Most people today are using the services of a licensed home inspector to assist them in making an informed decision on the purchase of a house. One of the areas of great importance is an exterior electrical inspection. All homes with overhead entry cables are inspected for its installation as well as its safety. There are many areas to cover and many good reasons to have your Uniondale, NY Electrical Inspection. Here are a few areas that are examined.
Whats Inspected
Overhead Cables ( Service Drop ): Home inspectors will examine the condition of the overhead wires or service drop. If they are frayed or damaged in any way, the utility company must be notified. Also the clearance must be 18 feet above ground from the roadway, and at least a 3 foot clearance from windows,
doors, porches, balconies, ladders,
stairs, fire escapes, or similar locations. If less than 3 feet someone including children can reach out and electrocute themselves. There are addition clearances that a home inspection will examine for safety such as swimming pools, roofs, walkways, driveways, and fences.
Conduit or Cables: The conduit or cable running down the outside of the house from the overhead service is inspected to ensure it is well secured to the house with clamps in place every 4 or 5 feet. A Drip Loop must be made from the Service Cables must be formed to prevent water from entering the service conduit and running into the electric meter. If the cables running to the meter are frayed and exposed, they can make contact with each other and cause a blowout or electrical fire.
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Electric Meter: As a home inspector, I check the condition of the electric meter to make sure it is operational and firmly secured to the exterior wall. Meters should also be locked and tagged so that no one can tap into the homes electric service.
If tags are missing and the meter is not locked, the utility company should be notified.
Tag and lock missing
Out Side Receptacles: All exterior receptacales should be Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and properly connected. These are safety devices that will shut down quickly if water should enter the receptacles and prevent an electric shock when in use. They should also be protected from wet conditions such as rain and snow. When your electrical system is in good condition, it will operate smoothly and provide years of safe service.
For more on the value of a home inspection, or the services of Closer Look Property Inspections Inc. Please visit: www.closerlookpi.com, or call 516-455-6742
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