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Don't look down - the hazard may be right above you

By
Home Inspector with Thornton Safety and Inspection, LLC

Thornton Safety and Inspection, LLC
www.thorntoninspection.com
Home Inspectors in Jackson, MS

 

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Sometimes the things that we walk by or under every day could be life threatening hazards.  During a recent home inspection in Jackson, MS, we found an overhead electrical service with several defects and safety hazards.  These overhead service wires have connection points where the overhead line connects to the service wires for the house.  Different types of connectors are used which may include a type of clamp where the two ends are inserted and a bolt on the clamp is tightened to secure the connection; this is a referred to as a split-bolt connector.  Another type of connector is pressed onto the two wire ends and is referred to as a crimp connector.  Electrical insulation and tape is applied over these connectors to protect the connection and any careless individuals who might come in contact with them. 

The overhead wires for this home were not only in contact with the roof, but the insulation around the connections was damaged exposing the energized metal.  To make matters worse, these exposed connections were within reach of a rear deck area.  Home owners should make a habit of doing safety inspections in and around their property - not forgetting to look up.

Here are some pictures of the exposed connections and overhead wires in contact with the roof:

exposed connectors

The lower arrow shows an exposed crimp connector and the upper arrow shows and exposed split-bolt connector.

Here is a close-up of the exposed connection:

Close-up of exposed connector

Here is a picture showing overhead lines in contact with the roof:

Overhead wires in contact with roof

 

 

 

 

 

Comments (2)

Team Honeycutt
Allen Tate - Concord, NC

It is great that we have inspectors to find problem areas in our homes. It scares me to think of things like the wiring you described in your blog. It is a miracle that we don't have more fires tn we do.

Betty

Apr 29, 2013 07:03 AM
Trisha Bush-LeFore
Preferred Properties Land & Homes - Walla Walla, WA
Providing Realtor Services in the Walla Walla Area

You're right, we should look up to spot hazards.

Apr 29, 2013 07:07 AM