I am sure that most everyone has put away their Holiday decorations by now. Where do you keep yours? If you are like many homeowners in this country----you stuff them in the attic. While the attic is a common repository for all kinds of things, it seems that Christmas decorations top the list of possibilities. The weight of these items is not likely to pose any structural issues for the home (unless you store real reindeer)----plus it gives any rodents that live up there lots sparkly things to play with all year long. There can be other concerns though, as can be seen in the following picture. Stored items can be pushed into electrical equipment/wiring, exhaust fans, ductwork----not to mention crush insulation. (Compacting insulation decreases its R-value----in other words increases heat loss/gain.) Now admittedly the receptacle is not properly wired and covered----but are you sure there are no similar conditions in the space that you stuff your seasonal decorations? In this case the plastic base of the Christmas tree stand prevents the metal screw from touching the exposed electrical connections----all bets would be off with the metal tree thrown on top though. These sorts of electrical hazards are like snakes poised to strike----just waiting for the right opportunity-----and they strike when you least suspect. Charles Buell
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Charles - Great reminder to be aware of and to avoid potential hazards
So much to learn and watch out for...and so little time! -- Tanya in Montreal
Following you is a full time job....thanks, Charles
Sam, thanks
Tanya---just watch out for snakes:)
Barbara, yes, but so much fun:)
Caught my attention with that one, great reminder.
Penny, I find that snakes get lots of peoples attention:)
Wonderful reminder Charles! I must admit that there is NOTHING in my attic! I just wish I could park a car in my oversized 2 car garage! :-) I'm sure you would find some hazards there too!
I'll bet that a lot of us have similar unsafe "situations", hidden-away in the dark recesses of our homes.
Good job pointing out what many folks would never even think about my inspector friend.
Now where am I going to store my reindeer if not in the attic?......Hmmmmmmm...........
Charles - If I store my Christmas decorations in my attic, the candles will melt, and I doubt it would be good for the other stuff. It is interesting how such seemingly insignificant issues as removing the cover from a receptacle and loosening the screws that hold it in place can occasionally come back to "bite" us.
It is even more scary when you find these snakes under the kitchen sink.
I was actually looking for the snake. You got me again Charles. Until next time readers are awaiting.
Charlie,
Here in Mexico I am seeing lizards but no snakes so far.
Charlie,
Some of the electrical work here would boggle your mind. By they way, I sent you an Email. Can you give the guys at BTC a call please, Curtis or David.
Hey Charles, it's in the unfinished attic space, so shouldn't the electrical work be hanging out in an unfinished state as well? How else are you going to electrocute the casual snake slithering through the space.
Not the safest environment sparky!
Does anything make sense anymore,
Paul
You obviously haven't seen the new lightning Christmas tree stand. :)
Amy, I hope at least there is some insulation up there:)
Tom, I am sure you are right
Craig---I always eat mine after Christmas:)
John, you are right and it is NEVER a good idea to leave receptacles like this
Troy----ahhh yes the infamous Disposal Viper
Robert, gotta hook you in here somehow:) Thanks for stopping by.
Steve, I would worry more about the ones that see you
Steve, When I was in Mexico I saw a lot of what you are talking about
Frank, good point:)
Paul, sparks, wood, cardboard, plastic----what is the problem?
James---does it have to be grounded?
I'm finishing up my required continuing ed right now and just completed the home inspection chapter... they were not nearly as educational as you are! (And they made a point of saying that Florida inspectors will have to be licensed as of 7/1/10, with the late date so Florida can come up with appropriate parameters for the licenses!). :)
Perhaps a rubber mallet to mash that two prong into the box would work? :)
I am sure glad that there wasn't a snake in the attic. We store some Christmas decorations in the attic, but in an area that is clear of electrial outletss...A good reminder for all..
Hi, Charlie. What a good post. This is so true...most people put stuff like this into the attic or under the eaves and don't even think about what it might be pushed up against.
Having seen this picture, I will certainly be more attentive!
Shoshana, continuing ed is still a good thing:)
Vince---did you notice all the double lucks on the wires----the box is way too small for the number of wires in it---plus the device.
Rebecca, thanks----snakes get people's attention:)
Leslie, I see this kind of thing over and over----not a one time deal for sure
Mr Charles,
As you know I am a master in the attic but my activities here have limited my crawling.
Nutsy
I think that receptacle is supposed to float like that - didn't you see the special double-wired yellow cable?
Snakes in their head for that outlet I say. And nothing but insulation in my attic, no bats, no storage.
Nutsy, same old same old I guess
Jay, well there probably isn't room to stuff it back in the box
Tammy, that is what attics are for---insulation
Charlie,
I am waiting to tell people where I finally found Nutsy. Yes, he did get back from Mexico but by the skin of his teeth.
Steve, I can hardly wait----I am sitting here with bad breath waiting!