Realtors. Los Angeles Home Inspector Describes The Differences In Common Home Outlets. What you should know.

Los Angeles Home Inspector Describes The Differences In The Common Outlet. 

A two prong duplex outlet. This receptacle is commonly used in older homes that were wired with a two wire system. This outlet does not have a ground wire. A big mistake that Do It Yourselfer's make is they replace this type of outlet with the more modern and common three prong outlet shown below.

The three prong duplex outlet is one of the most common recepticals one will find in a modern home. The outlet slots are polarized so the plug can only go in one way. It is important that when a three prong outlet is used that the ground terminal be effectively grounded. When a home is inspected for sale a great home inspector will check to insure the outlet is properly grounded.

The GFCI duplex outlet is used in such areas as kitchens, baths, garages and outdoor location. The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a fantastic reference for the proper location and operation of such devices. This safety device is a life safety device. It was designed to protect from electrical shock in wet locations. During a home inspection your home inspector will test the operation of the GFCI devices in the home. Not all inspectors test the device according to the NEC guidelines. Specialized equipment is needed to properly test this type of safety device. We have all seen Inspectors with a outlet testing devices that plugs into the outlet. They commonly have a push button on top. This tester will only" test trip " the the GFCI device. Some Inspectors use the test button on the device itself. This methods of testing is old school and non effective. David Salvato Expert Author and owner of David Home Inspection Services in Los Angeles County says "Trip times and fault currents must also be measured." You will find that most home inspectors don't own this highly technical equipment. At David Home Inspection we understand that life safety devices are a very important component in the home and should be thoroughly tested. We use GFCI as well as ARC fault test equipment on every home inspection. Realtors, Home Buyers and sellers know after we inspect a home the safety devices have also been properly inspected and tested.

David Home Inspection Services

626-629-8499

We Proudly Serve The Areas Of

West Covina, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside County California