Sub-Panels Can Be Confusing: Don’t Let Them Be!

Use This Flow Chart To Get Them Right! The way most home inspectors are trained to understand the difference between sub-panel wiring and main panel wiring is that once you have a sub-panel, the equipment grounds (green covered or bare wires) should be separated from the neutral conductors (the white ones) and the neutrals should …

AFCI Protection and Alterations to Your Residential Electric System

I have heard it said that the development of our modern electrical system is the single greatest engineering achievement of mankind. While that is a bold statement, I find it difficult to conceive of technology that has more drastically changed our lives; stop for a minute and visualize life without electricity. Not only has our electrical …

Understanding Open Grounds and Options for Repair

What is the equipment ground? The equipment ground in residential wiring is often thought of as the “third prong” in an electrical receptacle and the third, bare conductor in an electrical circuit. Residential wiring systems will function properly without an equipment ground but these conductors make our electrical systems safer by providing a low resistance …

Generator Transfer Switch Found During a Home Inspection

Generators and Transfer Switch interfaces are not operated during a standard inspection. Generators are installed to provide backup electrical power. These systems can be great in emergencies, but they can have safety issues with how they are connected to residential wiring systems and warrant evaluation by licensed electrical contractors prior to use. I attempt, through …

5 Common Electrical Safety Repairs

Easy Electrical Repairs and Improvements to Keep Your Home Safe If you live in a building built prior to the 1880’s, you need to get your head around the fact that your house pre-dates residential electric service. Imagine life without electricity in your house? Hard to fathom these days. In the last 140 years, we have …