This PASSED a city building inspection!

[@GhostOfGaming1]

this video should go viral just to show people they need to be careful with who they hire.

[@BayAreaElectric]

I agree. Thanks for commenting.

[@niceguy2171]

Seen a lot of work like this done by people who "install electrical work everyday" many times, and the cringe factor is off the scale. As a former inspector who worked in the field for 25 yrs. after going through a apprenticeship that was known to be the toughest in the area (had to pass even 2nd and 3rd stages by a min. of 3 master electricians) none of that would even be allowed by a first yr. apprentice! We had a saying for those homeowners who lived in those homes wired anything like that "oil the hinges" meaning for the doors so they could escape fast when it started on fire. The other day a neighbor asked me if I would look at their outside light, which stopped working on their older home with metal siding, pulled open the fixture, and found the hot wired in, and the neutral smashed into a crease on the siding! They just cut off the ground so they weren't bothered with it, and the box wasn't attacked to a nearby stud, and this was done by a guy "who wires houses" just 3 yrs. earlier! Wish this kind of stuff was the exception, but you eventually realize it's more common than you think. And people wonder why there is so many fires!

[@BayAreaElectric]

niceguy217 - You are correct about many bad installations. I have a thousand photos of poor electrical installations on my website. Most of them were done without inspection. Thanks for your comments.

[@jbwebster]

I would sue the gentleman who did that horrific job for endangering people.

[@BayAreaElectric]

I wish it would have been your house and I could testify for you in court.

[@MetaView7]

you can find the city inspector at the neighborhood coffee shop counting the money

[@BayAreaElectric]

Ha ha. I hope he was not bribed because I have known that inspector for years and he doesn't seem the type.

[@Jamie-lw5sy]

The fact that they didn't knock out the slugs on the junction boxes is hilarious. 🤣😂 I mean scary. 🙄

[@compactc9]

The part I find the saddest is that the workers aren't being dishonest, they just aren't being taught how to do the work, leaving them up to their own best guesses when it comes to doing the work. The general contractor is doing everyone a huge disservice.

[@BayAreaElectric]

I totally agree with you.

[@johnpark22]

As a journeyman electrician with over 40 years experience I am saddened but not surprised by this video. There are far to many jack-of-all-trades general contractors out there that use unlicenced, untrained workers to do their dirty work. The only thing that I can say about this is that when you pay peanut you get monkees and that is what this job appears to be done by.

[@BayAreaElectric]

You are speaking to a choir member . . . what else can I say, but I know that you know . . .

[@JB91710]

I was in construction from 1963 to 2008. I never saw anything even close to this. It almost looked like it was done like that on purpose.

[@BayAreaElectric]

I can see why you could feel like that . . . it is good for training. Yes, it is so absurd that it borders on gross negligence upon the contractor and inspector.

[@tuttutmonkeybutt]

why was this recommended to me.

[@d_savage9019]

same

[@TheThinkerClown]

KZbin conspiracy.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Because you are cool . . .

[@BayAreaElectric]

I don't know the reason there are so many view. I thought mostly electrician would view it. If anyone knows the answer, I sure like to know.

[@NewPhilosopher]

I have no idea why this was recommended to me either, but I did find it interesting. So, good work KZbin?

[@tommcd8471]

Would the city be on the hook for an eventual lawsuit? seeing as how the city inspector signed off on it.

[@Comicsluvr]

Good question. After hearing the report of this inspector as the homeowner, my next call would have been to my lawyer

[@BayAreaElectric]

No! The city ha no liability. Nor does the inspector. Go figure . . .

[@BayAreaElectric]

There is no question I would have consulted a construction attorney.

[@stevenhorne1609]

Great video hope to see more. Its unbelievable what people try to save a buck.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Thanks. Since the response has been good, I'll take some other photo and see what I can do.

[@-DeScruff]

Holy crap... I have to imagine anyone regardless of electrical knowledge would question at least half of those things. Exposed live wire!? Who looks at that and thinks "Yep this is good don't need to work more on this!" Glad at least the men were willing to learn.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Your quote starting with "Yep . . .!" sent me out of my chair laughing. Can't seem to stop laughing every time I re-read it. My wife thinks I"m nuts. Thanks . . . damn I'm still laughing.

