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Color Coordination Is More Important Than You Think!

We hear the latest and greatest on HGTV and similar programs about color coordinating your house with your accessories to bring out all the pizzazz a oomph to your home. But, you knew that this was coming, color coordination is also important in electrical wiring.

Having been a licensed electrician and electrical engineer, yes, licensed electricians, or supposedly so, are supposed to know what the wire color coding standards are for residential, commercial and industrial applications PEROD. HVAC contractors in the State of Tennessee must also be licensed electricians. What is common to all industries is the color green. Green is the universal color code for ground or earth ground and is not to be used for any other purpose than grounding appliances, equipment, or house hold items. The black neutral wire in the upper left background is supposed to be white. DUH!

While inspecting a rehab in Nashville, Tennessee’s East side, with a brand new HVAC unit, I opened a panel for the HVAC system and found that the wires powering the unit, although appropriately sized, were the wrong color for the application. It just goes to show the inept or lazy workforce that we have out there working on our homes. Maybe they thought that no body would know or catch them. Heh, Heh, Heh, I did.

Is there any debate on why your buyers need a good qualified home inspector?

Posted by Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector on 05/22/2008 08:22 PM

Comments (12)

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12 Comments on Color Coordination Is More Important Than You Think!

Green is such a purdy color. Can't they just leave it the way it is.... just to be different?

Sean Allen

05/22/2008 08:46 PM

by International Financing Solutions

I never doubt on not getting a home inspection. Even its a smallcondo its worth to get it check out by professional. We did an inspection couple month back on a new construction, they roof thrust I belief or a beam was cut down by the HVAC company that installed the heat pump and the builder's supervisor did not know about ..we found out at the inspection and it was a load bearing beam.

05/22/2008 09:04 PM

by Ritu Desai (Samson Realty)

WOW, they could have a least used a sharpie marker on the ends, LOL

05/22/2008 09:31 PM

by David Holden DRH Home Inspection Akron, Ohio Summit (DRH Home Inspection Akron, Ohio Summit County Home Inspector)

Whoever put it in thought no one would probably ever look at it as long as it was working properly. Little did they know you would be coming along.

05/23/2008 01:27 AM

by Fairbanks Ak Real Estate Broker Jesse Clifton (Jesse & Kathy Clifton, REALTORS 907-699-6024)

Little did the HVAC guy know that the Electrical Wiring Policeman would catch him!

05/23/2008 04:58 AM

by Susie Blackmon-Maggie Valley Waynesville NC Realtor/RE Blogger/Photographer (COLDWELL BANKER Kasey & Associates)

Is that called a double ground? lol

Guess they just ran out of wire and only had green left...

05/23/2008 08:19 AM

by Charles McDonald / Your Trusted Broker for Charlottesville Real Estate (RE/MAX Assured Property)

Duh is right since this is not my place of expertise. Keep your badge handy.

05/23/2008 07:22 PM

by Latonia Parks (Keller Williams Realty)

I can't say anything, I'm too busy laughing. Glad you caught up with them.....

05/23/2008 07:31 PM

by Atlanta's Home Inspector David Lelak - IHI Home Inspections (IHI Home Inspections)

Home inspectors rock! Though I once had a home inspector that decided to comment that a screw was lose, rather than just tightening it. It took longer to talk about it than to fix it!

05/23/2008 07:33 PM

by Barb Overman (Century 21 Bob Capes Realtors)

A qualified home inspector really is a must in this day and age.

However, your blog brings up another excellent point: a home inspector that uses technology is priceless.

I recommend three home inspectors that all use photos in their reports. There are a few local inspectors that use a checklist form only and no photos are included. While they may be competent they don't make my short list. I think the client needs to see the good, the bad and the ugly - all in COLOR.

05/27/2008 10:03 PM

by Debbie DiFonzo-United Country VIP Realty-Missouri

Just as a note: brown wires are the standard for grounds in many places of the world. I have seen some wiring here where brown was used, and it was usually done by an immigrant familiar with that standard, so I make a note of it on my report.

05/29/2008 05:59 AM

by Frank Schulte-Ladbeck (Frank Schulte-Ladbeck Professional Real Estate Inspections)

Color coordination for wiring is the most important in a home. I love the handy items you point out here on Active Rain. Thanks.

05/29/2008 07:49 AM

by Chris Ann Cleland, GRI (Long & Foster)

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