Home Inspector Test Home Inspector Electrical System Safety Hazards 2

Question 1

An inspector finds aluminum wiring connected directly to a standard copper-rated outlet. What is the primary hazard?

Accepted Answer

Galvanic corrosion and loose connections can cause arcing and fires

Answer

Aluminum and copper expand at different rates, leading to loose connections, oxidation, and arcing that can ignite fires.

Question 2

What does a double-tapped breaker mean, and why is it a concern?

Accepted Answer

Two wires connected to one breaker terminal, risking poor contact and overheating

Answer

Most breakers are rated for only one wire; two wires can cause loose connections, arcing, and inadequate overcurrent protection.

Question 3

Which condition indicates a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panel is a safety concern?

Accepted Answer

Breakers have been documented to fail to trip under overcurrent conditions

Answer

FPE Stab-Lok breakers have a documented history of failing to trip, leaving circuits unprotected during overloads.

Question 4

An inspector observes a 30-amp breaker protecting 14-gauge wire. What hazard does this create?

Accepted Answer

The wire can overheat and ignite before the breaker trips

Answer

14-gauge wire is rated for 15 amps; a 30-amp breaker will not trip until current far exceeds the wire's safe capacity, causing overheating.

Question 5

What is the significance of an open ground on a three-prong outlet?

Accepted Answer

The grounding path is missing, leaving users unprotected from shock if a fault occurs

Answer

Without a ground, fault current has no safe path to earth, increasing shock risk to anyone touching a faulted appliance.

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