InspectAPedia.com InspectAPedia®

Question? Just ask us!

Google
InspectAPedia

Free Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair

  • HOME
  • AIR CONDITIONING
  • DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
  • ELECTRICAL
  • EXTERIORS
  • HEATING
  • HOME INSPECTION
  • INTERIORS
  • PLUMBING
  • ROOFING
  • SEPTIC SYSTEMS
  • STRUCTURE
  • WATER SUPPLY
  • ENERGY SAVINGS
  • ENVIRONMENT
  • INDOOR AIR IAQ
  • INSULATION
  • MOLD INSPECT TEST REMOVE
  • NOISE
  • ODORS
  • SOLAR ENERGY
  • VENTILATION
  • EXPERTS DIRECTORY
  • CONTACT US



InspectAPedia ® Home

ELECTRICAL INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS, REPAIR

ACCURACY vs PRECISION of MEASUREMENTS
AFCIs ARC FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS
ALUMINUM SECs & WIRING
ALUMINUM WIRING HAZARDS & REPAIRS
AMPS VOLTS DETERMINATION
AMPACITY - the LIMITING FACTOR
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS

BACKUP ELECTRICAL GENERATORS
BOOKSTORE - ELECTRICAL
BUILDING SAFETY HAZARDS GUIDE

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

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
ELECTRIC WATER HEATER TIMERS
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
ELECTRICAL BASICS
ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION PANELS
ELECTRICAL GENERATORS
ELECTRICAL GROUND SYSTEM INSPECTION
  ELECTRICAL GROUND DOUBLE FAULT -> LOST POWER
  ELECTRICAL GROUNDING BASICS
  ELECTRICAL GROUND REQUIREMENTS
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM GROUNDING
  FALSE GROUND at Receptacles
  FALSE NEUTRAL Connections
  GAS PIPING GROUND BOND
  GROUND WIRE SIZE TABLE
  LOST NEUTRAL Shocks Homeowner
  OLD HOUSE ELECTRICAL GROUNDING
  SERVICE GROUNDING CHECKLIST
  SERVICE GROUNDING DEFECTS
  TABLE OF GROUND WIRE SIZES
ELECTRICAL SERVICE DROP
ELECTRICAL SERVICE ENTRY WIRING
ELECTRICAL TERMS
EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS

FEDERAL PACIFIC FPE HAZARDS
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 ENERGY SYSTEMS
WIND TURBINES & LIGHTNING

ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS

More Information

Ground wires in fuse panel - function(C) Carson Dunlop How to Inspect Residential Electrical System Grounding - Part 6
     

  • How to inspect the system grounding at a building
  • Online Course on how to inspect residential and light commercial electrical systems including wiring, electrical panels, ground systems and other components
  • Questions & Answers about inspecting the electrial system ground, grounding conductors, grounded conductors, grounding electrodes, and related wiring components
  • 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.

Electrical ground wiring inspection: this article summarizes inspection of the electrical system grounding at a building.

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

SYSTEM GROUNDING - Inspecting Residential Electrical System Grounding Equipment for Defects

Be sure to review the starting point for this information at ELECTRICAL GROUND SYSTEM INSPECTION. This article series discusses procedures for safe and effective visual inspection of residential electrical systems including electrical panels and other components, when the inspection is conducted by trained building inspection professionals, home inspectors, electrical inspectors, and electricians. It was presented by Daniel Friedman - InspectApedia.com, at and discussed by the Hudson Valley chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors - HVASHI Seminar 12 Sept 2002, Updated April 2006, April 2009.

Readers of this article should also be sure to review Safety Hazards and Safe Electrical Inspection Procedures for Inspectors examining Residential Electrical Systems and should pay special attention to the following chapters from that article:   Electrical Panel Interior Inspection -  Removing Electric Panel Covers -  Electrical Panel Cover Screws -  Electrical Panel Interior Hazards -  Testing Main Breakers or Fuses and  Inspect Breakers, Fuses. Carson Dunlop's sketch at page top shows where the electrical inspection starts at a residential property.

Ground wires in fuse panel - function(C) Carson Dunlop Sketch courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates.

  • This wiring is for Emergency-use only - it should never be wired so as to carry current during normal operation. (E.g. This occurs if a sub panel bonds the neutral to ground wires).
  • Provides better path for current than a person, blows fuse/breaker, dissipates static, may dissipate lightning
  • Example: loose black in metal box touches side; current flows through person when touched, depends on who is grounded

Also, see details about electrical grounding at Electrical Circuits, shorts, and at Electrical Wiring in Old Houses and at Electricity Basics - how it works.

 

 

DISTRIBUTION PANELS - Inspecting Residential Electrical Distribution Panels for Defects

Bad electric breaker burned bus (C) Daniel Friedman

  • Main and sub panels, aka "service panels, aux panels, sub panels, fuse boxes, fuse box"
  • Fed from meter to main breaker/fuse or fed from separate service connect
  • distributes electricity through house branch circuits and special (range etc) circuits
  • each sub circuit must be protected (fuse/breaker)

Links to the full sections of this electrical ground components inspection series are below and at Related Topics .

...


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

...

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Questions & answers or comments about inspecting the electrial system ground, grounding conductors, grounded conductors, grounding electrodes, and related wiring components.

Ask a Question or Enter Search Terms in the InspectApedia search box just below.

Technical Reviewers & References

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

  • * Safety Hazards and Safe Inspection Procedures for Electrical and Home Inspectors at Residential Electric Panels

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.

    Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
    Building inspection education & report writing systems from Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd
  • Recommended books on electrical inspection, electrical wiring, electrical problem diagnosis, and electrical repair can be found in the Electrical Books section of the InspectAPedia Bookstore. (courtesy of Amazon.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.
  • ...
HOME ABOUT CONTACT COPYING DESCRIPTION POLICIES PRINTING PRIVACY © 2013 Copyright InspectAPedia.com