How to Perform an Electrical Inspection According to the InterNACHI® SOP

[@garygech]

This was really good, and the emphasis on safety was terrific. I am very thankful. I learned a great deal.

[@internachi]

Glad it helped! Anything else you're looking for?

[@vince6829]

Very comprehensive inspection. I am a recently-retired professor of biology. One thing that I had access to back when I was still teaching was a lab safety inspection checklist. I used the checklist in preparing for scheduled lab inspections. I am wondering if electricians and homeowners would benefit from a home electrical inspection checklist. Just a thought. It would be fairly easy to generate from what you addressed in your video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@internachi]

Great point!

[@jpurvis1]

Great content, and as Always, Jim is a very good mentor, Inspector and coach.

[@internachi]

Jim is one of the best CPIs.

[@SixInchChaka]

Lon is my favorite. I’m just glad Jim got rid of his early 2000s hairstyle😂😂

[@joeshmoe5935]

@@internachi Hands Down

[@glennferris5056]

Home inspector is a scam , they don't warrenty thier work? They take your money and run, just call your local electrical company to do this.

[@jasonevans8680]

Very helpful! Thanks for putting so much time into these videos. The effort put into the add-in diagrams and built in videos is extra helpful. Keep up the great work! Thanks again.

[@internachi]

Awesome. Thanks for watching the video and for replying. For more home inspection videos, please visit www.nachi.org/webinars

[@MasterTheNEC]

Ummmm....The reference made at 5:06 is incorrect, that is a violation of multiple grounded (neutral) conductors under a single lug but its not a "fused" neutral as stated.

[@internachi]

Good comment. Thanks.

[@MassiveWarfarePlayer]

Some very good tips and information. Carrying extra screws in case you drop and lose some: nice touch!

[@internachi]

Nice.

[@farmerdave7965]

As a Colorado electrician, I appreciate your work. Looks to be pretty thorough.

[@internachi]

I appreciate that! Thank you.

[@SwingTrading]

I'm just getting started doing home inspections, great video.

[@internachi]

Thank you, Swing Trader. Glad to hear you enjoy watching the videos. Be sure to subscribe to our channel.

[@chadsadventures]

How is it going did u continue with it

[@AfGG]

Nicely explained thank you great sir! I got a midterm popping up for my electrical inspection course and this helps generalize everything 💯

[@internachi]

Thank you.

[@mikeobrien213]

@@internachi I

[@leotexas3485]

Thank you for this! I’m an Apprentice, for my side job, and this helps me understand what Inspectors look for during inspections!

[@internachi]

Glad it was helpful! I invite you to take the Master Class for Home Inspectors at www.nachi.org/masterclass.htm.

[@waynedickens4031]

Hey as a apprentice . If you copy this guy . You wont live long . Were ppe . Then no one will call your old lady . And tell her you burned your eyes. From a electrician .

[@whith5184]

@@waynedickens4031 he explained why he wasn't wearing any

[@fatherelijah1763]

@@whith5184 still

[@paulb9156]

What type of apprentice? Electrician or home inspector?

[@hozelaud1667]

Thank you very much for sharing all this to me you are top the best to hear and learn ,my whole respect and admire your knowelege,i want to become like you

[@internachi]

You are very welcome

[@izabari]

As a newbie I'm wondering if there is a list of correct gauge wires to size of breaker. Would be handy. Great video!!!

[@internachi]

That's in our free, online electrical course at www.nachi.org/education.

[@darylsavage119]

As a uk electrician am I missing part of the testing? Here we have to much more testing, testing that earths (grounds) have a complete path with resistance readings to make sure the breaker will trip off in correct timings. We also have to test insulation resistance of cable to make sure the pvc hasnt broken down?

[@internachi]

Hm. We don't test over here.

