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PUBLICATIONS

NBSIR 81-2203

Electrical Aspects of the

CSA/NBS Weatherization Study

Marianne P. Vaishnav

Product Safety Technology Division

Center for Consumer Product Technology

U S. Department of Commerce

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, DC 20234

January 1981

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81-2203

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Report to: ''onsumer Product Safety Commission

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sthesda, Maryland 20016
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NBSIR 81-2203

ELECTRICAL ASPECTS OF THE

CSA/NBS WEATHERIZATION STUDY

Marianne P. Vaishnav

National Bureau of Standards

Library, E-01 Admin. Bldg.

MAR 1 1 1981

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Product Safety Technology Division

Center for Consumer Product Technology

U S. Department of Commerce

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, DC 20234

January 1981

Report to: Consumer Product Safety Commission

5401 Westbard Avenue

Bethesda, Maryland 20016

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Malcolm Baldrige, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler, Director
'
Electrical Aspects of the CSA/NBS Weather izat ion Study

Introduction and Background

When electric service first came into common use, houses were

generally not insulated and the electrical system was designed to utilize

the air-space in the walls to conduct heat away from the wiring system,

thereby maintaining temperatures within the system at or below those

required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) for safe operation. In

those cases where insulation was installed, the wires were to be placed

above or outside the insulation, since covering the electrical system with

thermal insulation interferes with the air-cooling effect. If the heat

dissipation process is sufficiently impeded, the electric system operates

at a temperature higher than that for which the system was designed.

Operation of the wiring system at elevated temperatures could eventually

cause deterioration of the electrical insulation and subsequent electrical

system failure, thereby creating a potential fire hazard.

The current national emphasis on energy conservation has led to an

increased use of thermal insulation for new homes and older homes. In many

of these homes this means taking an electrical system designed to operate

in free air and encapsulating it in thermal insulation. The National

Bureau of Standards (NBS) has conducted studies for the Consumer Product

Safety Commission (CPSC) on the effects of thermal insulation on

residential electrical systems (1, 2). While this is a many-faceted

problem, it became evident early in the study that the condition of the

electrical system in homes was a major factor in determining the potential

fire hazard involved in covering an electrical system with thermal

insulation. Since data on the condition of electrical systems in existing

homes was not available, this study was undertaken.

The houses involved in the Community Services Administration (CSA)/NBS

weather izat ion study (3) were used in the present study. The nature of some of the electrical problems in these homes, as found by the residents

and by inspectors having no formal training in electrical work, was

outlined in a previous report to CPSC (4). The present report is based on

the evaluations of electrical problems in the CSA homes by technically

qualified persons. These evaluations will be referred to as the "technical

inspections".

The CSA/NBS Weather izat ion Study

The Community Services Administration (CSA) , in an effort to determine

"how it might best help low-income families cope with the high and

increasing costs of energy" (3) initiated a research program at the

National Bureau of Standards (NBS) to determine "the maximum dollars that can be saved through weather ization of the homes occupied by the poor in

all parts of the United States" (3)

.

This program will determine "the

typical energy consumption, in BTQ's per square foot, of unweather ized and

optimally weather ized homes in various climates. . .and the savings,
- 2 -

expressed as a percent, that can be expected from optimally weatherizing"

(3) hones. This, in turn, will allow the estimation of "the minimum energy

use achievable in a given type of building in a given climate zone", and

the "understanding (of) the range of expected savings that can be achieved

independent of behavioral and other variables" (3). Currently, fifteen CSA

sites are participating in this weather izat ion project (table 1) . As shown

in figure 1, these sites are in various parts of the United States, and

their areas experience a variety of weather conditions. To be considered

for inclusion in the project, a house had to meet the following conditions:

1. be owner occupied;

2. be in a structurally sound condition, requiring minor repairs at

most; and

3. nave at least two years of fuel records/bills available.

