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ELECTRICAL INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS, REPAIR

AFCIs ARC FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS
ALUMINUM WIRING HAZARDS & REPAIRS
AMPS VOLTS DETERMINATION
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS

BOOKSTORE - ELECTRICAL

Cadet & Encore Heater Recall
CIRCUIT BREAKER SIZE for A/C or HEAT PUMP
Classified CIRCUIT BREAKER WARNING
CUTLER HAMMER PANEL FIRE
CONDUIT, ELECTRICAL
CORROSION in ELECTRICAL PANELS

DEFINITIONS of ELECTRICAL TERMS
DIRECTORY OF ELECTRICIANS
DMM Digital Multimeter, How to Use

ELECTRIC HEAT
ELECTRIC METERS & METER BASES
ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE
ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH
ELECTRIC PANEL AMPACITY
ELECTRIC PANEL INSPECTION
ELECTRIC PANEL MOISTURE
Electric Power Frequency Table
ELECTRICAL BASICS
EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS
ELECTRICAL GROUND SYSTEM INSPECTION
ELECTRICAL SERVICE DROP
ELECTRICAL SERVICE ENTRY WIRING
ELECTRICAL TERMS
EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS

FIRE SAFETY Checklist, CPSC

GENERATORS, ELECTRICAL
GFCI PROTECTION,Testing GFCIs AFCIs

HEATING COST FUEL & BTU Cost Table
HEAT, ELECTRIC
HEAT TAPE USAGE GUIDE
Hertz - Definitions of KHz MHz GHz THz

KNOB & TUBE WIRING

LIGHTING, EXTERIOR GUIDE
LIGHTING, INTERIOR GUIDE
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS
LOW VOLTAGE BUILDING WIRING
LOW VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER TEST

MAIN DISCONNECT
MAIN DISCONNECT AMPACITY
MOISTURE SOURCES in PANELS
MULTI-WIRE CIRCUITS
MURRAY SIEMENS Recall

PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS
PUSHMATIC - BULLDOG PANELS

REMOTE ELECTRIC POWER, PHOTOVOLTAIC
RUST in ELECTRICAL PANELS

SAFETY for ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS
SE CABLE SIZES vs AMPS
SIEMENS MURRAY Recall
SQUARE-D RECALLS

THERMAL EXPANSION of HOT WATER
THERMAL EXPANSION of MATERIALS

UNDERGROUND SERVICE LATERALS
VOLTS / AMPS MEASUREMENT EQUIP

WIND TURBINES & LIGHTNING

ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS

More Information

Photographgraph of a mini digital multimeter in use by the author How to use Digital Multi Meters or DMMs Safely
     

  • Safe Use of Electrical Test Equipment: DMMs & VOMs
    • How to Test digital volt meter DMM or Volt Ohm Meter VOM meter condition
    • Electrical Inspection techniques Using DMMs and VOMs
    • How to use a digital volt meter safely using DMMs and VOMs Safely
    • Safety Warnings for Electrical Inspectors & Home Inspectors Using Electrical Test Equipment on Building Electrical Systems & Devices
  • AMPS MEASUREMENT METHODS - separate article
  • DMM Digital Multimeter, How to Use - separate article
  • USING DMMs VOMs SAFELY
  • VOLTS / AMPS MEASUREMENT EQUIP - separate article
  • SAFETY: ELECTRICAL INSPECTION SAFETY - separate article
  • Questions & answers aboutsafety procedures when using a DMM or digital multimeter
  • References

