Video Information
This video will follow CCPIA Instructor Bob Aey as he performs an electrical inspection of the historic First National Bank in Rock River, Wyoming. The First National Bank was originally built in 1919, but has undergone more recent renovations. Some components of its electrical system were redone a year prior to Bob’s inspection. As you’ll see in this course, a recent alteration or repair on a building doesn’t mean that finding defects is less likely. Some of the defects are beyond the International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP), and more relevant to the National Electrical Code (NEC)® and the National Electrical Safety Code, or other local codes or regulations in effect.
Kitchen Defects
This video covers the kitchen in the historic Wyoming bank. It is obvious that this building has had major renovations. Some of the items in the kitchen are disconnected and should be removed. However, the layout of this kitchen is similar to one found in a home during a residential inspection.
The video starts at another subpanel and covers other items in the kitchen, including various receptacles and fixtures.
Defects:
- Wiremold fitting: The proper wiremold fitting allows the wiremold to act as a grounding for the system. In the video, improper wiremold fitting is present on the junction box, thus cancelling the wiremold’s ability to act as grounding. The fitting on the junction box is listed as an EMT pipe connector.
- Missing knockout: Unused openings on an electrical box or panelboard should be closed for safety reasons, including preventing accidental shocks, preventing hot sparks from escaping, and preventing pests from entering. In the video, the junction box is missing a knockout.
- Kitchen receptacles: All receptacles in commercial buildings are required to have GFCI protection for all 15- and 20-amp, single phase, 125-volt receptacles located in all bathrooms, rooftops, and kitchens. In the video, the multiple receptacles in the kitchen should have GFCI protection.
- Two-prong receptacles: The two-prong receptacle is connected to two-wire cables and are inefficient for large kitchen appliances to be plugged into for long periods of time. This type of receptacle is ungrounded. In the video, it is suggested that the two-prong receptacle be removed.
- Termination requirement: Each neutral and equipment ground wire is required to have its own set of screw termination lugs. These wires cannot share with each other. This point has been discussed in the other videos of this course as a common defect. In this video, the wires under the termination lug are loose. These wires should be tightly secured.
- Conduit fill capacity: This is the maximum number of electrical wires that can be run inside the conduit. The fill capacity is based on the conduit type and size, plus the type of wire itself. The conduit fill capacity limits heat buildup and ensures that the heat inside the conduit can dissipate, rather than melting the vinyl insulation of the wires. In the video, the 2-inch conduit is stuffed with wires, which is unsafe. De-rating is recommended.
- Missing outlet cover: All outlets and light switches should have covers to cover exposed wire. This is key in preventing an electrical shock. In the video, an outlet cover is missing.
- Painted receptacle: The integrity of electrical equipment and its connections are set by prohibiting contamination by paint, plaster, cleaners, abrasives, and corrosive residues. Electrical equipment includes receptacles. Painted receptacles are a fire hazard because paint can harden inside the receptacle slots, which can cause the outlet to overheat. In the video, painted receptacles are observed.