CPSC/CSA/NBS Collaboration

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) , in order to obtain data

useful in assessing the current state of the electrical wiring system and

associated problems existing in houses, collaborated with the CSA and NBS

in their Weather izat ion Demonstration Project. Each of the fifteen

participating sites agreed to obtain electrical information of interest to

CPSC on the houses involved in the project, and to forward this data to NBS

for analysis. In specifying the type of electrical data to be gathered,

the sites were provided with a list of pertinent questions and suggested

response formats (figures 2 and 3); they were not, however, provided with

an electrical inspection procedure. Two booklets (Appendixes 1 and 2) were

prepared and distributed to the participants as guides for recording and

submitting the desired data for the non-technical electrical inspections

and the technical electrical inspections, respectively.

Approach

It was decided that the effort to evaluate the state of household

wiring should take a three-pronged approach:

1. non-technical inspections

2. technical inspections

3 . detailed measurements

The first inspection was to be performed by a CSA non-technical

inspector in order to test the theory that an electrically-untrained

person, given suitable guidelines could (a) perform an electrical safety

check of a structure, then (b) based on the observations, that individual

could decide whether conditions warranted calling in an expert, such as an electrician. If this concept proved to be workable, the procedure might

tnen be presented in a pamphlet which, in turn, could be used by the
- 3 -

consumer to inspect his/her own home and determine whether the services of

a professional electrician should be sought. A prototypal procedure which

might be used by CPSC in the development of a consumer brochure to be used

by the homeowner in inspecting the electrical system was outlined in an

earlier report (4)

.

The technical inspection was designed to be performed by an electrical

expert (such as a licensed electrician, a local electrical inspector or a local electric utility) and was intended to verify and expand the

observations of the non-technical inspection. Since it was our objective

that the inspectors report everything they considered to be a problem, only

guidelines and suggested response formats, rather than precise inspection

procedures, were provided to them. Contact with the CSA personnel involved

in the study was maintained, providing continuous opportunity to answer questions from sites as they arose.

The purpose of making detailed electrical measurements in the homes

was to assess the condition of those parts of the wiring system which,

because of location or role in the system, cannot readily be checked by

visual means. This latter phase of the program has not been implemented.

Results and Discussion

Data on the technical inspection was received from ten of the fifteen

sites, as indicated in table 2. The ten sites for which data has been

received provide a representative geographical sampling of the fifteen

sites (figure 4)

.

The results of the analysis of the technical inspection data received

from the ten sites are presented in tables 4 through 8. They include an analysis of responses by the technical inspectors to questions on 157

houses from these 10 sites. Table 3 lists the problem categories into

which the technical responses were classified. Appendix 3 provides

illustrative comments received on the technical inspection returns

Clearly, some of these comments are based on the inspector's judgment of

hazard, which may vary among inspectors depending on their experiences;

some hazards may therefore not have been reported. Moreover, it is

conceivable that on the subjective aspects of the data some one else could

perhaps develop interpretations somewhat at variance from those reported

below.

Table 4 profiles the age of the houses checked while table 5 presents

summary data concerning the fuse/circuit size relationship for the ten

sites. The average age per site ranged from 29 years for the New Orleans

site to 73 for the Portland site. Ages of individual houses (among all the

sites) ranged from 3 to 150 years, the average age being 48 years (table

4). The number of houses in which overamping* was evident ranged from 27

percent at the Chicago site to 69 percent at the Albuquerque site. On the

whole, the ten sites indicated the presence of overamping in 49 percent of

the houses checked (table 5)

.

*The overcurrent protection device for a conductor is designed to open the

circuit when the current reaches a value that will cause an excessive or dangerous temperature in the conductor or conductor insulation. The term

"overamped" indicates the use of an overcurrent protection device (fuse or circuit breaker) that would allow the circuit to carry a higher current

than that for which it was designed.
- 4 -

Table 6 presents an analysis of the technical inspectors' responses

concerning the nature of the electrical problems found, such as overamped

circuits, temporary and/or extension cord wiring, lighting system problems,

branch circuit wiring problems, fuse/circuit breaker panel problems, and

problems with service entrance conductors. Of the houses for which data

was available, 39 (25%) had service entrance conductor problems, 26 (17%)

had problems with the electric panel, 54 (34%) had reported branch circuit

wiring problems, 59 (38%) used temporary or extension cord wiring, while 61

(39%) contained defective lighting systems. Overamping was found in 77

(49%) of the houses inspected. Among the 77 houses in which overamping was

reported, 60 (78%) had other problems as well. If one disregards the data

from the New Orleans site, which had a very low incidence of response to

questions pertaining to problems other than overamping, the number of

overamped houses having additional problems becomes 58 out of 65 or 89%.