Click to Show or Hide Related Topics

  • ELECTRICAL INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS, REPAIR - home
  • AFCIs ARC FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS
  • ALUMINUM WIRING HAZARDS & REPAIRS
  • AMPS MEASUREMENT METHODS
  • AMPS VOLTS DETERMINATION
  • BACKUP ELECTRICAL GENERATORS
  • CIRCUIT BREAKER SIZE for A/C or HEAT PUMP
  • CONDUIT, ELECTRICAL
  • CORROSION in ELECTRICAL PANELS
  • DEFINITIONS of ELECTRICAL TERMS
  • DIRECTORY OF ELECTRICIANS
  • DMM Digital Multimeter, HOW TO USE
  • DMM & VOM SAFETY
  • ELECTRIC HEAT
  • ELECTRIC METERS & METER BASES
  • ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE
  • ELECTRIC MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET
  • ELECTRIC PANEL AMPACITY
  • ELECTRIC PANEL INSPECTION
  • ELECTRICAL BASICS
  • Electrical Code Basics
  • ELECTRICAL OUTLET, HOW TO ADD & WIRE
  • ELECTRICAL SPLICES, how to make
  • ELECTRICAL TOOLS BASIC
  • ELECTRICAL WIRING COLOR CODES
  • ELECTRICAL WIRING BOOKS
  • ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION PANELS
  • EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS
  • FEDERAL PACIFIC FPE HAZARDS
  • GFCI PROTECTION,Testing GFCIs AFCIs
  • GROUND SYSTEM INSPECTION
  • GROUND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
  • KNOB & TUBE WIRING
  • LIGHTING, EXTERIOR GUIDE
  • LIGHTING, INTERIOR GUIDE
  • LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS
  • LOW VOLTAGE BUILDING WIRING
  • LOW VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER TEST
  • MAIN DISCONNECT
  • MULTI-WIRE CIRCUITS
  • MURRAY SIEMENS Recall
  • OLD HOUSE ELECTRICAL WIRING
  • PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS
  • PUSHMATIC - BULLDOG PANELS
  • SAFETY for ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS
  • SERVICE AMPACITY
  • SERVICE DROP
  • SERVICE ENTRY WIRING
  • SE CABLE SIZES vs AMPS
  • SIEMENS MURRAY Recall
  • SQUARE-D RECALLS
  • TEST EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL
  • THERMISTORS
  • VOLTAGE DETECTION & MEASUREMENT
  • UNDERGROUND SERVICE LATERALS
  • VOLTS / AMPS MEASUREMENT EQUIP
  • WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS
  • WIND TURBINES & LIGHTNING
  • ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

DMM - digital multimeter safety: this article discusses safety procedures to follow when using digital multi meters or DMMs or VOMs. We describe safety procedures for inspecting residential electric panels and building wiring using DMMs, volt meters, VOMs, and similar electrical test equipment. These DMM/VOM safety procedures aid in addressing safety hazards found at residential electrical panels and electrical wiring systems and are intended for the electrical inspector, home inspector, or other professionals who examine residential electrical systems. Safe electrical inspection procedures and safe use of volt meters, DMMs, multimeters, and similar electrical test equipment are discussed. Original text: DF, as ASHI Technical Journal Staff, January 1992, with updates through 2012. Also see SAFETY: ELECTRICAL INSPECTION SAFETY and see DMM Digital Multimeter, How to Use. To measure amps or current see AMPS MEASUREMENT METHODS; to measure volts or voltage levels see VOLTS / AMPS MEASUREMENT EQUIP.

Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.

Safe Use of Electrical Test Equipment: DMMs & VOMs

Jensen analog VOM used by the author (C) Daniel Friedman In some circumstances, when examining electrical panels, receptacles, or other electrical devices in a building, ASHI, CREIA, CAHI, or other home inspectors may elect to make current and voltage measurements.

For inspectors who elect to use these tools, make sure that the tools themselves do not become a source of damage, or injury.

The following tips are based on a short article by Leonard Ogden in CEE News.

Shown here is my little Jensen analog VOM (volt ohm meter) which has served flawlessly for decades. At the top of this page is our still smaller pocket digital DMM DM78 made by CircuitMate™. Other examples of VOMs and ammeters or current measuring instruments are shown below.

How to Test digital volt meter DMM or Volt Ohm Meter VOM meter condition

High energy measurement instruments: Use only DMM's (digital multi meters) or VOMs (volt-ohm meters, the analog predecessors to DMMs) designed for high energy measurements.

