Electrical

Checkpoint summary

Exterior

• Is electrical service provided by underground cables or overhead wires?
• Are overhead service wires securely fastened to the house?

• Count the number of service wires. Note that a two-wire service provides only 110 volts, not 220 volts.
• Inspect inlet service wires for cracked, missing, and frayed sections of insulation.
• Note overhanging dead tree limbs or branches in contact with service wires.
• Inspect for exterior-mounted main panel boxes. (Replacement on the interior is recommended.)
• Check outside electrical outlets for weather protection.
• Inspect exterior wiring for proper type. It should be marked UF-Sunlight Resistant.
• Inspect exterior lights and outlets for operation.
• Note inoperative fixtures or fixtures that are missing, loose, or hanging by wires.

Interior

• Inspect main panel box. Is it a fuse or circuit-breaker type?
• Is it a Federal Pacific Electric service panel box?
• Does system contain a main disconnect?
  • Note the following (do not remove the panel cover):
    • Loose or missing cover.
    • Missing knockout plates or fuses.
    • Are there at least two 20-amp appliance circuits?
    • Is there at least one 15-amp lighting circuit for each 500 square feet of floor area?
    • Are there many spare or burned-out fuses present?
  • If panel-box cover is removed by an electrician or an inspector, he should inform you of
    • the amount of service;
    • circuits that are improperly protected (overfused);
    • circuits that have aluminum wiring;
    • evidence of water leakage or corrosion deposits.

Grounding

• Inspect electrical system for proper ground protection.
• If there is a municipal water supply, is the ground wire from the main panel box fastened on the street side of the water meter?
• Inspect the connection for tightness of fit and corrosion.
• If the inlet water pipe is plastic (often in a well-pumping system), check on the exterior for a rod or pipe to which the ground wire should be clamped.
• Note whether the ground wire is missing or has a loose or corroding section.

Interior wiring, outlets/switches, violations

• Does house contain old or obsolete wiring (i.e., knob-and-tube-type wiring)?
• Inspect for cracked and open sections of insulation.
  • Inspect wiring in basement and attic areas for
    • loose and hanging sections;
    • extension-cord-type outlets; - open junction boxes;
    • exposed splices;
    • makeshift or nonprofessional alterations.
  • Inspect each room for electrical outlets
    • at least one outlet in the bathroom.
    • at least one outlet per wall for an average size room (10 by 12 feet).
• Are outlets functioning (electrically hot)?
• Check for loose outlets, switches, and missing cover plates.
• Are stairways and hallways adequately lit?
• Are there three-way switches?
• Are there outlets in the hallways for night-lights and cleaning equipment?
  • Note violations such as - open splices;
    • fixtures hanging by wires;
    • extension-cord wiring that passes through partitions or around door openings.

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