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Photos
Shave ice anyone?
Here is one overly-eager room air conditioner. No, the ice is not normal. It is an indication of a
problem. In this case, the return air filter screen was completely plugged with dust, as a start.
Here is one overly-eager room air conditioner. No, the ice is not normal. It is an indication of a
problem. In this case, the return air filter screen was completely plugged with dust, as a start.
Um, no extra-charge for the incorrect installation there Ma'am.
Here is a brand new roof, and it will leak. This is a shot of a typical plumbing vent stack flashing. I'm not a
fan of these "economical" flashing components- lead is the way to go. The raised flap at the ABS pipe
should have been fully removed. But even when done right, these cheap assemblies shrink or split in
only a few years, which will allow rain to leak down into concealed areas. ABS piping deteriorates, when
exposed.
Here is a brand new roof, and it will leak. This is a shot of a typical plumbing vent stack flashing. I'm not a
fan of these "economical" flashing components- lead is the way to go. The raised flap at the ABS pipe
should have been fully removed. But even when done right, these cheap assemblies shrink or split in
only a few years, which will allow rain to leak down into concealed areas. ABS piping deteriorates, when
exposed.
Nice legs! "Thanks, they go all the way up".
This is a typical main circuit breaker inside an exterior main disconnect. These should not be
double-tapped as in this photo. It occurred when another electrical panel was added to this home later in
its life, for added split AC. This connection is not as safe as the original single cable connection would
have been. As a result, it may overheat, or arc. Further, each sub panel in a home should be supplied by
its very own, dedicated circuit breaker. But far too often things like this are NOT permitted, therefor NOT
inspected by a city inspector as would otherwise be required for the new electrical work. The problem is
compounded when those already low available amperage systems are expanded upon, without updating
the incoming service and panel sizes.
This is a typical main circuit breaker inside an exterior main disconnect. These should not be
double-tapped as in this photo. It occurred when another electrical panel was added to this home later in
its life, for added split AC. This connection is not as safe as the original single cable connection would
have been. As a result, it may overheat, or arc. Further, each sub panel in a home should be supplied by
its very own, dedicated circuit breaker. But far too often things like this are NOT permitted, therefor NOT
inspected by a city inspector as would otherwise be required for the new electrical work. The problem is
compounded when those already low available amperage systems are expanded upon, without updating
the incoming service and panel sizes.
Oh, let me count the issues.
Many, many concerns on this one. This was a large, elaborate expensive home. The (left) original main
meter panel was rated at 125 amps only. The right two panels were later additions, for a pool and several
zones of split AC. Incoming service was believed to be limited to 100-125 amps only. The main
disconnect exhibited two 100-amp circuit breakers- which is very unusual, and suggests an
incompatibility issue. This could allow for the potential of too many amps being pulled through the 125
rated main panel- during peak demand, based on the size of a home and it's extensive all electric
equipment. Therefore, this may be a safety concern as the panel could fail. This home may be better
served by 200 amp service, which would require main panel replacement, and trenching to the nearby
HECO vault.
Numerous electrical connections were noted in the main disconnect panel, which is unusual. Main lines
(from what appeared to be the original circuit breaker) had been tapped in line, to supply power to a
nearby sub panel. Typically, every remote sub panel would feature its own dedicated main circuit breaker.
The panel immediately to the right of the meter panel did feature its own circuit breaker, but it was the
second 100-amp breaker previously noted. Again, this may be incompatible and unsafe.
The panel furthest to the right relied on the in line tap for power, and the conductors themselves were too
small / undersized #8, which would be rated at approximately 40 amps maximum. The undersized
conductors were attached to a 100-amp main breaker, which is incorrect and potentially unsafe.
The center panel neutral connection terminal was actually bonded, and ground wires were also attached
to this. This is a remote sub panel, even though joined by metallic conduit. I said have an electrician
review this, as typically all remote sub panel or non-main exterior panels feature independent neutral and
ground systems, and the neutral system would not be bonded to the back of the panel as viewed.
The center panel interior exhibited a double-tapped circuit breaker. This is where more than one wire is
attached to a circuit breaker designed to accommodate only one conductor safely. Code-conscience
electricians considered this a poor practice. Municipal inspectors often miss this condition, but typically
disallow it where found. Risks include primarily nuisance tripping of the circuit breaker if too many items
are attached, or arcing. Remedies are usually simple.
Circuit breakers needed identification in some areas.
I indicated further I was concerned about the electrical panel configuration on this home. It may be
problematic or unsafe as configured, to please consult a licensed master electrician for immediate
review. It appeared to be a good candidate for service size upgrading and panel consolidation.
Many, many concerns on this one. This was a large, elaborate expensive home. The (left) original main
meter panel was rated at 125 amps only. The right two panels were later additions, for a pool and several
zones of split AC. Incoming service was believed to be limited to 100-125 amps only. The main
disconnect exhibited two 100-amp circuit breakers- which is very unusual, and suggests an
incompatibility issue. This could allow for the potential of too many amps being pulled through the 125
rated main panel- during peak demand, based on the size of a home and it's extensive all electric
equipment. Therefore, this may be a safety concern as the panel could fail. This home may be better
served by 200 amp service, which would require main panel replacement, and trenching to the nearby
HECO vault.