Frequently check for damage to the meter itself, or for loose, cut, or worn test leads. If you can see the conductor in the leads, replace them. Check that there is low resistance between the leads themselves - a partial indication of good condition.

Use well insulated test leads that have finger guards.

Sperry Digisnap clamp on ammeter digital VOM measuring current draw at a furnace (C) Daniel Friedman

Insulate yourself from possibly live electrical parts by careful selection of clothing, leather boots, and where appropriate, insulated gloves.

Wear gloves: If you cannot operate your equipment while wearing gloves you have a safety problem. (Photo at left).

Use the proper voltage range and other control settings on the meter.

If you attempt a voltage measurements with test leads in the amps or current jack (a big but common mistake) and if your probes or meter are not fused, the resulting short across the voltage source can cause an explosion in the meter.

The photo (left) shows our Sperry Digisnap™ DSA-500 clamp-on ammeter that also functions as a digital VOM multimeter and continuity tester. Here, missing safety gloves, the DMM user was measuring 0.11 Amps current draw at a control on a gas-fired warm air furnace. The openings at the bottom of the meter show that before attempting a current (amps) measurement the user removed the test leads from the instrument.

Don't use a DMM or VOM meter having cracked or loose parts. In selecting a meter, look for recessed input jacks to reduce shock risks at the connectors.

A simple volt ohm meter (VOM) such as the TriplettTM 310 shown here can be used to test for unexpected and unsafe voltage at a component. Set the VOM in the highest AC-voltage range.

One probe of the VOM is used to contact the surface of the electric panel (or any component to be examined), the other probe is touched to a reliable ground source, [NOTE: Once having tested at the highest voltage range, greater accuracy may be obtained by choosing more sensitive ranges which permit readings to be taken in the upper portion of the scale.

Disconnect the test probes (or shut off the voltage source) before changing the voltage range setting on the VOM.] or in the example shown, to the neutral side of the circuit.

For example, if the VOM meter indicates more than 1or 2 volts between a service panel cover and ground, there's a safety problem. Most low-cost analog-type meters such as the one described provide additional ranges used to read lower voltages with more sensitivity.

Some VOM models provide alligator clips for the ends of the test probes. These clips permit measuring high voltage without handling the probes. Always shut off the power before connecting the alligator clips.


Photographgraph of a Triplett clamp-on ammeter

This clamp-on multimeter made by TriplettTM can measure amperage draw (we used it when servicing and testing air conditioning system compressors) but it also includes probes permitting the device to be used as a standard, if slightly awkward probing VOM as well.

One feature we liked on this analog meter was the adjustable scale which permits measuring voltages in ranges of 1-5 volts, 5-25 volts, 25 to 125 volts, 100 60 500 volts (our scale for inspecting residential electrical equipment), high voltages from 250V up to 1250 volts, and as well, an ohms scale - making this a versatile analog multimeter.

After nearly 20 years we still make occasional use of this nice analog meter. Here's close up of the adjustable scale on this meter.

Electrical Inspection techniques Using DMMs and VOMs



Amp measurements using voltage clamps avoid extra risks of having to handle live wires. [See sketch at left.]

To measure amps or current see AMPS MEASUREMENT METHODS.

Also see DMM Digital Multimeter, How to Use for the proper DMM or VOM function and range settings.

When measuring amps without a current clamp, make sure power is off before connecting into the circuit.

When disconnecting the multimeter or voltmeter, always unplug the red (hot) lead first.

Also see SAFETY: ELECTRICAL INSPECTION SAFETY

Safe Use of Electrical Test Equipment: DMMs & VOMs

8.3 During an electrical system inspection the inspector is NOT required to
8.3.A. insert any tool, probe, or testing device inside the panels

Do Not Grab an Shake SEC Entry Mains in the Panel

In his final electrical seminar in St. Louis a decade ago, Bob Smith, a lecturer from SHRC, the Small Homes Research Council, told ASHI home inspectors and candidates that he always verifies the quality of the service connection at the main breaker by grabbing the two hot entrance wires and giving them and the panel a good shake.

