MAXIMUM PLUS 1

In my world as I would hope in your world certain words or phrases are not generally open to interpretation. I have found there are times when some individuals may buck convention to insert their own logic into conventional wisdom, but most often all of us will see the same meaning in a word.

Take for instances the word maximum or max for short. The word is defined as;

1. Greatest possible amount: the largest or greatest amount, number, extent, or degree possible or allowed. The stadium seats a maximum of 60,000.

In other words there can be no more than whatever is stated.

Yet sometimes a person doesn't comprehend the word in quite the same way as the masses. Kind of like Nigel Tufnel from Spinal Tap with his amplifiers that "go to 11", the absurdity of the reasoning becomes comical.

Take for example a common house hold component, the air conditioning compressor. Every unit comes with a data plate which has certain and specific information. One of the little tidbits of important info on them is the maximum allowable circuit breaker size. To exceed the stated size is to create a potential risk of fire.

The stated maximum is put on there by the manufacture after designing and testing the equipment. Additionally by placing this parameter on the unit the manufacturer has accepted liability for their equipment.

But there are mavericks out there in the world who believe that info means nothing.

The pictured data plate states 25 Amps MAX. circuit breaker size. I found a 30 Amp breaker in the electric panel. The home inspection report stated to have a licensed electrician replace the over sized breaker.

Upon re-inspection the breaker had not been changed because the licensed electrician stated on his invoice it was fine. In his world as with Nigel Tufnels' Max means one more than 10.

James Quarello
SNEC-ASHI President
NRSB #8SS0022
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC

To find out more about our other high tech services click on the links below: