There are two types of clothes dryer plugs and receptacles. The older one with three prongs and typically a gray cord, still in use and perfectly acceptable. Then there are the new four prong plugs, these all have a black cord and plug. The additional pin on the plug adds a ground wire adding an […]Read More about Incorrect Dryer Receptacle
Killer Generator Hook Up
With global weather patterns changing power outages are becoming widespread, outages that were localized are now becoming citywide as hurricanes, flooding and wildfires threaten communities. The answer is a standby generator. There are the permanent types that are installed on a pad outside and the portable type that is generally stored in the garage then […]Read More about Killer Generator Hook Up
Not A Bright Idea!
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. […]Read More about Not A Bright Idea!
Magnificent Bathroom
Inspecting a beautiful home in Centerville, I was impressed with all the updates. The house while not being old had been recently remodeled and a deep soaking bathtub installed. The scene was like something you would see in a magazine, the bath, the view, the chandelier lights….. Chandelier lights? This was a big no, no! […]Read More about Magnificent Bathroom
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 […]Read More about Why two different receptacles?
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. […]Read More about What Is “A Light Switch Away?”
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 […]Read More about Transformer (What’s it?)
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 […]Read More about Don’t Be Stranded…
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 […]Read More about Telephone (What’s It?)
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 […]Read More about Being Thorough Pays Off!
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 […]Read More about Fuse Box “from times long gone”
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 […]Read More about Adding a Receptacle May Not Be Simple
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 […]Read More about Technology in 1916 Home
