NHIE Electrical Systems 5

Question 1

A home inspector finds a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panel. What should the report note?

Accepted Answer

FPE Stab-Lok panels have documented breaker failure issues and are a safety concern requiring evaluation by an electrician

Answer

FPE panels are outdated but function identically to modern panels

Answer

FPE panels are only a concern if they show visible rust or corrosion

Answer

FPE panels must be replaced immediately per current NEC

Question 2

What is the required maximum spacing between receptacle outlets along a wall in a habitable room?

Accepted Answer

No point along a wall should be more than 6 feet from a receptacle

Answer

No point along a wall should be more than 12 feet from a receptacle

Answer

Outlets must be placed every 8 feet in all rooms

Answer

Outlet spacing is determined by the room's square footage

Question 3

Which of the following outdoor receptacle locations requires GFCI protection?

Accepted Answer

All outdoor receptacles regardless of location

Answer

Only receptacles within 10 feet of a pool

Answer

Only receptacles on the front of the house

Answer

Only 20-amp outdoor receptacles

Question 4

An inspector observes a 240V circuit with both hot conductors protected by two separate single-pole breakers with a handle tie. What is the inspector's concern?

Accepted Answer

This is a code violation; 240V circuits require a true double-pole breaker, not tied single-pole breakers

Answer

Handle ties are acceptable only on 15-amp circuits

Answer

Single-pole breakers cannot interrupt 240V under any circumstances

Answer

This configuration is acceptable if both breakers are the same brand

Question 5

What does it mean when a home inspector reports 'open ground' on a receptacle?

Accepted Answer

The equipment grounding conductor is absent or not connected at the receptacle

Answer

The receptacle cover plate is missing

Answer

The circuit breaker is in the off position

Answer

The neutral conductor is not connected

Question 6

A home inspector finds a bathroom exhaust fan wired into the same circuit as the bathroom lighting. What should be noted?

Accepted Answer

This is acceptable; bathroom fans may share the lighting circuit

Answer

This is a defect; bathroom fans must be on a dedicated circuit

Answer

This requires a GFCI breaker for the entire circuit

Answer

Bathroom fans must always be on a 20-amp circuit

Question 7

What is the correct method to test whether a GFCI receptacle is functioning properly during a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

Press the TEST button and verify the RESET button pops out, then press RESET to restore power

Answer

Measure voltage at the receptacle with a multimeter

Answer

Plug in a lamp and verify the circuit remains energized

Answer

Check that both the hot and neutral conductors are securely connected