PRO Electric, LLC’s primary goal is to ensure residential properties’ electrical safety and compliance.
Recently, we had the privilege of assisting a homeowner in Fairfax, VA, who faced significant electrical challenges following an extensive home remodel.
This case study highlights how PRO Electric conducted a thorough Whole House Electrical Inspection, uncovering numerous code violations and providing the homeowner with the necessary insights to address these issues.
The General Contractor Caused Numerous Electrical Issues from The Remodeling Work
The homeowner had the Fairfax house completely renovated, and a General Contractor oversaw and performed the renovation project.
Throughout the renovation, the owner became worried about the electric work quality and safety.
They called PRO Electric for a whole-house electrical safety inspection to ensure their house met all safety requirements & and electrical codes.
Our Approach
At the homeowner’s request, our PRO Electric team performed an inspection.
We approached it very carefully:
Here are some key areas where we paid particular attention:
- Whole House Electrical Inspection: Conduct a comprehensive electrical system evaluation to identify deviations from the National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
- Safety Inspection: Assessing the system for potential hazards that could compromise the safety of the occupants.
- Inspection of the New Remodel Location: Ensuring that all newly installed electrical components in the remodel adhered to code requirements.
- County Inspection Record Lookup: Review existing Fairfax County records to understand the scope of the remodel and any previous inspections.
- Labor-Only Services: Providing expert analysis and reporting without undertaking the remediation work, allowing the homeowner to make informed decisions on how to proceed.
Findings: Code Violations Identified
During our comprehensive inspection, we uncovered several critical electrical code violations that needed immediate attention:
- Main Water Bond Missing: The bonding clamp above the main shut-off valve was absent, essential for preventing electrical faults in plumbing systems.
- Over-Sized Breaker for Heat Pump: A breaker larger than the nameplate rating of 35A was installed, posing a risk of overheating and potential fire hazards.
- GFCI Issues in Bathrooms: The master bathroom GFCI outlet had an unattached ground wire, and all other bathroom outlets lacked GFCI protection, increasing the risk of electrical shocks.
- Incorrect Dishwasher Circuit: A dedicated 20A circuit for the dishwasher was mistakenly installed with a 15A GFCI outlet, violating the 2018 NEC, which requires a 20A outlet for such circuits.
- Kitchen Counter Outlet Spacing: The kitchen outlets did not comply with spacing requirements, with one section extending over 2 feet.
- Cooktop Wiring Concerns: The cooktop unit was improperly hardwired with an exposed conductor and lacked the necessary breaker lockout feature.
- Service Disconnect Issues: Both the wall oven and water heater lacked proper service disconnects or breaker lockouts, which are essential for safely managing these appliances.
- Washer Outlet Protection: The washer outlet was not GFCI protected, increasing the risk of electrical hazards in a wet area.
- TR-Rated Outlets Missing: Multiple outlets in the living room, kitchen, and guest bedrooms were not TR-rated (Tamper-Resistant), a safety requirement to prevent accidental contact with electrical components.
- Master Bedroom Circuit: The master bedroom circuit did not have an AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) breaker installed, a necessary modification per the 2018 NEC.
- Arcing in Exhaust Fan Switches: Wire checks revealed potential arcing issues in exhaust fan switches, which could lead to electrical fires.
- Outdoor Outlet Protection: Outdoor outlets lacked approved in-use weatherproof covers, exposing them to the elements and increasing the risk of electrical malfunctions.
- Smoke and CO Detectors: There were missing interconnected smoke detectors in the bedrooms and a CO (Carbon Monoxide) combo detector in the upstairs hallway, crucial for occupant safety.
- Fairfax County Permit: The remodel had not yet passed the final Fairfax County Inspection, meaning permits remained open and the project was not officially completed.
Our Solution
The role of PRO Electric was to give a detailed assessment of the current electrical system.
We determined the extensive list of code violations and also provided the homeowner with a report detailing each problem and possible threats.
Our electrical inspection report included the following:
- Detailed Descriptions: Explain each code violation and why it poses a safety hazard.
- Visual Walkthrough: We discussed the issues found with the homeowner.
- Recommendations: Suggested corrective actions to bring the electrical system up to code, enhancing the safety and functionality of the home.
- Compliance Guidance: Information on necessary steps to comply with local and national electrical codes, facilitating a smooth reinspection so we can close out the Fairfax County permit requirements.
Results
While PRO Electric did not undertake the remediation work, our thorough inspection provided the homeowner with invaluable insights into the electrical shortcomings of their remodeled home.
Armed with our detailed report, the homeowner was empowered to:
- Address Safety Hazards: Understand the immediate risks and prioritize repairs to ensure the safety of their household.
- Ensure Code Compliance: Take necessary steps to rectify code violations, paving the way for a successful final county inspection and permit closure.
- Make Informed Decisions: We choose qualified electricians and contractors to perform the required corrections based on our expert recommendations.
Conclusion
This case illustrates the need for thorough electrical checks during major home remodels.
PRO Electric, LLC helps homeowners recognize and understand electrical problems to keep their houses secure and compliant with all codes.
Whether you are considering a renovation or simply wish to know your house’s electrical system with confidence, our team can help.
