While all the defects associated with this installation will be over the heads of many of my Rainmates, I am sure all of the inspectors will appreciate the full extent of the problems with the installation----if it is fair to call it an "installation."
This is someone's idea of a 30 amp Remote Distribution Panel (sub-panel) for a detached garage. We have 240 volts protected in the house main panel with a 30 amp breaker. The wire buried in the ground is #10-3WG NMB (code for "indoor") romex. All of those nice shiny copper colored wires you see sticking out of the box are all live----just waiting for completion of the installation. The 15 amp rated receptacle was "functional."
I will start a list of issues with this installation----I am sure someone will come up with others.
1. No proper panel box
2. No proper cover
3. Feeders not terminated with disconnect means (breakers/fuses)
4. Wrong wire
5. Wires not properly restrained
6. Exposed hot conductors
7. Improper access
8. Over-fused wires run from this junction
All it really needs is a good electrician to redo the entire installation (and then the electrician could work on the rest of the wiring in the structure).
Charles Buell
PS, for those of you that are new to my blog (or for some other "unexplained" reason have never noticed)
all pictures and smiley-face inserts (emoticons) (when I use them) have messages that show up when you point at them with your cursor.
DeCroe, is my "certiflied" home inspector assistant and occasionally flies into my blog to offer assistance. To find out more about her beginnings just click on Raven.
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PS, for those of you that are new to my blog (or for some other "unexplained" reason have never noticed)
all pictures and smiley-face inserts (emoticons) (when I use them) have messages that show up when you point at them with your cursor.
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Seems like someone is expecting a fire.
Charles,
When electricians don't follow code, it is sad! That could be dangerous!
Yikes... even as a non-electrician I can see problems with this box. I love the two live wires, within what appears to be "arcing distance" and pointing at a nice metal thermos-mug...
very nice.
Mr Charles,
I thought part of the deal, my running your firm, was that I got to do the blogs too. Now I see you are doing them remotely. That is just not fair. I have much to say.
Nutsy
There are some scary things out there, aren't there?
More photos from your own house Charlie? I never saw anyone who would go to such destructive measures to get a colorful photo.
Looks like someones Uncle has been playing electrician again. At least they capped and taped the neutral.
If you found anything else wrong it would be overkill. Just trash it (technical term for the day) and start over.
Darrell, my thoughts exactly
Mary, Unfortunately I don't think an electrician ever got near this
Alan, some things are just too obvious
Nutsy------you are nuts
Amy, there sure is
Steve, I am kind of surprised you aren't willing to own up to this one
James, I think even Bubba would have done better
Jack, good idea:)
That looks like some very "custom" wiring. It wasn't even a problem till you showed up!
Jim, that is the way it usually is:)
Charlie - what a shocking discovery!
Gotta wonder what goes through the minds of the people who actually do work like this. (The movie Death Wish comes to mind).
Kevin, Do you mean Charles Bronson is going to come around the corner and shoot the person who wired this box.:O
Carol, electrical and shocking--------not good.
Kevin, sometimes a little information about something simply isn't enough
James, that would work:)
No, I think Charles Bronson would just make him stick his tongue on those exposed wires.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't find an electrician who did this - perhaps a homeowner playing like they were one, but that's about it. Personally, I don't do my own electrical work for just these reasons. I really don't want to be the reason my house burns down.
Hey Charlie,
You sleeping in down there. Expected you to post something today.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO MY GARAGE?!? or, I mean.... Yikes! SOME poor sap REALLY has a problem! ;) --James Wirth
Kevin, maybe that is what Nutsy the wire expert should do:)
Steve-----have I ever told you how much I hate laptops? Too difficult to do and not much time-----you will have to get on without me:)
James, I am sorry if this looks like your garage too----but it is really Steve Smith's garage after he made repairs.
Charlie,
When I am away from my computer I have really messed up typing. Really a hassle in Italy where some keys are different on the keyboard.
Are you finding this weather is causing people to cancel their home inspections? I figure YOU can gett there...but how about the buyers? Off-topic question :)
If it's functional, no harm, no foul... It must be okay, I don't see any blood.
Oh, and both reds are on the same side. You are being very, very picky.
Ardell, that is a very good question----I may get to find out the answer to that on Monday:)
Jay, that is me-----Mr Picky:)
Charlie,
Up here in Bellingham I think the answer is that pre-scheduled inspections are going but business is pretty slow as far as booking. People are not exactly out cruising around with realtors right now.
Dear Mr Charles,
I am very proud. I have solved the transportation issues and your firm is out inspecting again. The only problem is I cannot take the extension ladder.
Your interim manager,
Nutsy
It's really scary to see what some people will do just to save a few dollars. Buyers and their agents should appreciate the work of inspectors like yourself to identify these issues and help educate the public.
Nutsy----you better not freeze your butt to that thing again.
John, thanks, I think most inspectors take this job pretty seriously.
Charles, Looks like who ever did this job parked their brains out in the back 40! Shouldn't that outlet also be GFCI protected? Makes my head hurt when I see this type of crap...
**** Merry Christmas ****
Michael, I am sure that somewhere in the whole mess a GFCI is also missing
Charles
Seen you poped in and out of my blog today.
So I came by to say
to you, and your family, hope Y'all had a real fine day.
Dale, thanks for stopping by here, and I hope you had a nice Christmas today and have a Happy New Year.
Mr Charles,
I am now working parttime at Denny's, not sure where I am but please send my money so I can blow this joint, wherever it is. I am ready to explode.
Nutsy
Need a match?