[@darylsavage119]

@@internachi as in ever? Or just during inspections? Over here it's called, periodic testing and inspection,and should be carried out at no more than 5yr intervals

[@kevinwalker4623]

I'm from the US and watching CJR do y'alls inspections is interesting and confusing. I think where the major difference is we are mostly 120vac where I understand yall are 240vac. The consequences of a short in 240 is worlds different. Still trying to figure out rings, spurs, mcd's and rcd's. I finally figured out the testing gizmo is just a meggar, a fancy expensive one. Here in my home, I have a 200amp "consumer unit". I want a bigger one so I can have more 240 outlets in the garage for a welder and an air compressor. No testing is required by the NEC in residential that I've ever read.

[@darylsavage119]

@@kevinwalker4623 forget about rings, only dinosaurs are still installing them in new builds, and in exsisting dwellings they're a constant source of headache. RCBO is a GFCI from what I understand, difference is we do it at the DB so we can protect the entirety of the cable as well as outlets. RCD is an older version of GFCI that covered a couple of circuits, problem was a fault in any of the circuits resulted in a loss of alot of your circuits until it was reset, and if the issue is bad enough it wouldn't reset until you found a fault

[@darylsavage119]

@@kevinwalker4623 also our testing is to determine a multitude of things, earth fault loop impedance (make sure our ground is actually connected right the way through and it adequate to actually carry the fault current sufficiently to 1. trip breaker within a given time and 2.carry the fault current without also causing fire. While megger is the brand CJR uses there is others, but his tester same as mine will carry out the 4 main tests we care about, earth fault loop impedance, ring continuity, RCD/RCBO tripping times, insulation resistance

[@streetcruise9807]

In Pennsylvania, do I need to pay $225 to the exam ? Is the exam include in the package?

[@internachi]

No. www.nachi.org/licensing-and-certification/us/pennsylvania

[@vonkanon3091]

Can't give this video enough thumbs up

[@internachi]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@AnAZPatriot]

All the new construction at least post 2015 the main panels are outside also in Texas.

[@internachi]

Yep.

[@redgringrumboldt8983]

Im here because I will be looking for a house to buy and want to be prepared for what I need to be aware of. Im taking notes!

[@internachi]

Great to hear. Best wishes to you. Be sure to hire www.nachi.org/certified-inspectors/

[@OthmanAlikhan]

Thanks for the video =)

[@internachi]

Thanks for watching.

[@kevinrobins5805]

He's a Legend. Great video and thank you.

[@internachi]

Glad you enjoyed it. I recommend Check out my free, online class "How to Become a Successful Home Inspector" at www.nachi.org/webinars/2020/how-to-become-a-successful-home-inspector-1 Another good inspection video is at kzbin.info/aero/PLKPEi6DdHVZyHK4tkfQuDKRPkBE5oWtuA

[@BillC-64]

I was told to not use the tester to test the GFI but to use the built in tester of the outlet.If the circuit is ungrounded but is GFI protected, then the circuit tester will still report as not working.

[@internachi]

Sure. Either way.

[@jamescourtney130]

I noticed that there is dryer duct hose running right next to the distribution panel, which normally we are not supposed to have any plumbing or duct work either directly above or below. Would you call that out as a defect or simply note its existence in this particular case?

[@internachi]

Great catch, James. Spot on. Defect.

[@justinbailey7281]

Would this be a good guidelines to how electrical inspectors for the city do inspections

[@internachi]

Yes.

[@joeshmoe5935]

Ideal circuit analyzer? In my mind last 2 weeks have been fighting over Amprobe INSP III or Ideal. Folks say Ideal take too long for start and load drop screen.

[@internachi]

Okay. Got it.

[@paulb9156]

Up in Canada I’ve never seen a distribution panel outdoors. That’s scary to me considering you could be standing in moist/wet ground.

[@internachi]

Common in about half of panels in U.S.

[@johnherlache9415]

NEC table250.122 number 10 equipment grounding conductor is allowed on a 60 amp circuit

[@internachi]

Right.

[@Danny-fs1hk]

An excellent video

[@internachi]

Many thanks!

[@thoner93]

All those branch circuits wiring coming thru looks like a 2" opening, would that be considered bundling ...

[@internachi]

Good catch.

