Module 6 Section 2 Part 1&2 Flashcards
What is connecting the home’s electrical system to the earth in a manner that will limit the voltage caused by lightning, line surges, or unintentional contact with higher-voltage lines known as?
a. protectors
b. GFCI
c. grounding
grounding
Proper grounding does what during normal operation?
a. stabilizes electricity in the air
b. stabilize voltage to the earth
c. stabilizes your electric bill
stabilize voltage to the earth
Why are voltage spikes detrimental?
Because they can damage electrical equipment & components in the home
Grounding is accomplished by _________________________.
connecting the electrical service of a home to a grounding electrodes system. 2 of the most common types are concrete electrodes & ground rod electrodes
A normally non-current-carrying conductor to connect devices together to keep them at the same voltage is known as?
a. power
b. bonding
c. connecting
bonding
What is the condition of proper bonding?
When devices & equipment is properly bonded, they cannot be at different voltages
The purpose of bonding is __________________________.
Provides a path for current to flow in order to trip a breaker if there is faulty or damaged equipment connected to the outlet
How does bonding protect people?
protects people from electrocution
What does the Grounded Non-Current Carrying Conductor do?
Provides a low-resistance path for fault current to flow back to the panel & cause an overcurrent device (breaker) to trip, thus clearing the high voltage & potential electrocution hazard.
GFCI stands for:
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter
Must inspectors report deficiencies in GFCI devices? Yes/No
Yes
Must inspectors report normal operation of GFCI devices? Yes/No
No, only failure of operation
What are some common deficiencies in GFCI breakers and/or receptacles?
failure to trip, reset, or lose power when tripped
If the GFCI receptacle fails to lose power when tripped, what might that indicate?
a. receptacle has failed
b. receptacle might be miswired
c. receptacle has incorrect wires
receptacle might be miswired
What is the proper way to test GFCIs?
a. using built-in test button function
b. using an external GFCI tester such as a three-light tester
using built-in test button function
What should an inspector do if they locate a daisy-chain GFCI receptacle?
verify each “protected” receptacle is actually protected by plugging a GFCI test device into each of the protected receptacles, push test button, & ensuring that the GFCI-protected receptacle actually trips
Can GFCI test devices be used to test a GFCI receptacle with an open ground?
No
Where are GFCI-protected receptacles required?
wet locations for example:
bathrooms
garages
outdoors
What does AFCI stand for?
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter
The inspector is required to test AFCI devices when home is:
a. unoccupied
b. occupied
unoccupied
Is the absence of dielectric unions considered a deficiency? Yes/No
Yes
Is the orientation of hot and cold faucets reportable? Yes/No
Yes
Is an inspector required to operate any main, branch, or shutoff valves? Yes/No
No
Is an inspector required to determine water quality or potability?
Yes/No
No
For a gas water heater, what is considered as deficient?
improper flame color or excessive scale build up
Within what distance to an appliance is a gas shutoff valve required?
a. 6 ft
b. 8ft
c. 10 ft
6 ft
What is the allowed maximum length of a gas appliance connector for it to not be considered to be deficient?
a. 4 ft
b. 5 ft
c. 6 ft
6 ft
Are inspectors required to light or ignite pilot flames? Yes/No
No
Is the lack of visible sediment traps considered a deficiency? Yes/No
Yes
What are 3 key components to look for and note as deficient if not found in regard to a sprinkler system?
-rain sensor
-backflow device
-shutoff valve
Are defects in the physical structure such as cracks in the pool structure, damaged tiles, coping, and decking, listed in the SOPs as being reportable? Yes/No
Yes
Should an inspector report on the type of pool construction? Yes/No
Yes
Inspections for out buildings are performed according to what?
Same as it is to a house
What 2 things should an inspector do when inspecting a private water well?
-The well system is capable of delivering sufficient water to home
-The water delivered to the home is safe to use and consume
Can septic systems inspections be conducted by home inspectors?
a. Yes, with additional training
b. No
Yes, with additional training
Is the presence of a single blockage main drain considered to be deficient in regard to pool & spa inspections? Yes/No
Yes
Should GFCI protection devices be present in regard to pool and spa operations? Yes/No
Yes
Is it reportable as deficient if there is an absence or failure in performance of ground-fault circuit interrupter protection devices in grade-level portions of unfinished accessory buildings used for storage or work areas, boathouses & boat hoists? Yes/No
Yes
In testing private water wells, how many fixtures are to be operated simultaneously?
