CMI Electrical Systems Inspection 3

Question 1

An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) breaker is designed to protect against which specific hazard?

Accepted Answer

Arcing faults in wiring and cords that can ignite surrounding materials and cause fires

Answer

Electrical shock resulting from contact with a grounded surface

Answer

Overloading circuits beyond their continuous duty rating

Answer

Voltage spikes caused by lightning or utility switching

Question 2

In which locations does the NEC mandate Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection for receptacle outlets in residential construction?

Accepted Answer

In bathrooms, kitchens near the sink, garages, outdoors, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, and similar wet or damp locations

Answer

Only in rooms with ceramic tile or stone flooring

Answer

Wherever lighting branch circuits are present in a dwelling

Answer

In attics and crawl spaces where inspectors work

Question 3

During an inspection, an open junction box with exposed wire splices is found in an attic. What is the primary safety hazard this presents?

Accepted Answer

Exposed splices can cause electric shock if contacted and arcing from loose connections can ignite nearby combustibles

Answer

The wires may be color-coded incorrectly, violating NEC labeling rules

Answer

Wire nuts in open boxes cannot be properly torqued to specification

Answer

Airflow through the open box degrades wire insulation faster than in closed boxes

Question 4

A home inspector identifies light bulbs installed in fixtures that have a maximum wattage label of 60W, but the bulbs are 100W incandescent. What condition is this?

Accepted Answer

Overlamping: using a bulb exceeding the fixture's wattage rating, which generates excess heat and creates a fire hazard

Answer

An energy code violation with no immediate fire risk

Answer

Reverse-lamping: a code issue only when using halogen bulbs

Answer

An acceptable substitution when using modern full-spectrum bulbs

Question 5

A home inspector finds two-prong ungrounded receptacles throughout an older home. Which statement most accurately describes the implication?

Accepted Answer

A safety deficiency: without a ground path, certain faults cannot be safely cleared and equipment damage or shock risk increases

Answer

An acceptable condition if GFCI adapters are used on all circuits

Answer

A code violation limited to homes built after 1962

Answer

A cosmetic issue that does not affect electrical safety

Question 6

A home inspector observes blackening, scorching, or melted plastic around one or more circuit breakers inside the main panel. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Evidence of overheating, sustained arcing, or breaker failure that poses a fire risk requiring immediate licensed evaluation

Answer

Normal oxidation expected from long-term electrical service

Answer

A sign that the breaker has been recently reset after a routine trip

Answer

Cosmetic discoloration from the panel's original manufacturing process

Question 7

What is a 'tandem breaker' (also called a piggyback or cheater breaker), and when does its use constitute a defect?

Accepted Answer

A half-size breaker that houses two 120V circuits in one slot; a defect when installed in a panel not listed to accept them

Answer

A breaker with an integrated surge protector; always prohibited in residential panels

Answer

A 240V double-pole breaker installed on a 120V circuit; a wiring defect in all cases

Answer

A breaker serving two subpanels simultaneously; prohibited unless listed for that use