[@lloydmills9619]

No, but it is a violation.

[@jjoejones1]

From the video, it’s hard to discern if multiple cables are entering the cabinet through a connector or a raceway. If it’s a nonmetallic sheathed cable (Romex) connector, some jurisdictions would consider the installation an NEC violation because the connector is not listed for multiple cables. ‘Bundling’, as you refer to it, describes a failure to maintain separation of cables, but it’s only an NEC violation if the length of the ‘bundled’ cables exceeds 24-inches.

[@GuidedInspections]

14:00 " they are both 12 amp breakers (12 gage conductors)"

[@internachi]

Yep. Good catch. I think he meant 12 gauge.

[@tytravelbee9030]

Great information

[@internachi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@a-ron9884]

How do you tell the difference between aluminum wires and tin coated copper?

[@internachi]

That's a good question. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYLHY32AZ710aJI

[@wildwoodtop]

8:37 Just what you do in a situation whereas you remove a pointy screw, Would you go to your bag and get a flat screw to replace the pointy one 🤔9:18 😋

[@internachi]

Yes. That's why we bring extra panel screws for replacements.

[@blade7029]

interesting how in the US the panels are on the exterior of the home.

[@internachi]

Not all homes, but many. It really depends on location.

[@telosfd]

In a newly built house that needs to be connected to the electric network for the first time, what documents are necessary to do this?

[@internachi]

Not sure. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@HomeStarInspect]

I’m in South Florida and they still install panels outside! 😅

[@internachi]

Yes.

[@andolik]

The CO alarm is suppose to be few inches off the floor not that high. By the time CO alarm goes off, the occupants Let's say sleeping on the bed would be dead. The CO gas is much heavier than other gases or air and starts to sink on the floor and built up. The CO alarm, I recommend to be installed no more than 24 inches off the ground on the wall. I don't understand why he didn't call that as a defect.

[@internachi]

Good recommendation.

[@Gunny_101st]

23:12 i always mention when a smoke detector is located near a return, register or WH fan with the possibility of smoke being drawn away from it.

[@internachi]

Nice. Good feedback. Thanks, Stephen, for watching.

[@saundersryan20]

Interesting that you have to bond to the water system! I have not ever done that! I bond to the slab, gas but never the water

[@internachi]

Got it.

[@zman3754]

Is this called sub panel or distribution panel?

[@HamsterLover360]

at 10:30 he said it's a sub panel :)

[@HamsterLover360]

* 10:13 oops

[@internachi]

Yep

[@davidedgren8306]

At 5:10 You use the term "fused Neutrals" This is not the correct term. A fused neutral is a dangerous condition, typically found in knob and tube wiring sections. You are referring to multiple neutrals under one lug. I am not being critical, but using the wrong terms can be confusing for all involved.

[@internachi]

Correct, David. Thank you for watching our videos. I'll forward your comment to the inspector in the video.

[@waynedickens4031]

Great video. I am a electrician. I been yelled at with horror in there voices . Never take a cover off a panel with no glasses .

[@internachi]

Good point! PPE is essential. Every home inspector must protect themselves in order to come back home at the end of the day.

[@TheBooze13]

Lol cmon Wayne real electricians never wear glasses!

[@waynedickens4031]

@@TheBooze13 real men dont eat quiche. But were glasses . Haha

[@whith5184]

he explained why he wasn't wearing any PPE

[@robblochinger986]

35 years of taking of panel covers with no giant arcs, you tend to get complacent. I just thought he was gettin danger close to the lugs when he was poking around with the pen.

[@jjoejones1]

Unfortunately, some of your information is incorrect. When pointing to the neutral busbar you said ‘fused neutrals’ were permitted prior to the ‘96 NEC. The term fused neutral is not applicable to what you pointed out. Secondly, multiple grounded conductors (most of those wires are not ‘neutrals’) are not permitted under a single busbar terminal). Although not added to the Code until the 2002 edition, the listing, and the ‘label’ within the panelboard would have indicated if more than ‘one’ grounded conductor was permitted, which it wouldn’t. Also, a ‘green’ insulated wire would not normally be found between the meter socket enclosure and the panelboard. The grounded service conductor would normally be bonded within the meter enclosure, in addition to a bonding bushing and jumper on either end of the nipple connecting the meter enclosure to the panelboard.