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
2
For a septic system test, is the inspector required to uncover the system or its components?
Yes/No
No
Dishwashers are considered deficient when what conditions are found upon inspection?
inoperative
performance/mounting
rusted
water leaks
absence of visible backflow prevention
What is a deficiency that exhaust systems & range hoods may both have when related to ductwork?
ducts that do not terminate outside the building
What is the minimum distance that must exist between combustible materials & the top of cooktop burners?
a. 28 in
b. 30 in
c. 32 in
30 in
Should thermostat accuracy be reported as deficient if the difference is over 25 degrees of 350?
Yes/No
Yes
Are free standing microwave ovens to be inspected?
Yes/No
No
When is a gas bathroom heater considered deficient?
when it is not vented to the exterior of the building
Are photosensors 7” above the garage floor considered deficient?
Yes/No
Yes
Are screened terminations on a dryer exhaust system considered a deficiency?
Yes/No
Yes
Is the inspector required to test microwave ovens for radiation leaks?
Yes/No
No
Is the condition of the washer/dryer or the refrigerator to be determined?
Yes/No
No
What are the typical locations for plumbing leaks?
tub/shower
drain connections at tubs/showers
walls immediately adjacent to showers
commodes
What should an inspector do if water pressure exceeds 80 PSI?
write up deficient
When a surge of high water pressure forces the water to stop or change direction abruptly, what may happen?
water hammer
When water pressure reducing valve or devices are in use, what may also be installed?
expansion device/tank
Where is a common location for a mixing valve?
bathrooms
Is it required that the inspector identifies the location of the gas meter & the gas distribution piping material.
Yes/No
Yes
Does testing for gas leaks require the use of an electronics gas detection device or leak detection bubbles?
No
Why is it necessary to test the water heater temperature pressure relief valve?
check the safety of device/functional
What does TPRV stand for?
Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
What plumbing components are mandatory for the inspector to be reported?
location of water meter
main water supply shutoff valve
static water pressure
distribution material
Must the inspector notate if the AFCI device was not tested?
Must report why it was not tested
Where are AFCI-protected devices required?
Kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, closets, hallways & laundry rooms
Where are smoke alarms required per Texas SOP?
each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in immediate vicinity, in living space of each story of the home
Are inspectors required to test the function of each smoke alarm & carbon monoxide alarm?
Yes, manually
When are inspectors not required to test an alarm?
if monitored by an alarm company
If the inspector does not test an alarm, what must the inspector do?
note it was not tested
Why does the A/C condenser unit use different rules?
Any device containing a motor will have a higher current when it is initially starting up than when it is running at steady state.
What terms should an inspector be familiar with when it comes to the air conditioner condenser unit?
MCA ( Minimum Circuit Ampacity, Minimum Fuse/Breaker, & Maximum Fuse/Breaker
When should a drop, or mast be reported as deficient
when it is not securely fastened to the building
When are electrical cabinets & panel boards not appropriate for their location?
clothes closet, bathrooms or where they are exposed to physical damage
What is the minimum clearance required in front of electrical cabinets and panel boards?
a. 30 in
b. 33 in
c. 36 in
36 in
Must the inspector report the type of branch circuit conductors?
Yes/No
Yes
What is the distance to a sink, shower, or bathtub in which a GFCI-protection is required?
a. 3 ft
b. 6 ft
c. 10 ft
6 ft
Are missing switch or junction box covers considered a deficiency?
Yes/No
Yes
What is a high loop?
prevents dirty water from sink getting into dishwasher
What are the 2 most commonly used types of backflow prevention?
air gaps & high loop
What is an air gap?
device that is mounted on sink & is also used as a back flow to dishwasher
What are the 3 main safety features that should be inspected on a garage door operator?
- infrared sensor
- auto-reversing mechanism
- safety release to allow door to be released quickly
What items should be inspected on the garage door itself?
-door panels & stabilizers
-hinges, rollers & rails
-springs & cables
-locking mechanism
What is considered deficient when inspecting bathroom ventilation?
-if it does not exhaust to the exterior
-deficiencies in performance and mounting