[@Kreeos]

Reminds me of the house I grew up in before my dad started fixing the electrical. The previous owner had done all the work himself and there was a junction box at the bottom of the stairs leading to the basement that had 3 different circuits running through it with wires terminating in the box. I'm surprised the house didn't burn down.

[@BayAreaElectric]

There is plenty of bad wiring out there produced by people who don't care or are ignorant. Thanks for your post.

[@greensteve9307]

I agree with you completely. I have basic handyman knowledge, but no electrician training, but I can seen that these are so wrong. Never expose wires. never cut a structural beam, always have to ground, can't ground to wood, boxes needs covers, etc.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Thanks for you input.

[@ZomifiedHam]

i know less than basic handyman knowledge and i know not to cut structural beams

[@YamiPoyo]

This was very eye opening and informative also i liked your presentation cuts and tone of voice you get a sub sir!

[@BayAreaElectric]

Thanks.

[@Celtundrica00]

This is why building codes exist! It's a shame that those homeowners were dealt that card. Good on you for calling the "contractor" out. Many just redo the work.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Thanks.

[@3101010]

has the home burnt to the ground yet? I would never be able to sleep knowing my Family was in a home that unsafe

[@BayAreaElectric]

Likewise, I am bothered to this day. Thanks for your comment.

[@PearlofRocketland]

wow, how did that pass inspection. I don't think you need to be an expert to know that is not good at all. That contractor should have their license revoked.

[@BayAreaElectric]

The general contractor's license revoked, and the inspector send back to school.

[@CarbonPhoenix96]

why was this in my recommended and why am i watching it

[@BayAreaElectric]

Thanks for watching, though you didn't know the reason. Take photos if a contractor works in you house or your friend's house. It may benefit you . . .

[@markiplieroldaccount7892]

I have no idea why this is in my recommendations.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Because you are cool . . . and possible love construction . . . or dislike it when people don't do their job correctly.

[@Gamebuster1990]

Minecraft Video -> Computerfile -> AntsCanada -> This video Weird youtube recommendations, but this video is cool.

[@BayAreaElectric]

The video is only cool because you are cool.

[@diGritz1]

You can't ground from wood? Don't be ridiculous. Almost all wood comes from trees and trees mostly grow out of the ground. It's only common sense that you can use wood as a ground. Though I will admit there are better alternatives. Like a small pile of dirt packed into the junction boxes then just make sure your ground wire is in contact with the dirt. Also a tip for better grounding mix some water in to make it mud. It packs better and as long as you water your receptacles every now and then your good to go.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Food for thought . . . and clever. Did you know that we don't use wooden ladders, but instead use fiberglass ladders because wood can be conductive? Its resistance is too high to trip the circuit breaker or below the fuse though. The idea we strive for is 25 ohms or less for good grounding/bonding. Thanks, for your input for your wording was clever . . .

[@a1a2a3a4a5a6a75]

are you being serious? you honestly think grounding means the grounding wire just has to touch dirt and dumping wet mud into a junction box is a good idea? did you even go to school?

[@fivesidedpixels4991]

+nick robertson are you being serious? you honestly think that the comment wasn't a joke? did you ever even go into society?

[@HeavyStorm4]

SWEET MOTHER OF MERCY, i have no idea why this appeared in my recommendations but sweet FUCK. On a more serious not can't they take them to court or something?, i'm all about second chances, but this... i mean it's one thing to fuck up and put lives at risk, it's an other thing be ignorant/careless and put lives at risk , but all this is just gross negligence on an unfathomable degree, and not only that despite been given several chances to correct mistakes the contracted party has not only failed but also showed clear disregard of their failures.

[@BayAreaElectric]

HeavyStorm4 - You are so right on there is nothing more to say. Thanks for your thoughtful comments, which are much appreciated.

[@hanefar11]

Absolutely disgusting that people would pay for this, they basiclly pay for making their home a fire hazard.

[@BayAreaElectric]

That is right, they paid to have their house degraded.

[@Killzilla6]

As a dutch electrician, im asking, why isnt this house burned down already?

[@BayAreaElectric]

Once you line up the mistake accidents can happen. For instance, you can have a piece of equipment that become electrified on the surface, and this is bad, but nothing happens until a bare footed person touches a grounded object like a water pipe. Mistakes need to be lined up.

