Why

The following is a recent inspection.

This is after a Home Inspector had “inspected” this home. These defects where found in less than 15 minutes of entering the property.

Electrical Safety Inspection Report

Inspection Date: 

Property Address: 

Client: 

Inspection Type:

·        A Basic Inspection $75.00. Walk through with random testing of outlets. The observation of patent defects.

·        A Detailed Inspection $175.00. : Inspection of the electrical panel’s interior and a random inspection of the interior of outlets.

·        An Exhaustive Inspection $550.00. : An inspection of all readily accessible parts of the entire electrical system. This is the only inspection that certifies that the home complies with the requirements of NFPA 70.

·        Additional consultation and/or expert witness fees are billed at the rate of $125.00 per hour. Expert witness testimony has a four (4) hour minimum.

NFPA 70 is used as the guideline for the electrical inspection. Code references are those of the current NFPA 70.

The following violations of NFPA 70 are:

Patent Violations

• Electrical system not properly bonded 250.104
• NM cable in the mechanical area is not properly secured and/or supported 334.30
• NM cable in the mechanical area is not
• NM cable in the finished area of the basement (uses not permitted) 334.12
• NM cable on exterior of building not properly protected from physical damage 334.15
• NM cable installed in boxes not installed properly 312.5
• Boxes not enclosed 312.15
• Florescent lights not enclosed 312.5
• Improper wiring of outlets 110.12
• Work space 110.26

The above violations are ones that were easily detectable and the above list is not meant to list all the violations that may exist. Only an exhaustive inspection would do so. 

Homeowners complaint of nuisance tripping of breakers is probably due to objectionable current. This is a high probability due to the amateurish installation of the electric in the basement. 

Dangers of objectionable current are but not limited to: 

• Ventricular fibrillation (any time the voltage on electrical equipment is above 30 volts)
• Nuisance tripping of breakers
• Ground fault protection may fail to operate
• Development of EMF and/or ELF a cancer causing effect

The wiring added to finish the basement is not salvageable and must be removed in its entirety. 

The following qualifies some of what was discussed at the electrical inspection. 

§ 3783.06 Prohibition.

Text of Statute

No person shall engage in the practice of electrical inspection in this state unless he is the holder of a certificate of competency as an electrical safety inspector issued under Chapter 3783 of the Revised Code. Any person practicing or offering to practice electrical inspection shall show proof of his certification upon request as provided by rules of the board of building standards.

HISTORY: 133 v H 991 (Eff 9-4-70); 135 v H 1. Eff 3-22-73.  

§ 3783.01 Definitions.

Text of Statute

As used in sections 3783.01 to 3783.08 , inclusive, of the Revised Code:

(A) “Electrical safety inspector” means a person who is certified as provided in Chapter 3783 of the Revised Code.

(B) The “practice of electrical inspection” includes any ascertainment of compliance with the Ohio building code, or the electrical code of a political subdivision of this state by a person, who, for compensation, inspects the construction and installation of electrical conductors, fittings, devices, and fixtures for light, heat or power services equipment, or the installation, alteration, replacement, maintenance, or repair of any electrical wiring and equipment that is subject to any of the aforementioned codes.

(C) “Ohio building code” means the rules and regulations adopted by the board of building standards under Chapter 3781 . of the Revised Code.

(D) “Board of building standards” or “board” means the board established by section 3781.07 of the Revised Code.

HISTORY: 133 v H 991. Eff 9-4-70.

In my professional opinion, I do not see how a competent electrical inspector could have represented to you that this home’s electrical system is not unsafe and dangerous. 

  My recommendations are: 

1. As soon as possible, have the electrical system bonded properly.
2. As soon as possible have the outlets repaired
3. As soon as possible, have the added electric in the basement disconnected.
4. Have an exhaustive inspection of the entire electrical system.

These are estimates and will vary by electrical contractors: 

1. To remove dangerous circuits and repair mis-wired circuits $600.00 to $800.00.
2. Re-wire finished basement area $400.00 to $600.00.
3. Allowance for latent defects $200.00 to $400.00.

An exhaustive electrical safety inspection, by a certified Electrical Safety Inspector $550.00.