Knob and Tube creates a mixed reaction when you discuss electrical systems in homes (dwelling units). Knob and Tube was the main standard of wiring of homes in the 20’s and 30’s. These wiring systems typically Read more…
Here is a photo of an electrical service conductor support that has been leaking for many years. The plywood sheathing of the roof is starting to delaminate and lose it’s strength from repeated wetting of the sheathing. You can see where someone has inserted two pieces of plywood Read more…
By David Harsche, CMECP™ Federal Pacific Electric Circuit Breaker Demystified! FPE used dissimilar metals which creates corrosion, impedance, and excessive heat that lead to failure. (1) Improper routing of the conductor could prevent the wire to contract under a fault which can cause the breaker not to Open. In other Read more…
Here are some great tips on natural lawn care from Seattle. This is aimed at Western Washington but many many of the principles apply to other areas as well. Here are the 6 steps- Mow higher (1-2 inches), mow regularly, and leave the clippings Use “natural organic” or “slow release” Read more…
Though structural fires are not on everyone’s mind it is a something we should be thinking about when such an unfortunate event occurs. Sometimes jut having a simple plan can save a life. Here is four basic steps you should take. Everyone should have plan Mark two ways out of Read more…
It amazes me how often I see improper and unsafe electrical instillation. Here is an example of an electrical panel that has been installed that is a disaster waiting to happen. Let alone all the improper wiring this is a sub-panel. Then we have metal materials around this panel that Read more…
Here is a nice post from By Glenn Mathewson on Electrical Outlets https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2019/01/10/electrical-outlets-by-the-numbers?fbclid=IwAR112-Kj93DAfDUK4bi5bhSiqzNC1lILvqeIYegL6u5pQqpNOs1eJptCaTM
Often we see many items during a Home inspection. Here is a great example in one photo. We have several issues all grouped together. First we have a plumbing leak. Small leaks can be a harbinger for for other condition such as wood rot, insects and rodents. Next, we have Read more…
Once a common practice for telephone companies was to install an auxiliary ground rod for their equipment. This has shown to be a bad practice and should be removed and the phone and/or communication systems should now be grounded/bonded to the homes main grounding electrode system or an intersytem bonding Read more…
Bats are beneficial animals but we do not want them roosting in or on our homes. White-nose syndrome (WNS) is the fungal disease that is having a devastating affect on bats in North America. The name come from the white staining on the noses from the fungal growth. It affect Read more…