[@dicksmcgee5906]

I have no electrical background, but I do know that this is beyond insane. I hope you continue to have good work on your horizon. I watch alot of random videos on youtube and this has perhaps been the most informative video without directly meaning too. You seem very educated, skilled, and serious about your work/passion.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Thanks . . . I do care about good workmanship and moral character in all fields. Thanks again.

[@JustSomeAlmonds]

Why is this in my recommended section? It's a good video, but I don't know why it's in my recommended.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Perhaps you are eclectic in your interests.

[@abelcerrillo2162]

well u better check ur attic before squirrels chew up ur wires an burn ur house down.

[@fisqual]

I did a better job wiring up my fort when I was 12 years old.

[@BayAreaElectric]

I'll bet you did.

[@christianhogeland9091]

IDK Why this video was recommended to me by youtube, but, that was incredibly generous of you to teach those men how to properly do the job, incredibly respectable.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Thanks . . . I find teaching fun.

[@MichaelClark-uw7ex]

I have been an electrical contractor for over 40 years and I have seen some bad work(usually DIYers) but never anything this widespread. That was an accident waiting to happen.

[@BayAreaElectric]

yes, this was one of the worst, and I too have seen many.

[@dantyler1558]

Did your house burn down due to sad electrical work?

[@williamtkwest2681]

Agreed. I do not understand why all the parts are wrong. Doesn't someone stock their truck with at least the most basic electrical parts / screws / etc? Insane and horrifying!

[@tanis143]

As a cable tech I have run into similar situations, though not as wide spread. I was crawling in an attic one time and came across three 12/2 lines that were spliced together (1 feed + 2 lines) and both the hot and neutral were missing the wire nuts (forget about a j-box). It was a good thing I saw it before as it was right where I was about to place my hand. Another was a duplex I was renting where the builders spliced behind the bathroom outlet to run to the living room and 3rd bedroom. We found this out because one day my wife called and said half the house had no power. I got home and noticed the GFI outlet in the bathroom was blackened. It never tripped, nor did the 20 amp breaker (GFI was rated at 15 amps). In the living room I had a plasma tv, dvr, xbox, and computer. The 3rd bedroom had three computers, two 19" crt monitors, all my chargers for work, a crt tv and another dvr. I calculated over 42 amps was being pulled when everything was running and was like this for almost a year and half. I would have corrected it myself but the house was wired with aluminum wiring and I wasn't going to mess with it. Would have been easy to fix too as the breaker box was on an inside wall in the master closet right next to the bathroom. Yep, 15 years as a cable tech and I have seen quite a bit.

[@NealDaringer]

I'd call it a disaster waiting to happen.

[@miyamotomusashi7612]

Not sure why this was recommended but I am planning on being an electrician...

[@BayAreaElectric]

I don't know if you are serious, but the salary for a journey electrician in my area is about $70/hour. There is certainly a shortage of good electrician in the San Francisco Bay Area in California.

[@miyamotomusashi7612]

I'll keep that in mind,though I am out in the midwest.

[@BayAreaElectric]

I was born in Missouri and lived in Kansas. The weather where I live in California is ideal for working year round.

[@mcloviin3248]

WTF this is insane. How can someone seriously cut a rafter like that and not think twice.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Thanks for noticing the rafter. I should have emphasized it more in the video.

[@ItmeTummy]

I wouldn't even pass my first year at college with these kind of shoddy installations holy shit

[@BayAreaElectric]

JijiWP - Thanks for sharing.

[@taxavoider9889]

This video is further proof that I'll literally watch anything on KZbin

[@BayAreaElectric]

You just made me laugh . . .your comment is quite humorous.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Ha ha . . . and I shall answer all comments . . .

[@RookieLock]

wow. in a 1.9 million dollar home? that kinda hurts

[@BayAreaElectric]

If only the homeowners knew how badly the job was done. But it was re-inspected and so they are comfortable.

[@CeaselessSlinky]

It's a wonder the place hasn't burnt down yet...

[@BayAreaElectric]

. . . give it time.

[@robotslug]

I could've learned to do a better job than that via Home Depot wiring displays.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Absolutely, we should direct them to some sort of educational process.

[@terenfro1975]

My brother died in a house fire because of this very same thing. Exposed wire junction in the attic that passed city inspection.

[@BayAreaElectric]

terenfro1975 - Sorry to hear about your brother.

[@tullgutten]

this is why i have trust issues

[@BayAreaElectric]

I too have trust issues . . . and they are legit.

