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GFI Devices

By
Home Inspector with Complete Home Inspections, Inc. TN Lic#050

GFI Devices...
     It is not uncommon for home inspectors to put in their reports issues found with non-GFI protected outlets. Today, GFI protection is required in all wet locations such as around kitchen sinks, wash basins and other wet locations. But this was not always the case. Codes officials were, and still are, free to pick and choose what they will enforce and what they turn a blind eye to. Bear in mind, that in some areas, there are no codes inspections, so many safety issues go by and went by unchecked.
     In the attached video, I explain why this is important for home owners and the reason it is put in the report. The repair for this is straight forward but may vary depending upon districts.


Posted by

Complete Home Inspections, Brentwood TN 615.661.0297
 

Comments (21)

Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Michael, short and to the point. Are you available to coach some political cndidates? Enjoy your day!

Jul 25, 2012 07:58 PM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Hi Michael.  I recently had a home built in 1954 inspected.  There is new 100 amp cb panel but all the plugs only have two wires with no ground.  How do you do GFI's in this scenario?

Jul 25, 2012 08:14 PM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Michael, Figuring out the GFI circuit in our house was interesting when we first bought the home 20+ years ago.  Turns out the reset switch is on the front porch outlet. (it's a covered front porch, but still seemed an odd place for it).

Jul 25, 2012 08:27 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Michael...

We have 5 or 6 GFCI circuits and it's always a challenge to find the right one to reset. But it's nice to know that we are protected.

Jul 25, 2012 08:31 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

When you say "pick and choose" you are not off base!  I see them where they should not be (like a microwave receptacle up inside a kitchen cabinet) and not where they should be (like over a laundry room wash basin).  So it is up to "them" I guess!

Jul 25, 2012 08:34 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign
Michael..it's hard to believe that they can pick or choose what to ignore. Guess you have to hope you had one who just wanted to do it right.
Jul 25, 2012 08:56 PM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Great informational video Michael & short & sweet...good electrical series to learn from.

Jul 25, 2012 08:57 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Very timely post..........just had city inspections on the two rental properties I help a friend with and had to install two GFI's on two outlets, both in the basements near laundry tubs.

Jul 25, 2012 09:07 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Michael,

A great post on a subject we hear about all the time. I liked the video..good electrical series..thanks for the information!

Jul 25, 2012 09:40 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Morning Michael valuable information as always and you added photos but coming from you I would not expect anything less.  Have a great day

Jul 25, 2012 10:03 PM
Larry Brewer - Benchmark Realty llc
Benchmark Realty LLc - Nashville, TN

It's amazing to me that some people have no clue that this is the case, but we do have a reason for this, and it's all about safety.

Jul 25, 2012 10:05 PM
Laura S. Baker
First Weber Inc - Lake Mills, WI
Realtor (920) 728-4118, First Weber Inc

A wiggi ha?  I had no idea that you had to test these monthly, nor how to do so.  Thanks as usual Michael, for helping all of us become more knowledgeable and therefor better at what we do and how we live.

Jul 25, 2012 10:11 PM
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Good morning Michael... I had to laugh at Wayne's comment.  I'm glad to have GFCI circuits... good to be safe and not sorry.

Jul 25, 2012 11:07 PM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Glad to see you back in the regular blog roll, and this topic is another great one....have a great week!

Jul 25, 2012 11:48 PM
Charles Buell
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector

Micheael, we have it pretty easy in WA State regarding GFCI's.  We are simply required to recommend updating them at all loctions "currently required."  Then it just amounts to making a list :)

Jul 26, 2012 01:11 AM
Donald Hester
NCW Home Inspections, LLC - Wenatchee, WA
NCW Home Inspections, LLC

Micheal, My fav on GFCI is when they have one downstream of another. Talk about fun trying to get them reset.

Jul 26, 2012 01:11 AM
Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty LLC - Big Rapids, MI
Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI

Good morning Michael. When in doubt use a GFI outlet. Seems to be a common missing element in most home inspections and you know the appraiser is going to take issue.

Jul 26, 2012 01:23 AM
Suzanne Strickler
Realty Mark Associates - Havertown, PA
School is never out for the Successful.

Michael - A friend owns a rental property that had no outlets in the bathroom. When the Township Inspector came he insisted there be a GFI outlet installed! So one was installed as requested in order to rent the place. On the Township Inspector's return inspection, he never went into the bathroom to check. No rhyme or reason for the GFI installation. It is not mandatory code in the township to HAVE an outlet in the bathroom. It's mandatory to jump through their hoops to get the rental license.

Jul 26, 2012 01:32 AM
Clint Mckie
Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections - Carlsbad, NM
Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586

Hi Michael,

Very nice video and info. I wonder how you got so small to fit inside the video......HMMMM.

Have a great evening in Nashville.

Best, Clint Mckie

Jul 26, 2012 01:04 PM
Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

Excellent advice Michael and your video was well done and easy to follow. We have had GFI's come up on two home inspections recently. It's for the safety of all.

Jul 27, 2012 12:52 AM