As homeowners, we don’t typically give too much thought about the lights in our homes as long as they are doing what lights are supposed to do. We flip the switch, instantaneous illumination, we can see and life is good! However, it is usually what we can’t see that can be a cause for concern. […]
Why two different receptacles?
Have you ever wondered why there is sometimes a single receptacle in your garage? You know that the regular looking one with the buttons is a GFCI protected receptacle ( and is usually supply’s power to your exterior receptacles). The GFCI is a safety type receptacle that turns off the power to the circuit and […]
What Is “A Light Switch Away?”
There have been many comments about light switches and this “one light switch away from” electrifying or possibly electrocuting the user. We take modern wiring for granted, fumbling for a light switch in a dark room without the possibility of getting shocked. This is more like something Dracula would have used to terrify movie audiences. […]
Transformer (What’s it?)
This funky and worrying thing with wires hanging out of it is often found in the oddest of places. They can be found on the wall in a closet, in the basement on the wall or in the ceiling joists, beside the breaker panel, just about anywhere in a home.Nervous buyers often look at those […]
Don’t Be Stranded…
When connecting stranded wiring (a wire that is made up of numerous smaller wires as opposed to a solid wire) all strands of the wire must be secured under the terminal screw. In this photo of a wire connected to a circuit breaker, there is less wire connected to one of the connections which means […]
Telephone (What’s It?)
These blocks are often found in basements and can still be in use, but never in newer homes. Most newer homes have two plastic boxes outside with wires coming out of them. One for the cable TV wiring and the other for the incoming phone line. The phone “box“ is called a telephone interface which […]
Common or Shared Neutral Wiring at Breaker
Video shows connections; Where two electrical circuits share the same neutral wire, the two breakers must have a common trip and be fed from opposite phases which are alternated from one breaker to the next.It is a fire safety concern if they are incorrectly wired and positioned.
Being Thorough Pays Off!
Recently we inspected a home in Yellow Springs built in 1920, our report mentioned that there was Knob & Tube wiring in the home. Our client was very diligent and immediately hired a licensed electrician to inspect the wiring and recommend if any rewiring would be necessary. The electrician went through the 900 Square foot […]
Fuse Box “from times long gone”
These old fuse boxes in a beautifully built asbestos lined oak cabinet were a big step up from the single exposed wall mounted fuse. These boxes were the forerunner to the breaker panels of today. The asbestos lining was used to contain any sparks or fire in the days before we all realized that mesothelioma […]
Adding a Receptacle May Not Be Simple
Do You Have Space on Your Circuit for Adding a Receptacle? Wiring is basically simple if you are adding a receptacle. First, look at the circuit you want to add the receptacle to. There can only be a total of 10 receptacles on a 20 amp circuit that uses 12 gauge wire or 8 receptacles […]
Technology in 1916 Home
Inspected this amazing home in Springfield just down from the Frank Lloyd house that was built in 1916, it originally had automated gates on the driveway the wood work in all the rooms was beautiful, the bathrooms had claw footed tubs and original tile work on the walls and floor. What really impressed me was […]
Dual Ovens….no!
Honey did you say turn off the oven or turn off the power? It is actually legal to have the breaker panel this low, who would have thought, except that if there is a water leak it will short out the panel. There is a maximum permitted height which is 6’7″ for the top breaker.
Recycling at its best!
Would we “call” this “disadvantage home team”, found in an attic last week, quirky reuse of a tennis ball container as an electrical junction box. Yes it works, No its not permitted!
Is Your Incoming Electric Safe
BEFORE YOU GO CLEANING GUTTERS and carrying ladders around you should perform a safety check. Look to see where your electrical service comes in. If it is to a roof mast or attached to the side of your home, take a look at the electrical connection between the power company wire and the wire from […]