[@ThisShinigami]

Journeyman of electrical stuff? You only gotta be like skill level 50 to be a journeyman... okay I'll go

[@BayAreaElectric]

Haha . . . you got a job.

[@VivSlakes]

okay using the wrong screws... can sometimes (SOMETIMES not this often!) happen. but not connection ground, open live wires uninsulated wires just wrapped around each other... hell i wouldnt dare touching anything electric in this house again. no matter how much were corrected

[@BayAreaElectric]

You and I are in agreement. The job should have been rip out and installed properly. I understand using a dry wall screw in a plastic box is not a significant violation and if everything else was correct I would not mention it. But they have a plate and receptacle screwed directly to the inside of a wooden cabinet and not into the junction box. The receptacle is "floating." A receptacle and it junction box must be flush with combustible material. It would have been so, so easy to install a UL Approved goof extension box and made the installation legal. They simply didn't know that it existed.

[@eatafox]

dont know why this was in my recommended but it was interesting and i liked it.

[@BayAreaElectric]

I love it when non construction people get something from the video. Take photos if you ever have work done because you might need them.

[@cooper2469]

Damn 1.9 million is a lot of money for bonfire.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Yes, but it maybe even more expensive if it catches the homes near it on fire.

[@controlla1879]

Hmm... why is this in my recommended? ^w^

[@BayAreaElectric]

For some reason, I think it is being referred to cool people.

[@BayAreaElectric]

You must be cool also. Glad the video had some redeeming value.

[@nikusteri]

Because it has to do with electricity and you're a Jolteon, you electric Pokémon

[@rafdavfl]

I am a retired electrician with over 50 years in the trade, and I have never seen so much NEC violation in one home as you've shown! And that general needs to have his license revoked or at the least suspended. His job is to check and make sure all subs are licensed. When it comes to electricity, you don't take dangerous short cuts, use untrained help without having a journey man to check the work. That is a scary house to live in. And the local code enforcement needs to be reprimanded for their passing of such dangerous work! Appreciate you uploading and sharing this with the general public to see.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Yes, it is among the worse I've seen. thanks for commenting.

[@Sig320]

He was paid off. I seen this many times

[@BayAreaElectric]

The more people tell me this, the more I question myself. I think it was lazy, at least I hope so.

[@2exx]

This was some great ASMR

[@BayAreaElectric]

Interesting way of putting it . . .

[@squidcaps4308]

Teaching them how to do it: million and one points for you, that was awesome way to handle that problem. Many would've just mocked them when it is the employer who needs to make sure their workers know their stuff.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Thanks

[@Stuckneutral]

Absolutely unbelievable! I’m a retired electrician after 40 years and I have seen some real nightmares, but never have I seen anything like this. This is downright criminal in my opinion.

[@BayAreaElectric]

I agree that it is criminal because it is stealing. The homeowners paid for something and got something else, which is criminal.

[@lobsterboywonder]

dont know how this was in my recommended but interesting!

[@happtchemist3036]

Same.

[@jonathanrouse]

scrotus faptaculoius same

[@douro20]

City inspectors aren't electricians...I would had insisted that a licensed journeyman or master electrician had looked over everything before the city even came in. I would be surprised if they even bothered to look up into the ceiling.

[@BayAreaElectric]

An electrician should have done the work. California has a loophole in the law that allows a general contractor to do the work without any training or certification.

[@WhiteWolfDarkpaw]

Jesus...just seeing some of these pictures, I know better than these "installers" and my only education in the matter was from my High School Electronics class! It was mostly IC stuff, but we did a single course on house wiring. A SINGLE COURSE!

[@BayAreaElectric]

Your single course would make you the lead electrician for this company as long as you were willing to work for a low wage. Oh, did I tell you the same men who did the electrical also did the plumbing, etc.?

[@Kara_Kay_Eschel]

More qualified than me, and I bet I am more qualified than these guys.

[@BayAreaElectric]

I'd bet money that you are more qualified.

[@samuelt2072]

The "buddy system" was in effect in this picture. The general contractor and inspector were buddies... The inspector asked the general if an electrician had done the work, and the general said "sure" so, without looking at anything, the inspector signed off. It is obvious from these pictures that no licensed electrician did the work, and no actual inspection ever took place.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Samuel T. I think you are on to something . . . or too lazy to look.

