What are AFCIs?
An arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) or arc-fault detection device (AFDD) is a circuit breaker or receptacle that breaks the circuit when it detects the electric arcs that are an indicator of loose connections in electrical wiring. Loose connections, which can develop over time, can sometimes become hot enough to ignite house fires. An AFCI selectively distinguishes between a harmless arc (incidental to normal operation of switches, plugs, and brushed motors), and a potentially dangerous arc (that can occur, for example, in a lamp cord which has a broken conductor).
What are AFCI testers or indicators?
AFCI tester indicators (sometimes called AFCI testers) are portable devices designed to test AFCI functionality. They create waveform patterns similar to those produced by actual arc faults, thereby causing working AFCIs to trip. AFCI indicators are considerably larger and more expensive (by several hundred dollars) than ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) indicators and are of questionable effectiveness. For these reasons, they are not used as widely as GFCI indicators.
Why are AFCI indicators important?
While an AFCI circuit breaker comes with a test button that performs a role similar to a portable AFCI indicator, this button cannot test for arc faults within individual portions of the branch circuit. An AFCI indicator, however, can test any individual receptacle within the branch. InterNACHI inspectors should use AFCI indicators to inspect receptacles observed and deemed to be AFCI-protected.
How do they work?
AFCI indicators should be inserted directly into the receptacle. Some AFCI indicators offer a number of testing options. This indicator creates eight to 12 pulses of 106 to 141 amp charges in less than a second which should be recognized by the AFCI as a dangerous arc and cause it to open the circuit that it serves. The indicator can also test for nuisance tripping, the annoying tendency of an AFCI to open its circuit when it detects a safe, shared neutral connection. For this test, it produces a 300mA arc that should not cause the AFCI to trip. Some AFCI indicators conveniently incorporate a GFCI indicator into their design.
AFCI indicators are somewhat larger than GFCI indicators but they are operated in the same way. An inspector simply inserts one into a receptacle and navigates the menu in order to produce the desired electric current. The user will know that the circuit in question has been tripped if the AFCI device loses power. If this occurs following an AFCI test, the AFCI is functioning properly. The user should then go to the electrical panel to reset the AFCI breaker. If the test results in the failure of an AFCI breaker to open the circuit, then a qualified electrician should be contacted.
How effective are they?
It is important to understand the distinction between an AFCI indicator and the test button on an AFCI device. The latter produces an actual arc fault and can be relied upon to assess the functionality of the AFCI. An indicator, by contrast, creates waveforms that are not true arcs but are characteristic of them and are thus not a completely reliable measure of an AFCI’s functionality. As a result of this distinction, an indicator might not cause a perfectly functional AFCI to trip. Although commonly called testers, it is more appropriate to refer to them as indicators, despite terminology that often appears in AFCI “tester” user guides.
Underwriters Laboratories, a product-testing organization that develops product standards, requires AFCI indicators to include the following information detailing this limitation in their product manuals:
CAUTION: AFCIs recognize characteristics unique to arcing, and AFCI indicators produce characteristics that mimic some forms of arcing. Because of this, the indicator may give a false indication that the AFCI is not functioning properly. If this occurs, recheck the operation of the AFCI using the test and reset buttons. The AFCI button test function will demonstrate proper operation.
This caution implies that an AFCI is working properly if the indicator causes it to trip, but the reverse is not necessarily true. An AFCI that does not trip as a result of an indicator may actually be perfectly fine. The test button on the circuit interrupter can be used to confirm its malfunction in the event that the indicator does not cause it to trip. Manufacturers claim that their AFCI indicators provide a universal method to test AFCIs that are produced by different companies.
Summary
AFCI indicators help ensure that AFCIs are properly monitoring the circuits that they serve for dangerous arc faults. These devices create electrical waveforms characteristic of those produced by an actual arc. As their effectiveness has been debated, they should be viewed as a complement to the test button on an AFCI, rather than a substitute.
Original Article Copied with Permission from InterNACHI – https://www.nachi.org/3.htm
Take some time after spring has arrived to give your home a thorough inspection as well as its annual spring cleaning. Including these home maintenance recommendations in your daily routine will help your home run more smoothly.
