If you read Upon Closer Inspection, then you know how we like to joke around about some of the things people do to their homes. But we also know when to be serious, and one of those times is when you’re dealing with electricity. This week, we’re looking at some electrical home inspection finds. NOT because we want you to go DIY your own electrical repairs. But because knowledge is power (see what I did there?), you should be able to diagnose problems and know when to call an electrician.
Don’t Judge a Panel Box by Its Cover
We could give whoever did this the benefit of the doubt, and say the original cover fell off and got misplaced. We could. But whatever the circumstances, someone has put a newer GE cover on a Federal Pacific panel box (FPE), which is a no-no for two reasons.
First, FPEs are an outdated brand of panel box that is no longer in use and are considered dangerous. They were popular in midcentury homes but were banned in the 1980s because the breakers they use can cause fires. Federal Pacific panel boxes cause about 2,800 fires each year. Because of this, electricians recommend they are replaced ASAP.
Second, the panel cover should technically be the same brand as the panel itself to be up to code. Another brand or just a random piece of metal won’t do because the cover was manufactured with a specific type of metal at a specific thickness and fit for a purpose.
Blue Button Square D Breaker Recall
Inspector Alex gives a great example in this video of how a home inspector will let prospective buyers know when to call an electrician. He goes through some of the things an inspector is looking at when inspecting an electrical panel, and this is great info for all homeowners. Like the color coding within the panel box: white is for neutral, red and black are hot, and green is your grounding wire.
The main point he’s making here is about the recall of the Blue Button Square D breakers. These breakers were recalled by the company after it was determined that those manufactured between March and September of 2004 failed to perform. The breakers themselves are not dangerous, but since their function is to detect arcing faults and switch off to prevent fire, the fact that these don’t do that could be dangerous.
The Worst Outdoor Electrical DIY Ever
This is literally the worst. Those are HOT WIRES that some little child, animal, or anyone could touch and get the shock of their life. Let’s not even talk about the fact that this is right by the pool. These wires should be inside the wall, and there should be an outlet or other connection inside the junction box. But this yahoo was like, “Nah, I’m gonna hang some lights here and run some fans over yonder, and I’ll just wrap these up with some TAPE, and put that twisty mess in this here locked box for SAFETY.” Do they have to put on the Seller’s Disclosure if the former owner was electrocuted? (Too dark?) Ugh, don’t DIY electricity.
As a homeowner, there are lots of things you can figure out with a quick Google search or YouTube watch. But just as you should leave surgery to an actual surgeon, when it comes to electricity, know when to call an electrician. And when you’re buying a home, or just need questions answered about the home you own, ask a home inspector.
Don’t be this guy.