[@internachi]

Fantastic. You could pass this to the inspector directly by visiting www.nachi.org/certified-inspectors/james-krumm-cmi-6629

[@thoner93]

Only counter top receptacles in the kitchen require GFCI.

[@internachi]

Yep, but also other kitchen receptacles or circuits, such as the dishwasher. It requires GFCI protection. 2018 IRC E3902 codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2018P3/chapter-39-power-and-lighting-distribution

[@mehmetferhat1986]

Thanks

[@internachi]

Welcome

[@davekauffman8727]

The placement of the carbon monoxide detector would be lethal to the occupants if a CO emission began accumulating the deadly gas in the home, CO is heavier than air and will not be detected until it reaches the height that the detector is placed. Good call on using the plastic pen in the breaker box, I'm nervous when working on putting wire into a breaker and securing it with the screw., I've shorted them before. I don't care how much less aluminum wire costs, copper is the best for home use, it's all there is here in NY State.

[@internachi]

Great comments, Dave. Thanks for watching.

[@MasterTheNEC]

FYI- That's sheathing and not insulation on that NM Cable....Big Difference.

[@internachi]

Good comment. Thanks.

[@marsupialsrock010]

When you said you saw an indication of someone who is not an electrician was in the electrical panel, all I could think was "like the inspector?"

[@internachi]

Ha. Good one.

[@BearStar1]

Wearing Gloves and a Protective Shield is only required in a Industrial Complex !! NOT in a Residential or Commercial !!

[@internachi]

Nope. It's ultimately up to the home inspector and what PPE she feels is needed.

[@rayjackson4547]

Nice Job Jim, but never stick anything inside a live electric panel even if it is a nonconductive plastic pen.

[@internachi]

He uses a plastic pen with no metal parts or guts. Good point.

[@ronperez4243]

Miss your fro Jim

[@internachi]

Thank you.

[@vanillarain711]

I have spilled those plug in air fresheners!! It was horrible!

[@internachi]

Yep. Me too.

[@bdubs8620]

I don’t believe you wear PPE. Pair glasses/hardhat/gloves/ steel toe boots wouldn’t affect video quality If you regularly wear PPE one would have expected them to be with all your other tools that are used on a daily basis. Is what it is, I don’t either

[@internachi]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Good point.

[@mr.spacely6503]

Internachi sop says not to insert any items in electrical panel lol

[@internachi]

"not required to"

[@waynedickens4031]

I would not stick anything in a panel either.

[@michaeleverest3487]

Those are some sad looking panels, whoever wired them needs to make their work a lot cleaner and organized

[@internachi]

Hm. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@MNCasaPro]

@4:00 Good idea not to be standing in a puddle.

[@internachi]

Right.

[@kiefmanning7394]

That is a ten cent pen. Not what I usually like to trust my life to. Seems unnecessary to touch and drag things over live circuits for zero reason

[@Thebeardedangler785]

My thoughts exactly

[@internachi]

The metal components of the pen have been removed for safety.

[@waynedickens4031]

A friend of mine . worikg on electrical panel no gloves . He is a serious electrician . Explosion. Burnt his hand so bad he suffered for 6 months . Then got a good job . Cause they wee afraid of a lawsuit .

[@internachi]

Thank you for the feedback.

[@chadgerman8173]

ha ha ha ha

[@internachi]

hee hee hee hee

[@allanguindon2156]

As a licensed Master electrician, NEVER use a pen to touch LIVE electrical parts. Some screw drivers and tools are rated for high voltage for a reason. The last time I checked pens are not rated for electricity.

[@internachi]

The home inspector removes all metal parts from the pen including the inner components and the outside pocket hook and button.

