Electrical Systems Inspection Flashcards
7 cards from real CHI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Electrical Systems Inspection flashcards as text
What is the significance of finding Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels during a home inspection?
Answer: They have a documented history of breaker failure to trip, posing a fire hazard
FPE Stab-Lok panels have a documented history of breaker failures that allow circuits to remain energized during overloads, creating significant fire risk.
When inspecting outdoor receptacles, a home inspector verifies GFCI protection is present. Which additional feature should also be verified?
Answer: The receptacle has a weatherproof in-use cover
Outdoor receptacles require in-use (bubble) covers that protect the plug connection from weather even when a cord is plugged in.
A home inspector identifies a breaker that trips immediately when reset. What does this most likely indicate?
Answer: An active fault or overload condition exists on that circuit
A breaker that trips immediately upon reset indicates a persistent fault, overload, or short circuit that the breaker is correctly responding to.
What is the NEC requirement for the minimum wire gauge on a 20-amp branch circuit?
Answer: 12 AWG copper
A 20-amp circuit requires a minimum of 12 AWG copper wire, which is rated to carry 20 amps safely under NEC ampacity tables.
During a home inspection, an inspector observes that the service entrance cable enters the home through the top of the main panel without a drip loop. What is the concern?
Answer: Without a drip loop, water can run down the conductors directly into the panel
A drip loop causes water to drip off the cable before reaching the service entrance, preventing water from tracking into the electrical panel.
A smoke detector in a home built in 2005 is found hardwired but not interconnected with other detectors. What should the inspector note?
Answer: Hardwired smoke detectors installed in new construction since 1993 must be interconnected
The NEC and model building codes have required hardwired smoke detectors in new construction to be interconnected since 1993 so all alarms sound together.
A home inspector finds an electric range connected with a 3-wire cord and a 3-slot range receptacle in a home built in 1985. How should this be reported?
Answer: This is acceptable for existing installations grandfathered under older NEC editions
Pre-1996 NEC permitted 3-wire connections for ranges and dryers; existing installations are grandfathered, but new installations must use 4-wire connections.