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#201226 05/20/11 04:07 PM
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 106
M
Member
Hi, I had a request to do an inspection on some knob and tube for an insurance company today. I don't get into knob and tube for the obvious reason of it being impossible to touch without the insulation falling off and creating an even bigger hazard! How would you go about inspecting K&T. Would you megger each wire to check the integrity of the insulation or would you walk away from it??



Never trust an electrician with no eyebrows!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,273
T
Member
It would seem that the insurer is looking to transfer the liability over to you.

I hope you can bear the strain.


Tesla
Tesla #201238 05/21/11 11:01 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 764
K
Member
Around here, K&T is a big problem for home owners that want to make improvements, because if it’s in exterior walls or ceilings, insulation contractors won’t install blown-in insulation until they get a formal letter from an EC saying that all K&T has been removed. These days, the only way I’ll touch K&T is if I’m disconnecting it and tearing it out.

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 183
J
Member
knob and tube is still acceptable for existing installations. Things to look out for are if there has been any additions to knob and tube circuits which likely were done incorrectly. Also, ensure the K & t branch circuits are GFI protected. Another potential problem is lighting fixtures, where the insulation will likely have broken down due to heat. All you can do is inspect all outlets, examine whatever you can in the attics etc, identify the fact that the house would not meet current code and clearly state the inspection is that only - ie it is not a performance guarantee or certification of safety.

If you read the fine print on some of these home inspector reports, they absolve themselves of any resposibility if they miss something. Even a fire alarm system inspection states the devices were working at time of inspection, if it is not working the next day the inspection company can say someone may have tampered with it after the inspection.Make a list of every outlet in every room and main service, and state what you have done with it during inspection. For example remove, visually inspect, confirm voltage, confirm overcurrent protection, number of outlets on circuit, condition of wiring and device. Final comments would include where the residence does not meet current code, any glaring safety issues you see and recommendations.


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