Branch Circuit Wiring
A branch circuit is part of an electric circuit that extends beyond the last circuit breaker and it intended component. Simply put, it is the wiring that is connected to the breaker and the defined component. The branch circuits start at the breaker box and extend to the electrical devices connected to the service. Branch circuits are the last part of the circuit supplying electrical devices.
Connections outside of junction box: There are electrical connections found outside of a junction box. This is a potential shock or electrocution hazard. This may be an indication of unprofessional wiring. Recommend further evaluation and repair.
Junction box cover missing: There are junction box covers that are missing. Recommend repair.
GFCI protection on 2 wire system: FYI: The electrical outlets are equipped with a GFCI breaker or GFCI outlets. This is generally because the system is equipped with a 2 wiring system (no equipment ground). This is an NEC approved repair.
No anti oxidation paste on aluminum wires: There is no anti oxidation paste on the aluminum wires. Recommend electrician evaluate and correct.
Missing Conduit: Unprotected electrical cable is observed. Any electrical conductors that are accessible are required to be protected by conduit. Recommend repair for safety.
Damaged conduit: There is wiring found where the conduit is damaged . Wiring should be completely enclosed in conduit to prevent accidental contact. Recommend repair.
Conduit not secure: The electrical conduit is not secured to the structure. Recommend repair.
Sheathing damaged: There is damage to the wire sheathing. Recommend repair.
Unprofessional wiring: There are indications of unprofessional wiring. Recommend licensed electrician evaluate and repair.
Extension cord wiring: There is some extension cord type electrical wiring observed. Recommend wiring be removed or corrected.
Single strand aluminum wiring: This house has aluminum electrical wiring. Aluminum electrical wiring has been know to become problematic with age and/or loose at the connections causing potential fire hazards. Recommend licensed electrician evaluate and make the necessary repair. See the link for additional information: https://inspectapedia.com/aluminum/Aluminum_Wiring_Repair_Methods.phpRead more about it on our blog: www.dwellinspectarizona.com/dwell-inspect-arizona-blog/is-aluminum-wiring-dangerous
Wiring not terminated: There are electrical wires that are not properly terminated. All conductors should be terminated into a terminal of some type. Otherwise they could come in contact with something energized. Recommend repair by a qualified electrician.
Knob and tube - active: There is live knob and tube wiring present. This style of electrical system is ungrounded and dated. Recommend licensed electrician evaluate and update.
Burned or scorched wiring: There is burned or scorched wiring observed. Recommend review by a licensed electrician.
Scuttle Hole wiring is too close: There is electrical wiring within six feet of a scuttle hole access. Recommend electrician relocate electrical wiring to prevent accidental contact when accessing scuttle hole.
Wire restraint missing: There is a wire restraint that is not installed. Recommend repair.
Wire cut or damaged: The wire is cut and/or damaged. Recommend further evaluation and repair as needed.
Loose/Frayed Connection: The connection between a conductor and breaker is loose and/or frayed. Recommend repair through a more stable point of connection.
Observed Potential Repairs:
2 wire - grounded: The wiring is an older 2 wire system. The outlets are testing as grounded and the system is grounded to the conduit. Although this practice is not acceptable in current standards, it was acceptable at the time of construction. Consider consulting an electrician to evaluate and/or upgrade/update as needed.
Knob and tube - no longer in use: There is remaining material of knob and tube electrical wiring observed. The material has been tested in several areas and there are indications that it is no longer in use. Consult with an electrician to verify.
Single strand aluminum repairs: The electrical system has single strand aluminum wiring. Repairs have been made to the wiring in order to improve safety. Consult the sellers for repair documentation and/or have a qualified contractor evaluate. For approved repair methods: https://inspectapedia.com/aluminum/Aluminum_Wiring_Repair_Methods.php
Request repair documents - Single strand wiring: This house has aluminum electrical wiring. Aluminum electrical wiring has been know to become problematic with age and/or loose at the connections causing potential fire hazards. There are indications of repairs to the single strand aluminum wiring. Unable to determine if the work has been performed by a professional. Recommend consulting sellers for repair history from a licensed professional and/or have a qualified contractor evaluate and make the necessary repair. See link for additional information: https://inspectapedia.com/aluminum/Aluminum_Wiring_Repair_Methods.php