What is an AFCI – Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter, and why should I care?
First introduced in the 1999 edition of the National Electric Code, AFCIs were required for bedroom receptacle outlets, and in every code cycle since their introduction, the protection requirements have expanded. Today, AFCI breakers are required in almost all locations in the building. Here’s a look back at the evolution of arc-fault requirements. 1980 – […]
Zinsco Electrical Panels
History[mfn]Wikipedia Article[/mfn] Frank Adam Electric, a manufacturer of electrical panels and circuit breakers, was founded in 1891 as part of the Blacker and Adam Watch Company in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1928, a young sales manager named Emile Zinsmeyer took charge of Frank Adam Electric’s western division in Los Angeles. In the latter part of the Great Depression, Emile […]
Electrical Safety – AFCI Protection
As a licensed home inspector and construction coach I’m familiar with AFCI protection. I want homeowners to understand what it is, and why it’s so important. To keep this topic in perspective, it’s best to start with your local building code compliance office. In Mississippi, code officials choose certain sections of building safety codes they’d […]
Air Sealing – Fireblock the Chimney Chase
I’ve inspected countless homes with compromised framing cavities. See what a fire hazard looks like and how to mend it. HINT: It involves climbing in the attic. Know the rules.
How To Inspect CSST
Safety is the critical factor here. It’s vitally important CSST, like other potentially conductive systems — including rigid black pipe — be properly bonded to the structure’s grounding network.