As part of our Homeowner and Consumer safety area(s) here at ECN a Photo/Information area has been planned for a while now. It will show some common hazards and violations that a Homeowner is likely to encounter and should therefore recognize. The intent here would be to educate the consumer somewhat as to when, or if, attention to the Electrical System is necessary.

I am often surprised at what is overlooked or simply not 'seen' by the consumer until something happens. I believe that pictures of common situations and 'plain english' descriptions of possible hazards involved may help more people realize when something must be done and why it must be done right. It might also help if they could spot when they are getting, or have had a sub-standard installation. My feelings are that this area could help some to recognize the importance of learning how to do it correctly themselves, or to learn the value in hiring an Experienced/Qualified person and give them some benchmarks by which they can better judge these things.

Some of the pictures we have in the Forum here are great for this project and will be used, but many more could be found I'm sure.

Any suggestions? What are the most common violations/hazards that you see in Homes? How about 'plain english' explanations or advice? Any good pictures would be appreciated!

Bill

By far the most common problem I see in older homes is over fusing both with edison fuses and circuit breakers. (If you have 2 15 amp circuits you can just double them up on a 30 amp breaker, right?) I don't even know why home centers and hardware stores should be allowed to sell 30 amp single pole breakers.
I guess second most common is a tossup between miswired receps and improper grounding.

In my area seems like everyone that lives here wired their own house at least once!!

A few I seem to come across often are:

Length of conductors extended out from junction boxes are too short.

Grounds are twisted together without using any type of connector or crimp.

Box fill is exceeded.

Romex ran exposed subject to physical damage.

Wattage of lamps exceed fixture raitings.

Well, it's a start.

I know I am missing some.

Wirewiz

Great Idea!

I'll do my part to contribute... You've inspired me!


I usually take a hammer to any single pole 30 Amp CB's I come across (after replacing them with 15s or 20s...); the "violence" seems to get my point across.

The photo's & violation sections here have hazards obvious to us, and would require explanation in rationale, not dry code articles for 'layman' 'DIY' interaction.

that said.....

i see many a 'flying splice' on my turf....

Bill:

I have many residential images that can be used to explain the rules and common code violations, including those used in my books.

Here's one that has a few violations!




[This message has been edited by Joe Tedesco (edited 09-14-2002).]

Sparky,

I think we're in agreement here that explanations would be needed for better understanding. Applicable code sections could be included for those that would like to 'follow the book'.

Please keep in mind that this would be an area offered for informational purposes only, not interactive, and not in the form of How-To instructions. One of it's goals would be to promote safety and the value in having Electrical work done correctly by qualified and licensed/certified persons. I was hoping that it might be a good project that many would like to get behind and contribute to. We could use an area of the forum here to work out topics and related comments before they are presented elsewhere.

'Flying Splices' are a good example. Now we need a good explanation(s) of why they are bad (and applicable code section(s), of course). (and pictures)


Bill

Joe,

Once upon a time, I think I sent you my top ten list for several different scenes. Like a rough inspection, final, service inspection, etc. Do you still have that?

Caper

Several Topics (Topics: >> ) have been posted in the 'Photos Submitted Area' Please add your comments on these.

How would you advise your Customer on these, How would you explain the Danger or concerns? What violations would an Inspector cite these for? .. etc.

Bill

allllllrighty then.

Caper:

I have over 2000 floppies, and will convert them soon. I am sure I have some of the threads you wrote, including the list of violations.

In my part of the world (SE Texas) one of the most notorious things I see is the flying splice. Many homes in this area are owned or rented by very financially-strapped people. They quite simply don't have the money for a decent electrical installation, nor are the owners willing to provide it...not a good situation at all. These are the kind of homes where a small 30a. safety switch (usually 120v, sometimes 240v)serves an entire residence. On occasion, you will also see an extension cord feeding a house next door for want of their own service due to non-payment. Almost without exception, the fuses are 30's, occasionally with a slug behind it. Makes for some really bad middle of the night electrical fires here.

I don't sleep very well some nights after going on fire calls like these...

Mike (mamills)

[This message has been edited by mamills (edited 09-14-2002).]

Mike
You can only try to educate people in how electrical systems work and what is needed to be safe. You can NOT keep them from making foolish mistakes - especally when the think they saved a nickle or dime.
DIY'ers and those who are determined to save every penny will be the cause of many electrical fires. They always have been and this will not change. They will not pay for a professional installation, any additional cost safety item such as AFCI's unless forced to.
You cannot let the results of thier actions bother you - even when you see others hurt by thier cost savings.
If possible the only thing you can do is try to see them forced to pay extreamly heavily for that action. Personally I believe that those responsible should face both civil AND criminal penalties.
If our AHJ's and DA's get off thier duffs and work for this, maybe we will see fewer electrical fires.
Since these individuals will not pay for more costly and (maybe) safer technology any new safety items will never help with this part of electrical work.
DIY'ers will always be with us. Joe fly by night with his line of B/S will always find suckers.
I would say that 25 to 35% of the jobs I do are fixing thier junk. Just give you customers a fair price and go foward. You can go nuts trying to save your town let alone the world.

I need to start repeating that as my mantra...

"Ohm"

Joe,

If you can't find the top ten list, then I guess I can always make another one. Also as I had posted somewhere else (another bb or post?) I said the worst thing a DIY can do is NOT call for an inspection. If he calls for an inspection, I can usually help him get through the inspection. I may have to go back more than once for a rough in inspection, but it can be done.

Here's NH's list of no-no's

Thanks Sparky, I was planning on adding that link so we could use it too as a resource.



[This message has been edited by Joe Tedesco (edited 11-21-2002).]