Another week to catch a glimpse of what some well meaning people do to put themselves in jeapordy. Electrical safety is foremost in our inspection process because most folks just do not understand the dangers inherent with improper repair and installation. So often we will find products used that are not rated for for what they are being used to power. Case in point: You have all seen them, the small white of brown thin extension cords. They are supposed to be for "TEMPORARY" use and we find them run under carpets in doorways in high traffice areas. We find them used to extend power to the other side of a room. We even see these 15 Amp cords used to power window A/C units which draw upwards of thirty amps. What they have created is a slim line toaster just waiting to catch something on fire. Another condition we find so often are open junction boxes where wires have been spliced together and the cover left off the box. A situation like this can contribute to a fire because of the molten copper that is thrown when an energized splice breaks contact. The cover prevents the spark and hot copper from leaving the junction box. A running or open splice occurs when wires are spliced together without the use of a junction box. This condition is not at all safe and should not be performed because of the likely hood of failure.
Short and sweet, if you are not absolutely certain that what you are doing is proper, consuklt someone who does. The old addage "Learn not to burn" can certainly be applied here.
Blessings on you all
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