Safety First

Question 1

What is the primary responsibility of a home inspector when inspecting electrical systems?

Answer 1

The safety of the inspector, the inspector’s clients, and the building occupants.

Question 2

Electricity Kills
What should inspectors remember about electrical system evaluations?

Answer 2

Electrical systems and distribution panels can be fatal. Always prioritize safety and use personal protective equipment.

Question 3

Built to Code
What is an example of a system that was “built to code” but is now considered unsafe?

Answer 3

An absence of GFCI protection in the kitchen.

Question 4

Primary Safety
What should a home inspector avoid if they feel it is unsafe?

Answer 4

Removing dead fronts from electrical cabinets or panelboards to expose live electrical components.

Question 5

Standards of Practice
What electrical components are inspectors required to inspect according to the Standards of Practice?

Answer 5

Service-entrance conductors
Main service disconnect
Panelboards
Overcurrent protective devices (circuit breakers and fuses)
Service grounding and bonding
Inspectors are not required to remove panelboard cabinet covers or dead fronts.

Question 6

Removing the Dead Front
Why does InterNACHI not recommend removing the dead front from a panelboard?

Answer 6

Removing the dead front is hazardous and could expose live electrical components.

Question 7

Deferring Inspection
What should an inspector do if they have any safety concerns about live electrical components?

Answer 7

Defer the inspection to a licensed electrical contractor.

Question 8

Panelboard Components
What are the three key parts of a panelboard that inspectors should be cautious with?

Answer 8

Panelboard enclosure
Dead front cover
Panelboard door