Have a professional HVAC contractor come out and perform a tune-up on your air conditioning system. You should do this once a year to ensure the system is operating at its manufacturer-rated efficiency, which can help you save money on your energy costs and keep you cooler on those soon-to-be-here hot Tennessee days. Check the condensate drain hose on your system as well, since we live in a humid region. Mine becomes blocked with algae and debris and I have to clean it regularly. You can save money by inspecting the hose yourself on a regular basis. Try to flush any debris out then suction any remaining obstruction with a wet-vac.
Because the strong Middle Tennessee Summer heat may quickly destroy shingles on a roof, you should call a contractor if you haven’t inspected it in several years. You can take a look from the ground or at gutter level for any loose shingles or screws. Remove any leaves or other material that has accumulated on them or in your gutters. There are many ‘gutter cover’ companies. I did get a quote from one once; then went to my local hardware store and bought and installed them myself. This just depends on your comport level on a ladder. Double-check to verify if your gutters are securely secured and free of leaks. Look at the fascias and trim. To avoid a potential basement flood, make sure that downspouts guide water away at least six feet from the house’s foundation.
Before the spring rains arrive, inspect the foundation around your home to ensure that your basement is adequately protected. Remove any leaves that may be around it. Look for cracks or defects and seal them or, if required, get a contractor to fix these issues. In addition, search for low spots in the yard near the foundation that could collect water during a severe downpour. Fill up the depressions in your yard with compacted earth to make them level. Keep an eye out for any additional “ponding” spots in your yard, as well, because standing water might form after a very heavy rain. Mosquitoes can spawn in these pools, making them a breeding site. This will also make your Summer more enjoyable.
Check your outside faucets for freeze damage. Make sure your window screens have no damage, and rechaulk doors and windows if necessary. We have a lot of squirrels in Middle Tennessee so make sure all house entry points are sealed. Now’s a great time to make sure your lawn mower is running; better to get it into the shop now instead of when everyone needs repairs. Spring is also a great time to think about planting trees. Last year we got a bunch and planted them around the property. Check out https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests/seedlings.html
If you have a patio deck, look for stains, discolorations, or warping in the wood before using it. If you discover any, you may want to consider resealing the deck. For confirmation that your old treatment is still functional, pour some water onto a dry deck and watch to see whether it beads up in any way. Generally speaking, deck-sealer manufacturers recommend that you reseal your deck once a year; I do mine every other year. If there are no obvious problems that need to be addressed, you may likely wait until the next spring to reseal. Examine the wood for any sharp edges, splintered wood, or rotten wood before proceeding. In addition, search for rusted nails or screws, or any that are coming loose or causing their connections to weaken or come loose. Inspect the deck posts for any signs of decay. Also, make sure that the railings and steps are secure and not shaky before you start using the space.
Spring is a good time to check your smoke detectors and Fire Extinguishers. We have all heard that your smoke detector batteries should be changed twice a year but did you know your home fire extinguishers should be checked at least monthly. Spring is a great time to make sure they are okay.
These simple steps will help you and your home enjoy the cool Middle Tennessee Spring weather.
Whether you’re looking to sell your house or just want it to look like a million bucks lawn care and landscaping is a great way to add curb appeal to your property.
The most obvious benefit of lawn care is that you’ll get to enjoy your lawn in its most beautiful form. A great-looking lawn can be an awesome gathering place for friends and family. Perhaps a more enticing benefit for some is the promise of a higher property value. A great-looking lawn is the first impression for potential buyers. This can help you move your house off the market faster, and ideally at a higher price.
There are many tips to keeping your lawn looking great, and one of the biggest ones is maintaining your trees and shrubs. To further increase the resale value of your home, consider adding trees and shrubs to your yard. When well maintained, this type of greenery can increase your property value by up to 15%.
Maintaining this greenery is essential to keeping your yard looking great. One of the more important landscaping tips you can get is to keep your shrubs and trees pest-free. Managing these pests can take stress and pressure off of trees and let them look healthier and more appealing to your potential buyers. Giving your shrubs and trees and healthy environment to thrive is one of our top landscaping tips.
These days, everybody is busy. After a long work week, the last thing you want to do is spend hours tending to your lawn every weekend. Instead, let professionals take care of it so that you get all the benefits of a beautiful yard without the hassle of doing it yourself. Professional, licensed lawn care technicians are able to care for your lawn all year long so that come summer, it looks as good as it possibly can.