The graph in figure 5 summarizes the types of problem encountered and the

relative frequencies of occurrence on a per-house basis.

Figure 6 shows the frequency of occurrence of one or more type of

problem by reporting site. The percentage of houses for which problems

were reported ranged from 56 for the Easton site to 100 for the Tacoma

site. Of the 157 houses for which inspection reports were received, 122

(78%) were reported to have at least one type of electrical problem, and 86

(55%) were reported to have multiple problems. Only 14 of the 157 houses

inspected were reported to have no problems with the electric system, while

21 did not respond to questions pertaining to one or more of the problem

categories of interest (table 7). Of the 122 houses with reported

electrical problems, 36 had a problem (s) in only one problem category, 29

had problems in two categories, 25 had problems in three categories, 17 had

problems in four categories, 11 had problems in five categories, and 4 had

problems in all six categories. Figure 7 depicts these results in the form

of a bargraph.

Due to changes in participating houses and personnel at participating

sites, the data received from the technical inspections was not necessarily

on the same houses as the data received from the non-technical inspection.

Nonetheless, a comparison of data received from the non-technical

inspection (4) and the technical inspection shows that problems were

reported for 70 and 78% of the houses in the non-technical and technical

inspection data pool, respectively (table 8). The frequency of overamping

indicated by the non-technical data set was 44%, while the technical data

set showed the presence of overamping in 49% of the houses. Whereas only

53% of the houses were reported to have multiple problems in the non- technical inspection, 70% of the houses in the technical inspection were

found to have more than one problem. This may indicate that non-technical

inspections are useful as an alerting tool for potential electrical

problems in houses, but that technical inspections are necessary to assess

the actual extent and nature of the electrical problems.
- 5 -

Summary and Recommendations

Technical inspection data was received for 157 (49%) of the 319 homes

included in the 15 sites that had initially volunteered to participate in our study. Analysis of this data indicates that electrical deficiencies

appear to be present in 78% of the homes that were inspected and reported

upon. The addition of thermal insulation to the space occupied by the

electrical system of these homes could aggravate and/or accelerate some of

the potential hazards found to date. Serious consideration should be given

to further investigations of the problems and remedial actions that might

be required, especially in connection with home insulating efforts, to

avoid increased risks on a widespread basis.

Since the non-technical and technical inspections pointed to

electrical problems in 70% or more of the houses it may be useful for CPSC

to develop consumer guidelines for early detection of potential electrical

problems and criteria for conducting electrical inspections.

Finally, it should be pointed out that the results reported upon here

are based on the limited number of homes included in the CSA/NBS

Weather ization study, and that the data base has some inherent and

unavoidable uncertainties and subjective comments. Nonetheless, it appears

that there is a considerable potential for hazard associated with the

problems found and further study is indicated.
- 6 -

TABLE 1. Location of CSA Weatherization

Demonstration Project Sites

Site Number Location

1 Albuquerque, New Mexico

2 Atlanta (Forest Park), Georgia

3 Charleston, South Carolina

4 Chicago, Illinois

5 Colorado Springs, Colorado

6 Easton, Pennsylvania

7 Fargo, North Dakota

8 Miami, Florida

9 Minneapolis, Minnesota

10 New Orleans, Louisiana

11 Oakland, California

12 Portland, Maine

13 St. Louis, Missouri

14 Tacoma, Washington

15 Washington, D.C. (Hughesville, MD)
- 7 -

TABLE 2. Status of CSA Electrical Data Collection

Site # of Houses Houses for Which Data Was Received

In Program Non-Technical

Evaluation

Technical

Evaluation

# % # %

Albuquerque

New Mexico

26 17 65 16 62

Forest Park (Atlanta)

