Home Inspections And Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI).
Among one of the most crucial facets for being a home inspector is identifying safety risks. Unsafe electrical practices are among the most frequent safety hazards home inspectors will uncover. As home inspectors, we BY NO MEANS cite code, yet knowing current building codes/practices will certainly make you a considerably more effective home inspector.
One area of the electrical inspection particularly is Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). Depending on which state you live in or which inspection association's standards of practice you are complying with, the majority of them address GFCI. For example the NAHI SOP states "the inspector has to confirm the function of GFCI if present". It additionally says the inspection is not required to include information from any source concerning previous or current violations of codes.
1st, specifically how does a GFCI work? The GFCI has a sensor inside that detects changes in current to the appliance that is connected to it (for example, a toaster or blow dryer) by comparing the current flow TO the appliance and the current flow FROM the appliance. Whenever there is a potentially hazardous drop off in the current, then the GFCI switches off all power by tripping a relay within it in less than 1 second. If a GFCI shuts off your appliance, then you will need to press the reset button. A GFCI has two buttons: a test button and a reset button. If a GFCI turns off your appliance, then you will have to press the reset button. During a home inspection you should be testing each GFCI for effective function using a GFCI 3-- prong tester. Whenever installed properly, a GFCI is able to save the ' life.
Home inspectors should always remember that they are not there to cite code violations, but rather, are there in order to make recommendations to the customer if ever extra safety can be added or perhaps upgraded. For example if inspecting a bathroom in a house that was built in 1987, or for that fact 2007, and the receptacle is examined and is correctly grounded yet does not have GFCI protection, it should NOT be written up as a safety hazard, although the code for GFCI protection in a bathroom went into effect in 1975. Rather, this should be expressed verbally and ought to be written in the report as, "for additional safety, recommend GFCI protected receptacles in the bathroom." It is okay to suggest GFCI protected receptacles within locations that normally require them but do not presently possess them.
Per the 2011 NEC, GFCIs are required in the following spots of the home, excluding pools, spas & boathouses.
Required to be in readily accessible locations. All bathroom receptacles. All garage and accessory building receptacles. All receptacles in unfinished basements, excluding permanently installed fire alarm or burglar alarm systems. All exterior receptacles, excluding GFPE circuits dedicated to non-readily accessible receptacles for snow-melting or deicing equipment. All receptacles in crawl spaces or below grade level. All receptacles serving kitchen counters. Receptacles within 6 ft. of all non-kitchen sinks. Whirlpool tubs.
About the Author
Jim Ruppert is a certified home inspector based in Louisville, Kentucky. His inspection company, Safe Harbor Inspections Inc., has earned him a reputation for being unbiased, methodical, and conscientious. He is absolutely qualified to complete traditional property inspections for home buyers, sellers, and homeowners. To schedule a property inspection with their organization, just click on this web link long island home inspection to check out our site or give us a calll at 631-259-6607! For more content on property inspections, also look at dallas home inspector
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