[@Reddles37]

I'm pretty sure I could do better wiring than that, and I have zero training. I would at least make sure everything was grounded and put the lids on all the boxes... Also, why the heck was this recommended to me?

[@BayAreaElectric]

I have no ideas, maybe because you are eclectic. I am pretty sure you would have done a better job. Thanks for watching.

[@averagegoy]

What the fuck I seen some shit but this takes the cake.

[@BayAreaElectric]

My sentiments exactly . . . thanks for recognizing the quality of their workmanship.

[@dshifter7]

That's exactly what I thought. I am not an electrician and have little experience working with wiring, but even I could see how bad of a job these people did.

[@BayAreaElectric]

DimensionShifter II - Good eye.

[@erictaylor5462]

Let me get this straight. You expect a city inspector (who is a government employee) to actually do their job fully and responsibly?

[@BayAreaElectric]

Yes. Decades ago when I was in the Army, I use to hear, "It is good enough for government work." I hate those words and the people who believe in them. Maybe hate is too strong a word, but perhaps you know how I feel about lazy people.

[@chrisr6794]

Well it's as they say. You pay for an inspection whether you get one or not.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Clever saying.

[@numbblackpicture]

wtf, more like: contract killers. Where I come from, you'd go to jail for that "work".

[@BayAreaElectric]

The general building contractor should have had his day in court not out spending their money.

[@whitefeather5629]

Wow! That whole house needs gutted rewired. New insulation to boot. That's scary. I hope they don't have natural gas installed too. I've seen some crap like this too in construction and remodeling. It's truly sad people get into this with a little business knowledge and think they can build and remodel homes with no clue of codes and safety issues. Let alone training.

[@BayAreaElectric]

The general contractor did not come from the trades. He is what I call a "White Collar" contractor, as opposed to a general contractor with callous on his hands. Thanks for commenting.

[@G56AG]

OMG....Among other things It shows that city inspectors are often too lazy to look at anything.

[@BayAreaElectric]

I do believe it has much to do with laziness.

[@Manueljlin]

Incredible that people do this as a job and go home with peace of mind. Truly disguting.

[@BayAreaElectric]

I agree, but we have all types in society. We need to be protected and/or protect ourselves from people like this.

[@Fraggr92]

Some people really don't know better. Others really don't care. Not knowing can be fixed. Not caring is harder...

[@BayAreaElectric]

Karl The Fragr - Well stated.

[@farmerdave7965]

Why is this "contractor" still in business ? Someone at the city inspector's office must have been bribed.

[@BayAreaElectric]

It makes no sense to me.

[@montgomerybojangles8644]

Good video, It breaks my heart to see people get ripped off by mickey mouse contractors. We need more good honest contractors.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Your comment is well received.

[@Animo2006]

Holy shit, if I had done work like this and had it inspected I would have gotten fired so fast my head would spin.

[@BayAreaElectric]

I would have fired you so fast it might have spun off . . . haha. Maybe not, But I would have retrained you . . . and not let you work alone.

[@poggairl3782]

As a 16 year old going for a career in the medical field with no interest in any of the work this video involves, nor knowledge of said work, this video makes me cringe. I don't know how you could possibly go through with such a job like this and not see your own errors! The guys doing this MUST have known what they are doing! I really hope that these people that did the electrical never go near so much as a wire again.

[@BayAreaElectric]

il IL. In my opinion the General Contractor was unethical. It was all about the money. He used people who were not trained to make more money. On yelp, he has stellar reviews, because he is a con man. He tried double talking me, but it fell on deaf ears. Believe me it was not the fault of the workers.

[@poggairl3782]

@@BayAreaElectric I can agree with you, but I have one problem: if he is a con man, the workers must know this, no? If they have no idea what they're doing, then they're only in it for the money. If they do have an idea what they're doing but they're doing work this poor of quality, then they're also just in it for the money. See where I'm going with this?

[@BayAreaElectric]

@@poggairl3782 Of course, I understand your position. I met his workers, and they were eager to learn. I doubt that financially these individuals could afford to be fired. This world is filled with moral dilemmas and decisions that reach for our higher selves. The General Contractor is very well off, and continued his greed. His laborers wanted to pay their rent, and buy food. I worked as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer for 4 years and 3 months in the third world, and had to make many decisions that challenged my ideals. If I were to have the power, I would prosecute the General Contractor and train his laborers. His laborers did carpentry, plumbing, sheet metal, insulation, drywall, electrical etc. etc. And I do understand your position, which we could write volumes.

