Non grounded gfci’s in a kitchen.

[acer66]

Hi there,

Helping a friend selling her 1947 house in western NC which I think is still under NEC 2014.
Home inspector pointed out the gfci’s without ground, they have the proper sticker on them, that were put in by some prior owner to replace two prong receptacles as unsafe.

As far as I know that is a code approved method of replacing 2 prong receptacles but does also apply to kitchen counter top receptacles within 6’ from the sink?

Thank you.

 

[Terry D]

There is nothing wrong having a GFCI on a 2-wire system. The GFCI does not need a ground to function properly. The GFCI monitors the current coming in and out of it. If there is a 5ma difference, it will trip. It is completely legal to have a 3-prong GFCI on a 2-wire system

 

[acer66]

Thank you and that also goes for the ones on the kitchen counter top close to the sink?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

There is nothing wrong having a GFCI on a 2-wire system. The GFCI does not need a ground to function properly. The GFCI monitors the current coming in and out of it. If there is a 5ma difference, it will trip. It is completely legal to have a 3-prong GFCI on a 2-wire system

 

[Terry D]

Thank you and that also goes for the ones on the kitchen counter top close to the sink?

Yes, all GFCIs. Location doesn't matter.

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[acer66]

Yes, all GFCIs. Location doesn't matter.

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Great, thanks again.

 

[Norcal]

Just another idiot home inspector.

 

[acer66]

Just another idiot home inspector.

He also mistook a utility line crossing the property to feed properties in the back with the one feeding the house in question.

Following was his remark on a properly installed two prong receptacle.
“ An equipment ground provides an extra safety feature to prevent electrical shock hazards and property damage. A licensed electrical contractor should be consulted for a complete evaluation to determine the significance of this concern and make necessary repairs to correct defects and prevent safety hazards.”

 

[PCustoms]

He also mistook a utility line crossing the property to feed properties in the back with the one feeding the house in question.

Following was his remark on a properly installed two prong receptacle.
“ An equipment ground provides an extra safety feature to prevent electrical shock hazards and property damage. A licensed electrical contractor should be consulted for a complete evaluation to determine the significance of this concern and make necessary repairs to correct defects and prevent safety hazards.”

Translation: any moderately educated individual can put together that grounded outlets are required now. But since I have no specific skills I am just looking at the missing hole on the recepticle and noting that a true professional should evaluate.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

A ground wire only provides safety for a grounded appliance or utilization equipment.

The ground terminal on an outlet does diddly for 2-wire appliances and equipment

 

[sberry]

GFCI is the great equalizer. Makes up for a missing link in the system.

 

[reader2580]

Home inspectors seem to think that every house should meet the latest NEC even if the house was built in 1947 and met code when built. The buyers see the electrical recommendations from the home inspector and think that recommendations mean the seller must fix those items.

Buyers who are buying a 1947 house need to understand that a 1947 house is not going to be up to modern "standards". Lots of home inspectors include things in reports on older houses that met code when built and are not required to be upgraded to modern code as long as not touched.

I think in some cases it would cost less to tear down and rebuild an older house than to "fix" everything a home inspector says is not correct. If buyers are looking for a modern house that meets every current building code they should be buying a new 2020 house.

 

[Jim greengo]

Just another idiot home inspector.

Anen!

 

[Jim greengo]

A ground wire only provides safety for a grounded appliance or utilization equipment.

The ground terminal on an outlet does diddly for 2-wire appliances and equipment

Exactly.
If I had a dollar for ever obvious code violation I saw a home inspector walk by to write up some trivial bs I'd be rich!
Theres no license required by those clowns in the state of nebraska,i remind them that my licenses trump their 4 hr online class they took from an online home inspector diploma mill!

 

[Innovate1]

Inspectors don't always know the details of things. If it were me before I got an electrician involved I would write a note to explain that this is perfectly acceptable by code and safe and note the section of the NEC that covers it with the NEC item quoted. Might save you an electrician bill.

 

[Jim greengo]

Home inspectors seem to think that every house should meet the latest NEC even if the house was built in 1947 and met code when built. The buyers see the electrical recommendations from the home inspector and think that recommendations mean the seller must fix those items.

Buyers who are buying a 1947 house need to understand that a 1947 house is not going to be up to modern "standards". Lots of home inspectors include things in reports on older houses that met code when built and are not required to be upgraded to modern code as long as not touched.

I think in some cases it would cost less to tear down and rebuild an older house than to "fix" everything a home inspector says is not correct. If buyers are looking for a modern house that meets every current building code they should be buying a new 2020 house.

Exactly.

 

[sberry]

The inspectors opinion depends on who is paying some of them.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

The inspectors opinion depends on who is paying some of them.

bingo

my friend got screwed on a sale because the buyers inspector wrote up all kinds of **** that was BS and my friend needed to sell due to a divorce. he had no choice but to take a hit on the price because of this BS

 

[nadogail]

I have been called to the home of a rookie home inspector who diagnosed an electrical problem in his own home.

He paid my employer for my teaching him how to properly use his test equipment. Having a Mail Order Diploma, does not make you a competent home inspector.

 

[sberry]

Owners, especially landlord flipper types are just as bad. Well the guy said it was good,, does this look right, Ray Charles could tell. Whole house on 3 30A fuses with a fistful of wires hanging out, no cover cause the wires all hooked on, kt wire poked in no connectors. I don't think to get pic sometimes. 2 little strands of N left at weatherhead, about number 16 if that.
Realtor found an inspector to sell it. Everything in the house broke except the furnace, put a new toilet on to work in the place.
Owner looks at me, says guy inspected it,,, I said, got nothing to do with me, don't care what he said, cost 15 large to fix it.

 

[Jim greengo]

I have been called to the home of a rookie home inspector who diagnosed an electrical problem in his own home.

He paid my employer for my teaching him how to properly use his test equipment. Having a Mail Order Diploma, does not make you a competent home inspector.

Yep.

 

[Terry D]

Cant tell you how many times a home inspector has told the homeowner that their older split buss panel was a violation and had to be replaced. I go there to look at it, and told them no violation. As long as there is 6 or less brekers on the top half, it is completely legal.

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