Are all electrical outlets the same?

Not even close...Our society's needs and demands have certainly changed over the years. Look at all the different types of receptacles available in the photograph below




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Outdated smoke detectors & some different types

Image
In the recent past months I have found a very  high percentage of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are outdated. A majority of detectors require replacement every 10 years or if they "chirp" even after replacing the battery. Our state home inspection standards require us to: "Check the presence or absence of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms" So, we are not required to test these devices, though it's very rare that we do not. I came across this article recently and felt it worth sharing. In short, the article is stating several states now require combination units to be installed in new homes, which I think is a huge step in the right direction. The full article is in the Columbus Dispatch http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/home_and_garden/2016/03/27/01-state-code-embraces-photoelectric-smoke-alarms.html Prices on these units are typically less than $25. each. Certainly not worth waiting until it's too late
Read more

Are fogged windows a cosmetic issue?

Image
By now you have probably seen a fogged window or two. There are some that can be repaired, however it will not have the insulating gas between the panes of glass as it did originally. The only way to do this is to replace the window assembly.  A typical double pane window here in the south, will have an R value of somewhere between 2.0 & 3.0. After it looses it's seal this diminishes even more. To put this R value in perspective, insulation in your attic built locally here today would be an R38! Huge difference. So, window manufactures also take into account U values which is how well or poorly it transfers heat. R-value, U-value or U-factor – R-value indicates the resistance to heat flow through a window. U-value, the inverse of R-value, indicates a window’s tendency to transfer heat. Both R-value and U-value are measures of heat flow through a window. This is a sample of how a new window might look.
Read more

Attic stairs incorrectly installed

Image
Many installers do not follow the manufacturers recommendations. Screw used for installation So many times during a home inspection we find the pull down attic stairs not installed properly. This topic is the use of screws vs 16d nails as required. Most screws are not designed for sheer strength and can break without any notice leaving you on the floor or hanging above it. Below is part of a sample installation instruction sheet: PERMANENT MOUNTING OF STAIRWAY B. Nail the sides (jambs) of the stairway frame to the rough opening frame, using 16d nails or 3" lag screws. Holes are provided in the pivot plates and piano hinge brackets. Also nail through the end boards into the rough opening headers. Complete permanent installation by using 16d nails or 3" lag screws to secure stairway frame on all four sides of the rough opening. Stair installation instructions This illustration shows what the manufacturer recommends. In this case, the the screws installed were right ...
Read more