Electrical Extension Cord Safety

May 10

As Phoenix home inspectors, we often think about electrical safety. The general public, conversely, probably uses electrical extension cords without giving them much thought. Did you know that accidents from extension cords kill around 50 people annually, injure another 4,000 and cause several thousand household fires? Perhaps we should all brush up on the rules for using extension cords.

The first set of rules are that extension cords are only to be used for providing temporary power. They are not to be installed in a permanent application as a substitute for structure wiring. Beyond that, they may not be run through holes in walls, ceilings or floors. They should not be run through windows or doors unless protected from damage and they may not be attached to the building or concealed within building cavities.

Next, you need to select the proper sized extension cord. Using the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system you will discover that the lower the wire gauge number, the more capacity the extension cord has (and the thicker the cord is). A house is commonly wired with a combination of 12 gauge and 14 gauge wires in the walls for receptacles. The 12 gauge wire can safely carry 20 amps and the 14 gauge wire can safely carry 15 amps. When using an extension cord for light duty applications you can often safely use wires with a higher AWG number than if you are powering appliances or power tools. To be safe, add up the entire connected load in amps and be sure that it falls below the capacity of the wire.

Finally, if your use for the extension cord is outdoors, be sure the cord is rated for outdoor applications. The extension cord should be specifically marked if it is approved for outdoor use. Also, always use the shortest length cord that will work for the application to prevent overheating of the extension cord.

We hope you find this information valuable - from your friends at Advantage Inspection Service in Phoenix, helping to keep you safe this year and for years to come.

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Electrical Hazards

Jun 02

Messed up tree wiring, improper cabling and burned equipment are just a few of electrical hazards we’ve found.

Follow this link to see even more electrical hazards caught on camera via our website!

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Arc Fault Circuit Interruptors (AFCI)

Feb 01

ASK THE INSPECTORS

Question: On a new home sale, I overheard the builder representative talk to the buyer about something called an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. What do these devices do and should they be installed in older homes also? ? Anna, Keller-Williams Agent in Phoenix

Problems in home electrical systems, like arcing and sparking, have been associated with more than 40,000 fires every year. That translates to over 350 lives lost and 1,400 personal injuries annually. This new electrical safety device called an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI), was recently developed and is expected to provide significant protection from fires resulting from these unsafe wiring conditions.

Ordinary household fuses and breakers do not respond to early arcing and sparking conditions. By the time a fuse or circuit breaker stops the flow of electricity in a circuit, the fire may already have begun. Several years ago, a Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) study identified arc fault detection as a promising new technology. Since then, the CPSC engineers have tested the new AFCI’s on the market and found them to be very effective.

A few important facts to note:

The most recent edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC ? January 2002), the widely adopted model code for electrical wiring, requires AFCI’s for all bedroom circuits in new residential construction. Future editions of the code, which is updated every three years, could expand the required areas. Don’t confuse AFCI protection and GFCI protection. Both AFCI’s and GFCI’s are important safety devices, but they have different functions. AFCI’s are intended to prevent fire hazards; GFCI’s prevent shock hazards. Combination devices that include both AFCI and GFCI protection in one unit will become available soon. Current configurations, as depicted above, have a reset button on the breaker in the electrical panel. Future designs might change the location of the reset. It is wise to install AFCI protection in older homes. Aging wiring systems are often at the most risk for arcing and sparking. Be sure to have a qualified electrician install AFCI’s; do not attempt this work yourself. Expect to see home inspectors recommend AFCI’s for all dwellings. Many people would be alive today if only they had an AFCI installed prior to the fire that claimed their lives. Home inspectors are likely to be the ones bringing this news to the public.

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Chinese Drywall

Jan 20

Since we are known as the best team of Phoenix home inspectors we are often asked about Chinese drywall problems. The fact is that, Arizona’s major metro areas of Phoenix and Tucson are among the regions suspected of having toxic Chinese drywall installed in properties. Most of the suspect drywall is believed to have been installed during the boom years between 2004 and 2007 but may include other dates. The known problems associated with Chinese drywall include a rotten egg smell, corrosion at metallic components and adverse health effects. These problems result from the emission of high hydrogen sulfide levels from the components of Chinese drywall. The emissions are known to worsen during periods of high heat and humidity. To date relatively few complaints from Arizona have been recorded. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports 5 complaints from Arizona as of October 1, 2009. This may be a result of the dry climate in Arizona not yet producing the conditions necessary for high emissions of hydrogen sulfide. Arizona could have a delay in reporting of problems if the dry climate has simply slowed the inevitable adverse effects. Almost 85% of the cases of Chinese drywall recorded to date were found in homes located in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.