[@allanguindon2156]

@@internachi 1)Do honestly believe that guy took the time to remove all metal parts from the pen?? Its a pen!.. No one wastes their time disassembling a pen. 2) Was that pen rated for Voltage? Was that pen tested by U.L. or by a federal safety agency? Look at screwdrivers. Some are plain old screwdrivers and some are rated for voltage. Why would screwdrivers need that voltage rating?

[@waynedickens4031]

Pens are not ul rated . Is right .

[@kentdavis4446]

I took a screenshot and zoomed in. Its a click style pen and he does not have tip out, however I cannot be sure all of the internal components have been removed.

[@farmerdave7965]

I use a long soda straw.

[@waynedickens4031]

People will watch this and get hurt . No glasses no gloves I am trained to say something if I see a hazard.

[@internachi]

Home inspectors should wear PPE, and it's up to them to choose which equipment. InterNACHI takes safety seriously and that's why we provide a free, online course about home inspector safety at www.nachi.org/safety_course.htm. This course is free, online, and open to everyone. Everyone. Go ahead and take it. No credit card required.

[@whith5184]

he explained why he wasn't wearing any

[@bradleywilliams229]

are you also trained to pay attention?

[@kevinstenger4334]

Nice job but OSHA doesn’t care if you’re making a video, proper PPE is always required inside the arc flash boundary. I’m a retired electrician and we all had to learn how to do a lot of things we didn’t think were realistic when all of the arc flash regulations came out. I thought they were nuts in the beginning but when I moved over into power distribution, substation, and breaker maintenance I got to work with really good electrical engineers doing arc flash studies and trip device settings I got to see clearly how it all works. And yes, even the little 120/240 breaker panel can be extremely dangerous depending on the coordination of the over current devices and the power source. We found some panels that beyond class 4, they were prohibited for energized work under any condition.

[@internachi]

Great comment. Safety first.

[@LuisGomez-le4vk]

This is a payaso

[@internachi]

No. Es un profesional inteligente que gana mucho dinero en su negocio.

[@lloydmills9619]

Off gasses? WTF are you talking about?

[@internachi]

Not sure.

[@joeymcpeek5120]

For the love of God, please quit saying “pitcher” instead of “picture”.

[@internachi]

Ha. Or roof instead of ruff.

[@5400bowen]

Anyone who takes the top screws out first on the cover needs to reevaluate their profession. I've looked at hundreds of breaker boxes, I've never seen a burnt wire. And his tone of voice is angry. He sounds like an angry father berating his teenager for putting s dent in the car fender.

[@internachi]

Glad you enjoyed watching the video.

[@waynedickens4031]

Were safety glasses and gloves not like this guy . He is unsafe . Non electrician should not open electrical panel. Even electrician. Dont open panel without a safe work plan . Super dangerous . If I did this when I was working at some large corporation. They would kick me and my company off site . Cause they would seem us incompetent.

[@internachi]

PPE is critical. You're correct. We agree.

[@waynedickens4031]

Only electricians should take panel covers off . Obviously the guy has no clue . Sorry that's from a electrician

[@internachi]

Hi, Wayne. I hear what you're saying. I've found that I do a better home inspection for my client when I can remove the dead front safely. Home inspectors are not required to remove them. But some/many do. And when I do, I often find defects, and that's when I recommend that a licensed electrician come and further evaluate and make necessary corrections. My report summary is essential a lead-generation for licensed professionals like yourself. Thanks for watching.

[@ara5823]

its not required to open dead front cover then don't do it. period

[@internachi]

Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@ara5823]

he is doing an electrician job by opening the dead front cover. SOP SOP

[@internachi]

Home inspectors are permitted by the InterNACHI Standards of Practice to remove the dead front cover.

[@ara5823]

@@internachi what's the point of the SOP?

[@ara5823]

you are inter-nachi people operating outside the SOP. so I take inter nachi course told to follow SOP and now you are showing other wise. contradiction. hypocritical

[@internachi]

Nope. Home inspectors are permitted to exceed the minimum standards. Read www.nachi.org/exceed-or-not-exceed.htm