AboutRick Miell Expertise Past County electrical inspector, hold St. of Colorado Master license, will try to answer any electrical question with Code related answers.
Experience State of Colorado Master Electrician. Past County Electricial Inspector (15 years)
Question I am in the process of selling a 120 year old house. Prior to my purchasing it 2+ years ago the prior owner had updated a great deal of the electrical. The buyer's inspector noted "open grounds" on "numerous"three prong outlets". When I opened a number of the outlets, they have three wire cable coming into the box with the ground(brass) wire attached to a screw into the metal box. Is this a problem? Is it unsafe? If so what has to be done? Question # 2: in the walk up attic there is a hanging light with what is described to me as knob and tubing wiring. The inspector is requesting that this wiring be replaced. When I read in a couple books about wiring and code, neither stated that this is unsafe or that FHA won't approve for mortgage. The wiring appears to be completely intact....no fraying of covering etc. Can you help me to understand the concern, please?
Thanks,
Sande
Answer Hi Sande.
Ungrounded three wire outlets are a problem, and should be adressed. Most likely the box was never grounded, but someone thought they were, thus the ground connection from the outlet to the box. You need to have this corrected.
Knob & tube wiring is still an approved wireing method, tho no one installes it anymore, due to the cost. This type of wiring can become loose and overheated, which might be the inspector's concern. You might want to hire na electrician to come in to evaluate your electrical wiring for hazards.
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