Coming home each day to a well-manicured lawn is about more than that feeling of pride of ownership. When it comes time to find a new home, a healthy lawn will make your property more attractive to potential buyers by adding curb appeal.
A professionally maintained lawn does more than just attract interested buyers. It can also increase the value of your home. And it’s a good investment, too. It has been estimated that lawn care provides a 300% return on your investment. How is that possible, you may ask. Consider the selling price of a nearby home similar to yours, but with a poorly maintained lawn. Now take your lawn care cost, triple it, and add it to your house price. You’ll see the price of your house, considering your beautiful landscaping, is definitely worth it.
Aluminum Wiring is it dangerous to have
Most likely it is but if your home was built tween approximately 1965 and 1973, aluminum wiring was often substituted for copper branch circuit wiring in residential systems. This was due to the sudden rise of the price of copper. Aluminum is a good conductor, and at the time seemed like a reasonable choice. Unfortunately homes built with aluminum wiring are 55 times more likely than those with copper wiring to overload and increase the possibility of a fire due to the inherent qualities of the metal. This risk increases every year. Last year more than 24,000 home fires were caused by faulty electrical wiring.
The potential signs of electrical overheating to watch out for are:
Aluminum Wiring Arcing
Some of the risks of aluminum wiring include:
Breaker with aluminum wiring
Having aluminum wiring does not mean that the house is at a medically unsafe as there are many ways to mitigate risks associated with aluminum wiring. If your house has aluminum wiring it is recommended to have inspected by qualified electrician determined if any remedial actions are necessary.
It’s important to note that any remedial actions should be undertaken by a qualified electrician who has experience working with aluminum wiring. They will be able to recommend the best course of action for your specific situation, and ensure that the work is done safely and up to code.
CopAlum Connectors installed
Aluminum wires are a silver-ish color and more shiny whereas copper wiring is more orange-ish. Often the word” aluminum” or the letters “AL” May be embossed or printed on the wire insulation. If your house was built between 1965 and 1973 there is a very good chance you have aluminum wiring.
Aluminum Wire Comparison
Having aluminum wiring in your home does not necessarily mean that you will have a fire, but you should be aware, check, and prepare. The inspector engineers at Middle Tennessee Inspections are InterNACHI Certified and can quickly let you know if you have aluminum wiring.
Call the engineers at Middle Tennessee Inspections today
At Middle Tennessee Inspections, I always stress the importance of being prepared for emergencies. One essential tool every home should have is a fire extinguisher. If you’re in the market to purchase one, here are some tips to ensure you make the right choice for your home.
Fire extinguishers are your first defense against small fires, potentially saving your home and loved ones from disaster. They help contain fires before they spread, giving you time to call for help and evacuate safely.
fire extinguisher types
When purchasing a fire extinguisher, it’s crucial to know the different types available. Here’s a quick breakdown:
For most homes, a multi-purpose ABC extinguisher is the best choice, covering the majority of fire risks you’ll face.
fire extinguisher
You can purchase fire extinguishers at most home improvement stores, online retailers, and specialty safety equipment suppliers. Some popular options include Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and local hardware stores.
fire extinguisher parts
Remember the PASS acronym:
Investing in a fire extinguisher is a small step that can have a significant impact on your home’s safety. Make sure to choose the right type, place it strategically, and maintain it regularly. Being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency.
Stay safe and be prepared!
Have you recently purchased a fire extinguisher? Share your experiences or any tips you have in the comments below. Let’s help each other stay safe!
#HomeSafety #FireExtinguishers #FireSafety #MiddleTennesseeInspections #HomeInspection #ManchesterTNChamber #TullahomaTNChamber
Owning a home comes with responsibilities, including routine maintenance and unexpected repairs. Once you have your home inspection by Middle Tennessee Inspections there will be times that you will need to do those little repairs. Having the right tools on hand can save you time and money. Here are 22 essential tools every homeowner should have:
A good hammer is one of the most important tools you can own. Use it to drive and remove nails, to pry wood loose from the house, and in combination with other tools. They come in a variety of sizes, although a 16-ounce hammer is the best all-purpose choice.
