Electrical Archives | Page 3 of 3

Electrical

Double Tapped Breakers: Why is it Bad & Simple Fix!

So what's the deal with double tapped breakers? Are they really that bad as everyone has made them out to be? Can it cause your house to burn down? Well, although double tapped breakers are…

Austin HintzeApril 13, 2020

Electrical Home Inspection

Two-Prong to Three-Prong Outlets Overview

Two Prong or not two prong... that is the question! (Hah. Jokes.) The Issue with Two-Prong Outlets So of course, two prong outlets are missing something... a third slot! This third slot was developed to…

Austin HintzeMarch 25, 2020

Electrical Home Inspection Home Insurance

Fuse Boxes: Is it Safe, Insurance, & Explanation

Fuse boxes were commonly installed before the 1960's, however, the majority of homes have since had their electrical updated since then. That being said, most fuse boxes have been replaced. However, there are still fuse…

Austin HintzeMarch 17, 2020

Worn Cloth Covered Wiring: Fire Hazards, Insurance, & Replacement Cost

Electrical Home Inspection Home Insurance

Cloth Covered Wires: Fire Hazards, Insurance, & Repair Cost

Cloth covered wires in homes were typically installed in homes from 1920's to the 1960's. Cloth covered wiring is still prevalent in today's homes when homeowners are unaware of the fire hazards or already have…

Austin HintzeFebruary 27, 2020

Challenger Electrical Panel Issues - why are they bad?

Electrical Home Insurance

Issues with Challenger Panels

As a third series to our issues with electrical panels, we are going to follow up with Challenger panels. Challenger panels practically have the same fire hazards as the Federal Pacific and Sylvania panel, but…

Austin HintzeFebruary 25, 2020

Electrical Home Inspection

GTE Sylvania Zinsco Electrical Panels & Insurance

OUTLINE: Commonly installed in 1970's. Failures that could lead to fires and shock ceased production. Bus bars corrode easily and can melt to breakers. If you read our previous blog on FPE or Federal Pacific…

Austin HintzeFebruary 25, 2020

Electrical Home Inspection Home Insurance

Federal Pacific Panel (FPE) / Stab-Lok & Insurance

The Federal Pacific Panel, or otherwise named FPE (Federal Pacific Electric), is no stranger to insurance companies. All home insurance companies are going to require you to replace this panel box, but why? What is…

Austin HintzeFebruary 24, 2020

Electrical

The Problem With Aluminum Wiring In Your Home

You may have heard of aluminum wiring, so what is the deal? Why do insurance companies require me to replace it? Is it safe? Can you purchase a home with Aluminum Wiring? Let's talk about…

Austin HintzeFebruary 23, 2020

Electrical

What are GFCI Outlets/breakers? Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

You may have heard the word from your electricians or inspectors, but what really is a GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter? Well, as the name implies, if there is a ground fault, it interrupts…

Austin HintzeFebruary 22, 2020

Electrical

What is an AFCI Breaker and How Does it Work?

An AFCI breaker is an acronym that stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. These breakers function by detecting if there is an arc in electricity and then shutting power off to stop the arcing. You…

Austin HintzeFebruary 21, 2020