Watch out: Don't do this! Readers would not be warned here if this questionable advice had not been presented at that seminar. Electricians and trained experts work with live electrical wires. Home inspectors should not do so.

October 22, 1988 - El Cajon, CA - a young electrician died when he accidentally electrocuted himself. Acting police Lt. Carl Case said 19-year-old Sean M. Smith was working under a house, lying on his back working on an electrical addition to the house, when his wire [strippers] accidentally connected with a live wire. He said Smith's boss, Troy Beatty, heard the victim yell. Beatty found Smith unconscious under the house, pulled him out, performed CPR, and summoned help. -- IAEI News, November/December 1990 p.40.

These electrical inspection suggestions are not a complete inventory of all electrical components that should be inspected; these notes focus on identification of conditions that may present special electrical hazards for the electrical inspector.

Contact Us by email to suggest changes, corrections, and additions to this material.

General Electrical Safety Suggestions describes important basic safety procedures, clothing, gloves, eye protection, and other safety equipment for home inspectors and electrical inspectors.

Safety Warnings for Electrical Inspectors & Home Inspectors Using Electrical Test Equipment on Building Electrical Systems & Devices

See Safety Hazards and Safe Inspection Procedures at Residential Electric Panels.

Safety Warning: The ASHI Standards of Practice and other home inspection standards for electrical inspections do not require the inspector to insert any instrument into the service panel. Therefore this testing is optional. It's also a dangerous procedure that can damage electrical equipment or worse, cause electrical shock, or even death, and should not be undertaken unless the person conducting the examination is trained and competent to avoid electric shock. If the inspector is not trained for this procedure s/he should never insert any instrument or tool into electrical equipment. See Safety Hazards and Safe Inspection Procedures at Residential Electric Panels.

Simpson Instruments adds the following safety advice for users of VOMs and DMMs and similar test devices, and other instrument manufacturers offer similar cautions: [6]

  • The test instrument should only be used by personnel qualified to recognize shock hazards and trained in the safety precautions required to avoid possible injury.
  • Do not work alone when measuring circuits where a shock hazard might exist. Notify a nearby person that you are making, or intend to make such measurements.
  • Locate all voltage sources and accessible current paths before making measurement connections. Be sure that the equipment is properly grounded and the right rating and type of fuse(s) is installed. Set the Instrument to the proper range before applying power. Voltage might appear unexpectedly in defective equipment. An open bleeder resistor can result in a capacitor retaining a dangerous charge. Turn the power off and discharge all capacitors before connecting or disconnecting the Instrument.
  • Inspect the test leads for cracks, breaks or crazes in the insulation, probes and connectors before each use. If any defects are noted, replace the test leads immediately.
  • Do not measure in a circuit where corona is present. Corona can be identified by a pale blue color emanating from sharp metal points in the circuit, or by a buzzing sound, or by the odor of ozone. In rare instances, such as around germicidal lamps, ozone might be generated as a normal function. Ordinarily, the presence of ozone indicates the presence of high voltage and probably an electrical malfunction.
  • Hands, shoes, floor and workbench must be dry. Avoid making measurements under humid, damp or other environmental conditions that could affect the dielectric withstanding voltage of the test leads or the Instrument.
  • For maximum safety, do not touch test leads or Instrument while power is applied to the circuit under test.
  • Use extreme caution when making measurements where a dangerous combination of voltages could be present, such as in an RF amplifier.
  • Do not make measurements using test leads of lesser safety than those originally furnished with the Instrument.
  • Do not touch any object which could provide a current path to the common side of the circuit under test or power line ground. Always stand on a dry insulated surface capable of withstanding the voltage being measured.
  • Do not connect to an electrically energized circuit in a hazardous area.
  • No General Purpose VOM is to be used to make electrical measurements on blasting circuits or blasting caps.