Claw Hammer
It is best to have four screwdrivers: a small and large version of both a flathead and a Phillips-head screwdriver. Electrical screwdrivers are sometimes convenient, but they’re no substitute. Manual screwdrivers can reach into more places and they are less likely to damage the screw.
Screwdriver Set
Adjustable wrenches are somewhat awkward to use and can damage a bolt or nut if they are not handled properly. However, adjustable wrenches are ideal for situations where you need two wrenches of the same size. Screw the jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.
Measuring house projects requires a tape measure — not a ruler or a yardstick. Tape measures come in many lengths, although 25 feet is best. Measure everything at least twice to ensure accuracy.
Tape Measure
Only a level can be used to determine if something, such as a shelf, appliance or picture, is correctly oriented. The torpedo-style level is unique because it not only shows when an object is perfectly horizontal or vertical, but it also has a gauge that shows when an object is at a 45-degree angle. The bubble in the viewfinder must be exactly in the middle — not merely close.
Wire cutters are pliers designed to cut wires and small nails. The side-cutting style (unlike the stronger end-cutting style) is handy, but not strong enough to cut small nails.
One end of a combination wrench set is open and the other end is a closed loop. Nuts and bolts are manufactured in standard and metric sizes, and because both varieties are widely used, you’ll need both sets of wrenches. For the most control and leverage, always pull the wrench toward you, instead of pushing on it. Also, avoid over-tightening.
Utility Knife
Perfect for opening boxes, cutting materials, and small DIY projects, a sharp utility knife is invaluable.
A good set of pliers, including needle-nose and slip-joint pliers, will help with gripping, cutting, and bending materials. Use slip-joint pliers to grab hold of a nail, a nut, a bolt, and much more. These types of pliers are versatile because of the jaws, which feature both flat and curved areas for gripping many types of objects. There is also a built-in slip-joint, which allows the user to quickly adjust the jaw size to suit most tasks.
A cordless drill with a set of drill bits makes hanging shelves, assembling furniture, and making repairs much easier.
Bigger than a torpedo level. To ensure pictures, shelves, and furniture are installed correctly, a level is a necessary tool.
Avoid costly mistakes by using a stud finder to locate wall studs before drilling or hammering into walls.
Middle Tennessee has a lot of power outages. None of the tools in this list is of any use if you cannot visually inspect the situation. The problem, and solution, are apparent only with a good flashlight. A traditional two-battery flashlight is usually sufficient, as larger flashlights may be too unwieldy.
flashlight
Great for plumbing work, gripping large objects, and other heavy-duty tasks. Adjustable wrenches are somewhat awkward to use and can damage a bolt or nut if they are not handled properly. However, adjustable wrenches are ideal for situations where you need two wrenches of the same size. Screw the jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.
Many furniture pieces and appliances require hex keys for assembly and maintenance.
A hacksaw is useful for cutting metal objects, such as pipes, bolts and brackets. Hacksaws look thin and flimsy, but they’ll easily cut through even the hardest of metals. Blades are replaceable, so focus your purchase on a quality hacksaw frame.
Protect yourself from injuries by keeping safety gloves, goggles, and ear protection on hand.
For all tasks involving a hammer or a power tool, you should always wear safety glasses or goggles. They should also be worn while you mix chemicals. Gloves and ear protection are always useful.
Keep your tools organized and easy to access with a sturdy toolbox.
By having these essential tools, homeowners can handle a variety of maintenance tasks efficiently, saving time and money in the long run.
A clogged sink or toilet is one of the most inconvenient household problems that you will face. With a plunger on hand, however, you can usually remedy these plumbi
ng issues relatively quickly. It is best to have two plungers — one for the sink and one for the toilet.
Used to insulate wires from touching each other and to prevent shocks
This tape is extremely strong and adaptable. Originally, it was widely used to make temporary repairs to many types of military equipment. Today, it’s one of the key items specified for home emergency kits because it is water-resistant and extremely sticky. It also comes in colors!
Just handy
Call our inspection engineers for a professional and expert evaluation of your home.
Middle Tennessee Inspections provides services in the following counties: Coffee, Rutherford, Cannon, Warren, Bedford, Franklin, Moore, Lincoln, Grundy, and Marion.
inspections@tenninspect.com
931-674-4400
615-486-4500
305-407-7023 cell
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