GFCIs, Receptacles, Lights and Switches
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter:
A ground fault circuit interrupter is a fast acting circuit breaker that is used to prevent ground faults. It is most commonly recognized as the receptacles with the “test/reset” buttons, but it can also be a breaker in the electrical panels. Current standards require them in kitchens, bathrooms, garage, exterior and laundry rooms (if there is a sink present).
No GFCI: The outlets in the following locations do not meet with the current GFCI standards. GFCI protected receptacles may not have been required when the house was built. Consider upgrading the existing outlets to GFCI's outlets.
GFCI does not trip: There are GFCI electrical outlets do not trip when tested. Recommend repair.
GFCI does not reset or is tripped: The GFCI electrical outlet is found tripped and/or will not reset when tested. Recommend repair.
Unable to find GFCI reset: The inspector was unable to find the GFCI reset for the outlet. It may be behind stored personal items and inaccessible. Recommend consulting the seller for the location.
Aging GFCI: The GFCI outlets are not tripping immediately when tested. This is a sign that they are older and starting to malfunction. Recommend replacement.
Lights and Switches:
Light is loose: A light fixture is loose. Recommend repair.
Light bulb and/or fixture inoperable: There is a light fixture or bulb that is inoperable. Replace the bulb and test or repair as needed.
Unknown light switch: Unable to determine the function of light switches. Recommend consulting with homeowner for more information.
Inoperable/broken switch: There is an inoperable or broken switch present. Recommend repair/replace.
No moisture rated light fixtures: The light fixture may not be moisture rated. Recommend a licensed electrician evaluate and correct.
Replace missing cover plates: Replace the missing cover plates to cover exposed wires.
Light fixture missing cover: There is a light fixture missing the cover. Recommend repair.
Broken light fixture: There is a broken light fixture observed. Recommend repair.
Switches not functioning correctly: The light switch is not functioning correctly. Recommend repair.
Lights too close to bathtub: There is a light switch, light fixture, or chandelier installed too close to the bathtub. This is a safety hazard. Having light switches and fixtures out of reach can prevent electrocution. Recommend repair by a qualified professional.
Receptacles:
A receptacle is the socket or outlet in which a wire can be inserted to provide electrical power.
Ungrounded 2 prong: There are ungrounded 2-prong outlets observed in the property. Although this condition may have been commonly considered safe or acceptable at the time the home was originally constructed, building standards have changed to reflect current understanding. Although updates are not required, recommend licensed electrician evaluate and consider updating to meet current standards.click to learn more about this subject on our blog: http://www.dwellinspectaz.com/dwell-inspect-arizona-blog/quickly-understanding-ungrounded-electrical-outlets
Ungrounded 3 prong: There are ungrounded 3-prong outlets observed in the property. The presence of an ungrounded 3-prong outlet is misleading and offers the outlet no ground protection. Recommend a licensed electrician evaluate and correct to meet current standards.click to learn more about this subject on our blog: http://www.dwellinspectaz.com/dwell-inspect-arizona-blog/quickly-understanding-ungrounded-electrical-outlets
Outlet inoperable: There is an outlet that is inoperable when tested. Recommend further evaluation of the outlets in this location and repair as needed.
Outlet testing improper: The outlet tested improperly. Recommend electrician evaluate and correct.
Broken outlet: The outlet is broken or damaged. Recommend repair.
Loose outlets: There are loose outlets observed. Recommend repair.
Arcing present in outlet: There are signs of arcing observed. Recommend an electrician evaluate and correct.
Bathroom - ungrounded: The electrical outlets located in the bathroom are not grounded. This style of electrical wiring is consistent with the time period of the construction. However, in accordance with today's standards, this is a potential safety concern. Recommend a licensed electrician evaluate and update.
Bootleg grounds: There are bootleg grounds observed. This occurs when the installer connects the groundwire to the neutral lug so that it falsely tests for a ground. Recommend an electrician evaluate all receptacles and correct needed.
Weather rated outlet cover missing/broken: There are exterior outlet weather rated covers are missing or broken. Recommend replacement to restore protection from the elements.
Object stuck in outlet: There is a foreign object stuck in the outlet. Unable to test. Recommend removing or replace.
Replace missing/broken/loose cover plates: The cover plate is missing, broken, or loose. Recommend repair.
No outlets in bathroom: There are no outlets installed. Recommend repair.
Open Junction Box: An open junction box is observed. Recommend installing a cover plate for safety.
Outlet too Close to Bathtub: Receptacles should not be installed closer than three feet horizontally and eight feet vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. Recommend repair.
Outlets Painted: Several receptacles/outlets have been directly painted. This can impact the ability of the outlet to function safely and properly and also makes it more difficult for items to be plugged in. Recommend repair.
Reverse Polarity Detected: Reverse polarity is detected. Recommend repair by an electrician.
Open ground detected: Open ground is detected. Recommend repair by an electrician.