Fluke adds this safety advice: To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, follow these guidelines: [5]

  • Use this Meter only as specified in this manual or the protection provided by the Meter might be impaired.
  • Do not use the Meter if it is damaged. Before you use the Meter, inspect the case. Look for cracks or missing plastic. Pay particular attention to the insulation surrounding the connectors.
  • Make sure the battery door is closed and latched before operating the Meter.
  • Make sure the battery door is closed and latched before operating the Meter.
  • Remove test leads from the Meter before opening the battery door. • Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check the test leads for continuity. Replace damaged test leads before you use the Meter.
  • Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the Meter, between the terminals or between any terminal and earth ground.
  • Never operate the Meter with the cover removed or the case open.
  • Use caution when working with voltages above 30 V ac rms, 42 V ac peak, or 60 V dc. These voltages pose a shock hazard. • Use only the replacement fuses specified by the manual.
  • Use the proper terminals, function, and range for measurements.
  • Avoid working alone.
  • When measuring current, turn off circuit power before connecting the Meter in the circuit. Remember to place the Meter in series with the circuit.
  • When making electrical connections, connect the common test lead before connecting the live test lead; when disconnecting, disconnect the live test lead before disconnecting the common test lead.
  • Do not use the Meter if it operates abnormally. Protection may be impaired. When in doubt, have the Meter serviced. • Do not operate the Meter around explosive gas, vapor, or dust.
  • Use only 1.5 V AA batteries, properly installed in the Meter case, to power the Meter.
  • When servicing the Meter, use only specified replacement parts.
  • When using probes, keep fingers behind the finger guards on the probes.
  • Do not use the Low Pass Filter option to verify the presence of hazardous voltages. Voltages greater than what is indicated may be present. First, make a voltage measurement without the filter to detect the possible presence of hazardous voltage. Then select the filter function.
  • Only use test leads that have the same voltage, category, and amperage ratings as the meter and that have been approved by a safety agency.
  • Use proper protective equipment, as required by local or national authorities when working in hazardous areas.
  • Comply with local and national safety requirements when working in hazardous locations.

Additional Advice to Avoid Damaging VOM or DMM & Equipment

Fluke adds this advice: To avoid possible damage to the Meter or to the equipment under test, follow these guidelines: [5]

  • Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing resistance, continuity, diodes, or capacitance.
  • Use the proper terminals, function [be sure the function switch is set to the proper position] , and range for all measurements.
  • Do not remove batteries while the Meter is turned on or a signal is applied to the Meter’s input jacks.
  • Before measuring current, check the Meter's fuses. (See "Testing the Fuses" in the Users Manual on the accompanying CD.)
  • Do not use the LoZ mode to measure voltages in circuits that could be damaged by this mode’s low impedance (≈3 kΩ). (Model 289 only)



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Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

