InterNACHI - International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Electrical Systems and Safety Questions and Answers

Question 1

An inspector opens a main service panel and observes two white neutral conductors terminated under a single screw on the neutral bus bar.
Which of the following is the most accurate description of this defect?

Accepted Answer

Double-tapped neutrals

Answer

Over-fused circuit

Answer

Reversed polarity

Answer

A bonded neutral bus

Question 2

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), what is the minimum required clear working space in front of a residential electrical panel?

Accepted Answer

36 inches deep and 30 inches wide

Answer

24 inches deep and 24 inches wide

Answer

30 inches deep and 36 inches wide

Answer

48 inches deep and 48 inches wide

Question 3

While inspecting a home built in 1935, an inspector observes electrical wiring consisting of single insulated conductors supported by white ceramic knobs and protected by ceramic tubes where they pass through wood framing. What is a primary safety concern associated with this type of wiring?

Accepted Answer

It was designed to dissipate heat in open air and becomes a fire hazard if covered by thermal insulation.

Answer

The copper conductors are typically undersized for modern loads.

Answer

This wiring system is inherently prone to voltage surges.

Answer

The ceramic components can release hazardous materials as they age.

Question 4

In a modern home, which of the following locations requires receptacles to have BOTH arc-fault (AFCI) and ground-fault (GFCI) protection?

Accepted Answer

Kitchens and laundry areas

Answer

Hallways and closets

Answer

Attached garages

Answer

Bedrooms

Question 5

What is the primary safety purpose of bonding the metallic gas piping system to the electrical system's grounding electrode system?

Accepted Answer

To create an equipotential plane, preventing a voltage difference between the gas pipe and other grounded objects during a fault or lightning strike.

Answer

To use the gas pipe as a primary grounding electrode for the electrical system.

Answer

To ensure that any electrical fault energizes the gas meter, causing it to shut off the gas flow.

Answer

To allow low-voltage appliance control signals to travel through the home's piping.

Question 6

An inspector observes an overhead service drop that is attached to a mast on the roof. The conductors pass within 2 feet horizontally of the side of a window that is designed to be opened. What should the inspector report?

Accepted Answer

This is a safety hazard, as a minimum clearance of 3 feet is required from the sides of operable windows.

Answer

This is an acceptable installation as long as the conductors are more than 8 feet above the roof surface.

Answer

The conductors must be at least 10 feet away from any window, regardless of whether it opens.

Answer

The clearance is adequate, as the requirement is only for conductors running directly above or below a window.