CMI Electrical Systems Inspection 2

Question 1

Why do home inspectors flag Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels during inspections?

Accepted Answer

Their breakers have been documented to fail to trip under overload conditions, creating a fire risk

Answer

They are modern, high-efficiency panels that exceed current code

Answer

They use fuses instead of circuit breakers, requiring a licensed upgrade

Answer

They require three-phase power that is unusual in residential settings

Question 2

What is the primary inspection concern when 15-amp branch circuits in a home are wired with single-strand aluminum instead of copper?

Accepted Answer

Aluminum connections can loosen over time and overheat at devices and terminations not listed for aluminum conductors

Answer

Aluminum conducts electricity too efficiently, causing general circuit overheating

Answer

Aluminum wiring is too large in diameter to fit standard junction boxes

Answer

Aluminum cannot be used for 120-volt circuits under any NEC edition

Question 3

When inspecting the service entrance cable at the exterior of a home, which combination of items should the inspector evaluate?

Accepted Answer

Weatherhead height, drip loop presence, clearance from windows and doors, and proper sealing at the entry point

Answer

The cable's amperage label and color coding only

Answer

Only whether the cable is in conduit or open air

Answer

The manufacturer's label on the cable and cable age

Question 4

A home inspector finds 14 AWG wiring (15-amp capacity) protected by a 30-amp circuit breaker. What deficiency is present?

Accepted Answer

Over-fusing: the breaker rating far exceeds the wire's safe ampacity, creating a fire hazard

Answer

The breaker is properly sized; 14 AWG can handle 30 amps intermittently

Answer

Under-fusing: the breaker is too small for the wire gauge installed

Answer

This configuration is acceptable for circuits exceeding 20 feet in length

Question 5

Per NEC 110.26(A)(1), what minimum depth of clear working space is required in front of a residential electrical panel (0–150V to ground)?

Accepted Answer

36 inches

Answer

18 inches

Answer

24 inches

Answer

30 inches

Question 6

Under which circumstances should a home inspector recommend immediate further evaluation of a residential electrical panel by a licensed electrician?

Accepted Answer

When the inspector observes double-tapping, improper breaker sizing, evidence of overheating, or other unsafe conditions

Answer

Only when the panel brand is identified as a recalled product

Answer

Whenever the panel is located in a garage or utility room

Answer

Only when the panel is more than 40 years old

Question 7

What is 'backstabbing' when referring to electrical receptacles and switches, and why is it a concern?

Accepted Answer

Inserting conductors into the push-in release-hole terminals rather than using the screw terminals, which can cause loose, arcing connections

Answer

Installing a receptacle in an inverted orientation, violating NEC conventions

Answer

Using two separate circuits to power a single duplex outlet

Answer

Running unprotected cable through a wall cavity without conduit