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Among the most essential aspects of being a home inspector is locating safety dangers. Risky electrical procedures are just one of the most frequent safety hazards home inspectors will discover. As home inspectors, we NEVER EVER cite code, but being aware of current building codes/practices will certainly make you a much more effective home inspector.

1 part of the electrical inspection specifically is Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). Depending on which state you reside in or which inspection association's standards of practice you are adhering to, the majority of them address GFCI. For example the NAHI SOP states "the inspector has to confirm the function of GFCI if present". It also says the inspection is not required to provide details from any source pertaining to previous or existing violations of codes.

First, exactly how does a GFCI work? The GFCI has a sensor inside which detects changes in current to the appliance which is connected to it (such as a toaster or blow dryer) by comparing the current flow TO the appliance and the current flow FROM the appliance. If there is a potentially hazardous drop off in the current, then the GFCI switches off all power by tripping a relay within it in under 1 second. If a GFCI shuts off your appliance, then you will have to push the reset button. A GFCI has two buttons: a test button and a reset button. If a GFCI turns off your appliance, then you will have to press the reset button. During a home inspection you need to be testing every GFCI with respect to correct function with a GFCI 3-- prong tester. If installed properly, a GFCI can save the ' life.

Home inspectors need to remember that they are not there to cite code violations, but instead, are there to make recommendations to the client if additional safety can be added or upgraded. As an example if inspecting a bathroom in a home that was built in 1987, or for that fact 2007, and the receptacle is examined and is correctly grounded but does not have GFCI protection, it should NOT be written up as a safety risk, although the code for GFCI protection in a bathroom went into effect in 1975. Rather, this should be expressed verbally and should be written in the report as, "for additional safety, recommend GFCI protected receptacles in the bathroom." It is all right to recommend GFCI protected receptacles in areas that normally require them but do not currently have them.

Per the 2011 NEC, GFCIs are required in the following places of the home, excluding pools, spas & boathouses.

Required to be in easily accessible locations.

All bathroom receptacles.

All garage and accessory building receptacles.

All receptacles in unfinished basements, excluding permanently installed fire alarm or burglar alarm systems. [bigskyrocks.com/?p=71 home inspection guide]

All outdoor receptacles, excluding GFPE circuits dedicated to non-readily accessible receptacles for snow-melting or deicing equipment.

All receptacles in crawl spaces or below grade level.

All receptacles serving kitchen counters.

Receptacles within 6 ft. of all non-kitchen sinks.

Whirlpool tubs.

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