[@Superboi100]

not sure why you're revealing your age on the internet like we're your pals but ok

[@jurgenronaaz4695]

Sometimes it really is worth it to click those recommended videos on topics you've never looked into before. Get hidden gems like this!

[@BayAreaElectric]

Thanks . . .

[@ralakus8784]

I'm not even an electrician and this makes me cringe.

[@BayAreaElectric]

It should . . . thanks for watching.

[@fred40587]

I am 16 and i am fairly sure i could do a better job then this

[@BayAreaElectric]

Just the fact that you would watch a video like this at 16 probably mean you would do a better job.

[@fred40587]

BayAreaElectric I do have some experience though, my grandfather helped me wire his home movie theater up. He has electrical experience from making and installing stained glass stuff

[@dom1310df]

I'm not a qualified electrician, and I can tell there are problems with that installation

[@BayAreaElectric]

Because you are intelligent and observant.

[@ike7933]

“ the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price has been forgotten” Benjamin Franklin

[@BayAreaElectric]

Nice verbiage.

[@Fastwinstondoom]

I am a total amateur...and I'm still convinced I could do a better job than that :/

[@MrStabby19812]

Fastwinstondoom I don't have a clue about the American wiring system and could do a better job lol

[@just-dl]

Hey, man! full credit for doing a good job on documenting the issues. just to "criticize" without the photos could be hard to substantiate. Also, your willingness (heck, eagerness) to teach the GC's guys is a credit to you...as is your assessment of the guys (hardworking, respectful, etc). Please visit the nearest cloning station...we need a lot more people like you.... Cheers!

[@BayAreaElectric]

Thanks . . . I called it as I saw it. I think I'm like many others who don't like those who cheats others.

[@joebananatube]

Dude, it is your DUTY to notify the local department of building safety. This is a life safety issue, and this home MUST be condemned until brought up to code. Remember your liability. And let the homeowner settle this with the general contractor in court. They've got themselves a major lawsuit. Kinda makes me wonder what the plumbing looks like.

[@ahsokatano6059]

don't you flush the toilet to turn off the lights? lol

[@digitalepisode]

I'm confused by this video. I live in FL and our laws do not allow unlicensed electricians to work on new construction. It's supposed to be done correctly the first time. I'd be suing the GC and the county. The county is responsible for their inspection. Period. If they pass work like this, they should be held accountable. This GC should not be allowed to build a bird house until he has had every single job reinspected and brought back up to current code with zero safety violations present. ZERO!!! In Alachua county, this GC would be in Jail. This is criminal negligence.

[@BayAreaElectric]

A general contractor can do his own electrical work here. This was not a new house, but a remodel with the walls taken down to the studs.

[@loboplumbing6258]

Sir I really like the fact the you helped the guys showing them the correct way, as a former inspector I would find many unsafe projects and would do the same as you did. They won't ever forget that.....

[@BayAreaElectric]

Thanks for you comments.

[@serialexperimentsdave7213]

everything in this video reminds me of my house when i bought it. except my house was built in 1880 and the wires were all paper back with cracking rubber. after a few months and 750ft of new wire i finally got it modernized

[@BayAreaElectric]

. . . thanks for commenting . . . it seems we've made little progress in one hundred and thirty-five years.

[@gt2847c]

Not sure if the inspectors are overworked, under educated, lazy, or paid off, but lots of things get overlooked these days (hopefully not to this extent). My house had issues that had to be fixed like 2x4 studs further than 30" apart for load bearing walls (in the unfinished basement so it was right out in the open, kinda hard to miss stuff), etc. The house was only 4 years old when I bought it and we had GFCI outlets that the test and reset buttons ejected out of the outlet when tested. The attached deck had to be replaced, and when we disassembled it the number of code violations we found was scary. I'm only glad the home inspector I hired to evaluate the house was really good and pointed out the things that needed to be fixed before we moved in. Given what happened (lawsuits and such) after Hurricane Andrew tore through Florida, you'd have thought that building inspectors and contractors would have been a little more attentive...

[@BayAreaElectric]

Glad to hear your situation worked out for you.