On May 25, 2010 the CPSC formally issued an outline of test results including a list of problem drywall manufacturer’s names. Of the samples tested by the CPSC, the top ten sulfur-emitting samples were all manufactured in China. Some of the Chinese drywall had emissions 100 times greater than drywall produced elsewhere. This report, can be viewed at the CPSC website at www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall along with sample photos and more guidance.

To date, the studies that have been conducted involve Chinese drywall installed in residential homes. Recently an Interim Remediation Guide was released and the recommendations involve extreme measures when Chinese drywall is found. The recommendations are to replace all problem drywall, replace all fire safety/alarm devices (including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors), replace all electrical components and wiring (including outlets, switches and circuit breakers), and replace all gas service piping and fire suppression sprinkler systems

It is important to be aware of the signs associated with the presence of Chinese drywall:

There may be a rotten egg, sulfur-like, or acid type smell at the property.
The building may have continuous failures of air conditioner coils, fans and interior components that exhibit excessive metal corrosion.
Tarnished metal at interior possessions may be noted.
Electrical wiring behind cover plates may appear black from corrosion at the copper wiring.
Occupants may have experienced mild to severe upper respiratory problems, nose bleeds, headaches or other serious medical conditions.

It is not easy to detect the presence of Chinese drywall. Confirmation of Chinese drywall usually involves removal of a section drywall to view the writing on the back which may state the name of the manufacturer or have a “MADE IN CHINA” stamp. At this point in time it is critical to stay informed and be on alert for the signs noted above. As the premier team of home inspectors in Phoenix we will keep you posted.

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Holiday Home Safety Tips

Dec 28

The winter holidays are a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire and accidents. InterNACHI recommends that you follow these guidelines to help make your holiday season safer and more enjoyable.

Holiday Lighting

Use caution with holiday decorations and, whenever possible, choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant and non-combustible materials.
Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials, and do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees.
Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings, and replace damaged items before plugging lights in. If you have any questions about electrical safety, ask an InterNACHI inspector during your next scheduled inspection. Do not overload extension cords.
Don’t mount lights in any way that can damage the cord’s wire insulation. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples–don’t use nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.
Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations.
Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.
Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground-fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Decorations

Use only non-combustible and flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel and artificial icicles of plastic and non-leaded metals.
Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp and breakable, and keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children.
Avoid trimmings that resemble candy and food that may tempt a young child to put them in his mouth.

Holiday Entertaining

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. When cooking for holiday visitors, remember to keep an eye on the range.
Provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays, and check them frequently. Cigarette butts can smolder in the trash and cause a fire, so completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding.
Keep matches and lighters up high, out of sight and reach of children (preferably in a locked cabinet).
Test your smoke alarms, and let guests know what your fire escape plan is.

Trees

When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “fire-resistant.”
When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches, and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break.
When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators and portable heaters. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly.
Make sure the base is steady so the tree won’t tip over easily.

Fireplaces

Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open.
Use care with “fire salts,” which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten.
Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

Toys and Ornaments

Purchase appropriate toys for the appropriate age. Some toys designed for older children might be dangerous for younger children.
Electric toys should be UL/FM approved.
Toys with sharp points, sharp edges, strings, cords, and parts small enough to be swallowed should not be given to small children.
Place older ornaments and decorations that might be painted with lead paint out of the reach of small children and pets.

Children and Pets

Poinsettias are known to be poisonous to humans and animals, so keep them well out of reach, or avoid having them.
Keep decorations at least 6 inches above the child’s reach.
Avoid using tinsel. It can fall on the floor and a curious child or pet may eat it. This can cause anything from mild distress to death.
Keep any ribbons on gifts and tree ornaments shorter than 7 inches. A child could wrap a longer strand of ribbon around their neck and choke.
Avoid mittens with strings for children. The string can get tangled around the child’s neck and cause them to choke. It is easier to replace a mitten than a child.
Watch children and pets around space heaters or the fireplace. Do not leave a child or pet unattended.
Store scissors and any sharp objects that you use to wrap presents out of your child’s reach.
Inspect wrapped gifts for small decorations, such as candy canes, gingerbread men, and mistletoe berries, all of which are choking hazards.

Security

Use your home burglar alarm system.
If you plan to travel for the holidays, don’t discuss your plans with strangers.
Have a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home.

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