  • Electrical shock injury statistics: www.healthatoz.com - September 2008;
  • Daniel Friedman - Publisher & Editor of InspectAPedia.com®
  • N. Srinivasan, MSEE, is a senior member of IEEE with 30 years experience in the electrical industry. Mr. Srinivasan is in Vienna VA.
  • Louis P. Babin generously contributed technical editing about the effects of doubling ampacity in an electrical circuit (September 2007)
  • ASHI Technical Journal, Vol. 2. No. 1, January 1992, "Determining Service Ampacity," Dan Friedman and Alan Carson, and the
  • ASHI Technical Journal, Vol. 3. No. 1, Spring, 1993, "Determining Service Ampacity - Another Consideration," Robert L. Klewitz, P.E., with subsequent updates and additions to the original text ongoing to 2/19/2006. Reprints of the originals and reprints of the Journal are available from ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors www.ashi.com.
  • [4] Digisnap DSA-500 snap-around digital multimeter, A.W. Sperry Instruments Inc., 2150 Joshua's Path, Suite 202, Hauppage NY 11788, Tel: 800-645-5398, Email: cat@awsperry.com, Website: www.awsperry.com
  • [5] Fluke Corporation, 6920 Seaway Blvd, Everett, WA 98203, USA, PO Box 9090 Everett, Washington 98206, Tel: +1(425) 347-6100, Technical support: 1(800) 44-FLUKE (1(800) 443-5853), Website: www.fluke.com,
    Fluke Europe B.V, PO Box 1186 Eindhoven, The Netherlands, Tel: +31 (0)40 2 675 200 +31 (0)40 2 675 222, Website: www.fluke.eu
    • Digital 287/289 Digital Multimeter, Users Manual, retrieved 9/5/21, original source: http://assets.fluke.com/manuals/287_289_umeng0200.pdf, [copy on file as Fluke_287_289_umeng0200.pdf]
  • [6] Simpson Electric, P.O. Box 99, 520 Simpson Avenue, Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538-0099 Tel: 715-588-3311, customer service: 715-588-3947, Email: support@simpsonelectric.com, Website: www.simpsonelectric.com/
    • Simpson 260® Series 6XLM Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter Instruction Manual, retrieved 9/5/2012, original source: http://www.simpsonelectric.com/uploads/File/datasheets/260-6xlm.pdf, [copy on file as Simpson_260-6xlm.pdf]
  • [7] tif 300cc Tic Tracer voltage detector, Tif Instruments Inc., 9101 NW 7th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33150
  • [8] Greenlee® GT-16 adjustable voltage detector, Greenlee Textron Inc., Website: greenlee.com, Tel: 800-435-0786 , Email: echsupport@greenlee.textron.com,
  • Carson, Dunlop &
Associates Ltd., TorontoCarson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 info@carsondunlop.com. The firm provides professional home inspection services & home inspection education & publications. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides:
    • Commercial Building Inspection Courses - protocol ASTM Standard E 2018-08 for Property Condition Assessments
    • Home Inspection Education Courses including home study & live classes at eleven colleges & universities.
    • Home Inspection Education Home Study Courses - ASHI@Home Training 10-course program.
      Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on these courses: Enter INSPECTAHITP in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
    • The Home Reference Book, a reference & inspection report product for building owners & inspectors.
      Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
    • The Home Reference eBook, an electronic version for PCs, the iPad, iPhone, & Android smart phones.
      Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter inspectaehrb in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
    • The Illustrated Home illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors.
      Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Illustrated Home purchased as a single order Enter INSPECTAILL in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
    • The Horizon Software System manages business operations,scheduling, & inspection report writing using Carson Dunlop's knowledge base & color images. The Horizon system runs on always-available cloud-based software for office computers, laptops, tablets, iPad, Android, & other smartphones.
  • Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. Contact Mark Cramer at: 727-595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com 11/06
  • Roger Hankey is principal of Hankey and Brown home inspectors, Eden Prairie, MN. Mr. Hankey is a past chairman of the ASHI Standards Committee. Mr. Hankey has served in other ASHI professional and leadership roles. Contact Roger Hankey at: 952 829-0044 - rhankey@hankeyandbrown.com. Mr. Hankey is a frequent contributor to InspectAPedia.com.
  • Arlene Puentes, an ASHI member and a licensed home inspector in Kingston, NY, and has served on ASHI national committees as well as HVASHI Chapter President. Ms. Puentes can be contacted at ap@octoberhome.com
  • Rust and Corrosion in Electrical Panels, A Study and Report on Frequency and Cause for Electrical and Home Inspectors at Residential Electric Panels
  • "Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985.
  • "Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service panels.]
  • "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850.
  • "Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service panels.]
  • "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40.
  • "Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108.
  • "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original Journal article as it contains unsafe inaccuracies]
  • "Basic Housing Inspection," US DHEW, S352.75 U48, p.144, out of print, but is available in most state libraries.
  • ...

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Home Reference Book - Carson DunlopThe Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

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  • GO TO Carson Dunlop's Home Study Course Information - How to Become a Home Inspector: Carson Dunlop's nationally recognized Home Study Course, selected by ASHI the American Society of Home Inspectors and other professionals and associations. This website author is a contributor to this course.
  • GO TO Carson Dunlop's Home Study Course Information - How to Become a Home Inspector: Carson Dunlop's nationally recognized Home Study Course, selected by ASHI the American Society of Home Inspectors and other professionals and associations. This website author is a contributor to this course.
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  • ...

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