[@bkingk8]

I am not even a sparky and all can see is insta death everywhere ... just wow

[@BayAreaElectric]

The odds of a problem increase with every violation.

[@khadijagwen]

I was an Electrical Inspector in Oregon after working many years as a General Journeyman, and have been retired since 2004. Generally, in Oregon we tried to feed the power to a lighting circuit in at the switch and run the legs up to the various fixtures. We tried to start outlet circuits near the panel and run through the wall, around the house. I avoided putting hot wires in the attic if I could, knowing that if anything went wrong, I might have to get up there to fix it. Generally speaking, lots of California trained Electricians fed the power to the fixture and the switch leg went down to the box containing the switch. I didn't last long as an Inspector because of what I saw going on.

[@BayAreaElectric]

It is now the code that the circuit comes into the switch box because neutrals are required in the switch boxes. I have always come into the switch and ran switch legs to the lights. I hate trouble shooting when I have to remove light fixtures. I would much rather stand up at the switch box and check the wiring. Who wants to be on a ladder, maybe over someone's bed and troubleshoot? I have found in many apartment building all of the circuits run through the light boxes. The wiring is usually 75° C wiring and the insulation is damaged because of too high a wattage of light bulbs, (too high ambient heat) and then you end up having to fix the wires with loom and tape or worse from the attic or open the ceiling. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@Citizen16603]

The general needs to go to prison.

[@phitsf5475]

This is outrageous. I dare say in all probability since it has happened this once, it has probably happened other times. They should find out who inspected and approved this work then audit their history of approvals.

[@BayAreaElectric]

You would think so! I turned in my photos and comments to the building department, and have subsequently been to the home for other issues. Without permission to investigate, I see some of the same code violations I documented. If I were to told to sleuth, I'm sure that many issues still exist.

[@dolphinrider5905]

I'm not an electritian, and even I can see how terrible that wiring is.

[@BayAreaElectric]

You have good eyes and sharp mind.

[@fangadorawolfen6164]

(Remembers months of Osha training in high school like a form of ptsd) *Looks at mess* *Dies from heart attack*

[@BayAreaElectric]

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the United States Department of Labor.

[@goatbot9733]

No I understand what OSHA was, I just found it very funny in a sad way how nothing was up to any standards. It's so bad it seems like they were trying to collect insurance on the house

[@BayAreaElectric]

I don't believe this to be true, i.e. to collect insurance money. The general building contractor is a slick talker. I spoke with him on the phone once, and twice in person. When I confronted him with the poor workmanship he did not become defensive, which I was prepared for, but immediately turned to his men who were standing by and blamed them. He showed no loyalty towards his men, nor did he accept the blame. He simply kissed my ass thinking he could sweet talk me. I treated him courteously, but was direct about explaining that done of his work was code complying. He never flenched, but simply repeated his disappointment in his men.

[@jiafeiskinnyproducts]

Why is this in my recommended?

[@BayAreaElectric]

Probably because you are cool . . . and someone like construction fails . . .

[@senpaisanchoyt5225]

My computer science teacher is teaching us the basics of electric engineering and we learned how to make circuits and other fancy stuff and right away on the first picture it was obvious that the installer has no education in that field what so ever lol.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Good observation . . .

[@c0lanudel]

as an german electrician i can only say .. thank god for WAGO :p

[@antichrist6668]

Raw Bavaria in Europe we don't use that type of wire

[@BayAreaElectric]

There are more serious problems than connections.

[@BayAreaElectric]

What type do you use?

[@c0lanudel]

in typical indoor installations we use NYM-J

[@BayAreaElectric]

In the States we do not use this cable.

[@railroad9000]

This is a very scary situation. The home owner should be taking the contractor to court!

[@BayAreaElectric]

Agreed!

[@Odin029]

I can't watch this video anymore. It's like a horror movie and I'm not even an electrician.

[@BayAreaElectric]

It was a horror movie, and I have trouble watching those type of movies too.

[@aarocka11]

I am a computer scientist. My electrical skills are only really applicable to low voltage and current DC. Even with my limited knowledge I was cringing at the lack of common sense. Like what the hell were these people thinking. Why would you ground a fixture to wood!

[@BayAreaElectric]

Maybe because wood grows in the ground? Just kidding . . . go figure. Thanks for commenting.

