How to Inspect the Electrical Conductor Material (UPDATED 5/28/18)
While the inspector is inspecting the electrical panel the most important thing that needs to be checked is if there is any solid conductor aluminum branch wiring present in the panel. If this is missed, the inspector could be held responsible and have to pay the cost of rewiring the entire house, which would not be cheap. There is also a fire hazard that goes along with aluminum wiring and an inspector would definitely not want to be held responsible if a home was to catch on fire. If you see aluminum wiring in the electrical panel it needs to be called out as a defect and recommend to the clients/agents to have it further evaluated by a qualified electrician. Please read the full procedure below.
NACHI SOP
International Standards of Practice for Performing a General Home Inspection
3.7. Electrical
I. The inspector shall inspect:
N/A
II. The inspector shall describe:
B. The type of wiring observed.
III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
C. The presence of solid conductor aluminum branch-circuit wiring, if readily accessible.
IV. The inspector is not required to:
N/A
Axium SOP Differences
Axium Requires: Same as NACHI Standards of Practice
Tools Needed
No tools required to inspect the electrical conductor material.
Procedure
- Every home should be checked thoroughly for Aluminum wiring but if you are inspecting a home that was built in the 1960’s or 1970’s even more attention should be paid to the wiring in the electrical panel.
- While the front cover of the electrical panel is off we will inspect for the type of electrical conductor material that is inside the electrical panel. It is very important to look for solid conductor aluminum-branch wiring. We will take two pictures for this section and in those pictures make sure to get clear pictures of the wiring so we can tell if it is copper or aluminum wiring.
Common Defects
- Solid conductor aluminum-branch wiring being present in the electrical panel.
Common Mistakes
- Not checking all of the wiring to see if there is aluminum wiring present.
- Not taking clear pictures of the wires in the panel.
Report / Software
IN |
|
|
NI |
|
|
||
NP |
|
|
RR |
|