, Uncle Bob, who says:

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it.  But call me anyway. 
         And if it is broke, I'll fix it better.  Call me."
5:57am • #23
217,062 Points 2 Featured Posts

So true!  My clients are buying a brand new home.  The HVAC unit is leaking.  The installers didn't insulate the condensation lines.  They are so tiny.  We are looking for an HVAC servicer with baby hands.  It's really hard to fix once the HVAC unit is in.
3:00pm • #24
567,910 Points 140 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Bill, You are a wise man. I bet the electricians also appreciate the wor.

Gary, Yep. It make work, but that doesn't mean its safe.

Michael, They must've been sleeping in class.

Lenn, Now that sounds like fun :)

Pat, Do they? Now I'll have to look :)

Michael, No not a good move, but I think ita's done quite a bit.

Tammy, No labels, in my opinion, is no good.

Lisa, No it's not, but not everyone got the message :)

Yvette, Thanks.

Richie, Thanks. Wow, that has got to make one a little angry. The sad thing is it often comes down to money and education. A good HVAC guy educates the customer on how to do it right, so they understand they have to spend a little extra. The schmuck cuts corners, and pockets the extra money.

Toby, That is another common issue I find here as well. Seems no one bothers to check if the breaker matches to the data plate.

Clint, Yep, see that all the time here too.

Charlie, That's so special :)

Karen, Get 'em inspected and there's nothing to fear :)

Heather, I sense some frustration. I wish I could help you.

Ken, New homes need home inspections? Who would have thought :)
7:51pm • #25
567,910 Points 140 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Steve, Don't we know it!

John, It's going to cost someone now.

Robert, This was ungrounded.

Rosalie, Yep, no savings in having to rebuild the house.

Donna, That's for sure.

Markita, All the good ones usually do.

Jay, Uncle Bob is everyones idol. Well not mine...or yours or....

Kim & Kristine, Funny, "an HVAC servicer with baby hands" Love it.
8:03pm • #26
SEP
19
2011
Called Shot Master

Baby hands - let's put the kids to work.  Uhh - is there an age requirement for licensing electricians?

Numerous times I have seen corners cut on the electrical installations of new home projects - even in your standard switch and outlet boxes.  Maybe the installers don't have to follow the letter of the code because the inspector doesn't look closely at the work of the old regulars.  Or maybe he lets the little things slide because everybody does it - like going a little over the speed limit.  I'm not sure.  I know on my own home, I'm a stickler for sticking to the code.
1:07am • #27
567,910 Points 140 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Peter, You can't go wrong if you follow the rules.
9:19am • #28
293,173 Points 66 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jim,

I guess I can not see from the pic but is there only two wires coming from the main panel?
11:11am • #29
SEP
21
2011
567,910 Points 140 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Don, Not exactly. Two feeds, which you see, the green wire is actually the neutral. The ground would be the metal conduit from the main. I think that happens to be a lucky accident.
8:08am • #30

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