[@aarocka11]

BayAreaElectric LMAO. Wood grows in ground! The worst electric fail I've ever seen was non gfci sockets in a bathroom but this honestly takes the cake.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Agreed . . .

[@thegeneralissimo470]

I'm not an electrician and even I can tell this was shit.

[@BayAreaElectric]

I'm glad . . .

[@michaelloutwerst1662]

why does the US use metal junction boxes? I've never seen metal junction boxes used after the 90's in any country except the USA and it just seems plain stupid. PVC junction boxes are electrically insulated and thermally insulated and have no sharp edges accidentally cut the wire insulation.

[@BayAreaElectric]

What you say is food for thought, and in certain cases have advantages. I use metal in industrial plants, commercial buildings, and residential because of their structural integrity and bonding capability. There are uses for both . . .

[@BayAreaElectric]

I use plastic in a ungrounded attics with knob and tube when it is necessary to use a junction box. I don't like junction boxes in an attic, but I hate it when electrician install metal boxes fed by ungrounded knob and tube and are near conductive materials, such as HVAC equipment, etc. Of course, I learn something every time I work with a new electrician even though I've been doing it for decades. I love being a student.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Both have practical uses. Good electricians can make arguments for both . . .

[@wyattroncin941]

BayAreaElectric you deal with knob and tube and don't pull every last inch of it out that you can reach? Then again, i'd take knob and tube over this POS job.

[@michaelloutwerst1662]

Ah yes, sorry. I have seen metal used in high-ware high-impact environments. Never seen it used over here in residential building though.

[@Kharn526]

That ground wire .... Jesus ... exposed wires Oo

[@BayAreaElectric]

Yes and more . . .

[@guyfawkes9951]

Jesus, they'd be better off with Knob and Tube than that garbage.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Knob and Tube is much better.

[@gamrage]

Wow.. I feel like the General Contracting company that did all these electrical installations should be sued. It might not just be this one house.. It might be a series of houses done with shoddy work from the one General Contractor.

[@thecoopatroopa1177]

Maybe he even did this "work" to a school or office building.

[@BayAreaElectric]

I'm sure you are correct. He told me in a phone conversation that is how they do all of their jobs. I believe that all of his prior jobs should be checked by a private inspector, and the jobs he has done since.

[@BayAreaElectric]

TheCoopaTroopa This is possible, especially in an office building.

[@timothywhieldon1971]

AND this is why we have lawe suits. This contractor needs to be sued

[@BayAreaElectric]

I agree . . . and his license removed.

[@peterdietrich8810]

That house is either gonna burn down, kill its inhabitants, or both.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Or the next people to buy the house.

[@SteedDigital1]

I've seen work like this before. it's a real shame because the home owners aren't required to know all the ins and outs of electrical work, that's WHY they hire someone to do it. From then on it's trust, that it was done right to begin with. junctions in the attic are the worst offenders. I've had one "junction" that was just a spot under the insulation where the wires met.. that was it, me and the home owner were floored. the lack of care in that job frustrated me. yeah, I got paid, but I'd rather be paid to install fixtures and repair old installs that need updating than seeing a family that could have died from a house fire. disgraceful.

[@BayAreaElectric]

No doubt that you are a good electrician and more importantly a moral person. Thanks for sharing.

[@jasonmcleod8914]

This goes past disgusting and goes well into scary. I can't even fathom how they are still in business. One fire causing death linked to them and they'll be seeing jail time.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Thanks . . . I agree whole heartedly with your sentiments. Yet, the general contractor who profited by doing work like this actually "laughed all the way to the bank." Hopefully, the house will be remodeled again and no harm will come. Thanks for commenting.

[@jasonmcleod8914]

Thank you for sharing! It's a good reminder for what to look for when searching for a house.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Thanks for watching . . . and remember take photos. You can find people to look at them later and give you qualified opinions.

[@anonfilly7335]

What should I do if my house looks like this?

[@falcfire3093]

Invest in smoke detectors. Other than that, maybe ask a local electrician for advice. I don't know where you live but I assume having someone fix your entire installation is too expensive.

[@BayAreaElectric]

If you are serious, hire a good electrician.

[@BayAreaElectric]

Good advice.

[@sourpoison5681]

Their work looks great if you want to burn the house down, i bet that grade school kids could do better.

[@BayAreaElectric]

chris beckett - don't leave out pre-schoolers! Thanks for commenting.