Numerous electrical connections were noted in the main disconnect panel, which is unusual. Main lines
(from what appeared to be the original circuit breaker) had been tapped in line, to supply power to a
nearby sub panel. Typically, every remote sub panel would feature its own dedicated main circuit breaker.
The panel immediately to the right of the meter panel did feature its own circuit breaker, but it was the
second 100-amp breaker previously noted. Again, this may be incompatible and unsafe.
The panel furthest to the right relied on the in line tap for power, and the conductors themselves were too
small / undersized #8, which would be rated at approximately 40 amps maximum. The undersized
conductors were attached to a 100-amp main breaker, which is incorrect and potentially unsafe.
The center panel neutral connection terminal was actually bonded, and ground wires were also attached
to this. This is a remote sub panel, even though joined by metallic conduit. I said have an electrician
review this, as typically all remote sub panel or non-main exterior panels feature independent neutral and
ground systems, and the neutral system would not be bonded to the back of the panel as viewed.
The center panel interior exhibited a double-tapped circuit breaker. This is where more than one wire is
attached to a circuit breaker designed to accommodate only one conductor safely. Code-conscience
electricians considered this a poor practice. Municipal inspectors often miss this condition, but typically
disallow it where found. Risks include primarily nuisance tripping of the circuit breaker if too many items
are attached, or arcing. Remedies are usually simple.
Circuit breakers needed identification in some areas.
I indicated further I was concerned about the electrical panel configuration on this home. It may be
problematic or unsafe as configured, to please consult a licensed master electrician for immediate
review. It appeared to be a good candidate for service size upgrading and panel consolidation.
Looks fine, eh?
Sorry. Things can look fine, and be wrong too. This is a loaded, 200-amp rated interior sub panel in a 1.5
million dollar home. It was supplied by a 100-amp exterior main, and smaller supply lines. The risk of
overheating and tripping the exterior main is extremely high here. Seems "compatibility" is no longer
important to some electricians and city inspectors. Some problems are obvious- if you know what to look
for. A superficial home inspector would probably never catch this.
Sorry. Things can look fine, and be wrong too. This is a loaded, 200-amp rated interior sub panel in a 1.5
million dollar home. It was supplied by a 100-amp exterior main, and smaller supply lines. The risk of
overheating and tripping the exterior main is extremely high here. Seems "compatibility" is no longer
important to some electricians and city inspectors. Some problems are obvious- if you know what to look
for. A superficial home inspector would probably never catch this.
It's correct, uh, ain't it?
I expressed several concerns on this one, including the make-shift venting, standard duct tape on the wall
connection, the exterior termination, a loose galvanized gas line, a gas leak, the concrete blocks being a
crush risk, and so on. Did I forget to mention (no) exhaust clearance from combustible materials, or the
undersized 30-gallon capacity?
I expressed several concerns on this one, including the make-shift venting, standard duct tape on the wall
connection, the exterior termination, a loose galvanized gas line, a gas leak, the concrete blocks being a
crush risk, and so on. Did I forget to mention (no) exhaust clearance from combustible materials, or the
undersized 30-gallon capacity?
A brand new home. And yet another, low quality roofing installation.
Without a drip edge flashing, roofing remains quite loose at the base, and edges. Fascia areas are not
properly protected. Neither is the OSB sheathing outer area below the materials. I suspect this home
will not hold up very well over time, and unfortunately, it would be very difficult to go back and correct,
without damaging the new shingles. And if I can lift materials this easily with my fingers, imagine how
this will fair in a hurricane.
Without a drip edge flashing, roofing remains quite loose at the base, and edges. Fascia areas are not
properly protected. Neither is the OSB sheathing outer area below the materials. I suspect this home
will not hold up very well over time, and unfortunately, it would be very difficult to go back and correct,
without damaging the new shingles. And if I can lift materials this easily with my fingers, imagine how
this will fair in a hurricane.
Howdy neighbor, 'common over!
This is an older townhouse. Here is a shot from the unit I inspected, of the neighbors attic. We should have
a firewall here, but many buildings lack them. They are required in new construction. That helps buy time
should a fire occur. It also enhances unit to unit security. I recommended to my client that one be added.
This is an older townhouse. Here is a shot from the unit I inspected, of the neighbors attic. We should have
a firewall here, but many buildings lack them. They are required in new construction. That helps buy time
should a fire occur. It also enhances unit to unit security. I recommended to my client that one be added.
Q: Is it legal to "hang" a doorbell transformer in Hawaii?
I climbed way back into this attic on this 1.5 million dollar home. I'm glad I did. There were numerous
open electrical boxes. I could not believe my eyes when I saw this mess. Those are high voltage wires
the bell transformer is connected to / suspended from. The sad part is, someone out there knows they left
this like this.
I climbed way back into this attic on this 1.5 million dollar home. I'm glad I did. There were numerous
open electrical boxes. I could not believe my eyes when I saw this mess. Those are high voltage wires
the bell transformer is connected to / suspended from. The sad part is, someone out there knows they left
this like this.
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WE KEEP YOU IN THE DRIVERS SEAT. WE GET THE SHOTS THAT COUNT!