Electrical Issues

Issue #1

When Dad decided to add more lights and outlets, he thought he did a great job. After all, everything works. The attic access, located in teh hall linen closet, is very small, so nobody will see this for a long time. Well, then came the Dinosaur Inspectors who wormed there way into the attic and found this and more. This is unsafe wiring and a danger to not only the occupants but the building. Reworking all of Dad’s wiring by a competent and patient Master Electrician could cost $3600.00

Issue #2

Within the Dinosaur Inspectors world this is called “Fire Prone Equipment.” Water has leaked into the main electric service disconnect ( aka the main breaker). Its ability to protect the house wiring and the house itself is questionable. The panel and main breaker are overdue for replacement. The original installation contractor failed to apply an anti-oxidant to the aluminum service entry cable ends, and they are corroded. With the location of the house, the cost of work done by a competent Master Electrician was $1800.00

Issue #3

The amount of electricity available in the installation is barely sufficient for a garage, and was attempting to power a 2 story center entrance colonial. It is 30 amps, 110 volts. Most large room window air conditioners require this much electricity to operate. While checking the outlets and switches they were found to be arcing in the walls of the home. The electrical service was replaced as was all of the wiring in the house. Excluding the light fixtures the cost was $12,000.

Issue #4

About 40 plus years ago, this light fixture was wired and positioned like so. The house had been inspected 4 times and no one said anything about the light fixture. A glass bulb in the path of travel is an accident waiting to happen. When the owners were asked why they were using a florescent bulb they said “we got burned by a regular bulb”. A competent electrician, plus a simple florescent tube fixture installed was around $200.00.

Issue #5

White porcelain knobs with wires running threw them is Knob and Tube wiring. Your homeowners insurance company may not write a policy if you have this type of wiring. It is considered obsolete by national standards. It has been well documented that it is the source of multiple house and building fires, some of which have fatalities. This was discovered in a home that had been “completely rewired”. This wiring, when tested, was found to be live and actively powering the second floor lights, outlets and a ceiling fan/heater combination. When all knob and tube wiring was replaced and second floor lights, switches and fixtures were upgraded to minimum standards, a capital outlay of $11,000.00 was incurred.

Issue #6

Under no circumstances do you want a water view in the electrical panel. This panel had been leaking for quite some time due to a failed gasket at the service mast. All of the circuit breakers have been affected. The electrical panel exterior door could become electrically energized. The circuit breakers are a safety device and in all probability will not work when most needed. The service mast was replaced along with an upgrade to a copper wire service cable. The entire electrical box and circuit breakers were replaced. Costing $2600.00.