Georgia

16 16 100 16 100

Charleston

South Carolina

23 22 96 0 0

Chicago

111 inois

28 22 79 22 79

Colorado Springs

Colorado

23 23 100 14 61

Easton

Pennsylvania

20 20 100 18 90

Fargo

North Dakota

18 15 83 0 0

Miami

Florida

19 0 0 0 0

Minneapolis/St. Paul

Minnesota

28 0 0 0 0

New Orleans

Louisiana

18 0 0 18 100

Oakland

Cal i form'

a

15 0 0 12 80

Portland

Maine

23

' 0 0 17 74

St. Louis

Missouri j

37 28 76 0 0

Tacoma

Washington

10 10 100 10 100

Hughesville

Maryland

15 0 0 14 93

Total 319 173 54 157 49
- 8 -

TABLE 3. Problem Categories

CATEGORY Some Examples of Problems Included in Category

SERVICE ENTRANCE Poor insulation/extensive loss of insulation on cable to

house.

CONDUCTORS No weatherhead on service cable.

Service cable loose/no straps/clamp needs to be replaced

Service cable frayed

Improperly wired

No corrosion prevention on aluminum connections

Inadequate service/undersize for load

Service bad - needs to be replaced

Etc.

FUSE/CIRCUIT Improper installation/improperly wired

Loose fuse holders

BREAKER PANEL Unfused main/main breaker missing or poor

Condensation in fuse box

Box too smal 1 /crowded panel

Poor condition of panel

Panel unsatisfactory/inadequate/needs to be replaced

Etc.

(excludes overamping)

BRANCH CIRCUIT Improper/defecti ve/deteri orated wi ri ng

WIRING

Switch/receptacle problems

Junction box problems

Etc.

TEMPORARY/EXTENSION Zipcord wiring

Excessive use of extension cords

CORD WIRING Extension cord use because of bad/non-operating/nonexisting receptacles

Extension cord from lighting circuit to power refrigerator/

freezer/other appliances/shop tools

Extension cord from one room to power another room/from

house to yard or other building

Temporary wiring/use of extension cord for/or in place of

permanent wiring

Etc.

LIGHTING Use of improper wire

No junction box for ceiling lights

Fixture needs replacing

Bad switch

Frayed wires

Loose sockets

Flickering light

Overbulbed fixture

Scorching damage/overheated wire

Bare/exposed wire

Unsupported fixtures/dangling from wire

Improperly installed/wired

Wiring needs to be replaced

Condition of wiring is poor/bad

Etc.

OVERAWED CIRCUITS -
- 9 -

TABLE 4. Age Profiles of CSA Weatherization

Demonstration Project Sites

Demonstration Project

Age of Houses for Which Data

Was Received (years)

Site Average Median Range

Albuquerque

New Mexico

30 25 17-100

Atlanta (Forest Park)

Georgia

31 25 7-100

Chicago

Illinois

60 60 15-100

Colorado Springs

Colorado

65 + 67.5 30-100

Easton

Pennsylvania

53 55 7-100 !

New Orleans

Louisiana

29 27 13-44

Oakland

Cal i form'

a

59+ 60+ 40+ to 80+

Portland

Maine

73 75 23-150

Tacoma

Washington

32 27 8-80

Hughesvil le

Maryland

37 40 3-70

All Sites 48 + - 3-150
- 10 -

TABLE 5. Overcurrent Protection Device (OCPD) / Circuit Size

Relationship for CSA Weatherization Demonstration

Project Sites

Demonstration Project

Site

OCPD/Circuit Size Relationship

Percent {%) of Houses Checked

Overamped Unknown Correct OCPD

Number in

Site

Number of

Returns

A1 buquerque

New Mexico

69 6 25 2.6 16

Atlanta (Forest Park)

Georgia

50 0 50 16 16

Chicago

Illinois

27 0 73 28 22

Colorado Springs

Col orado

43 29 29 23 14

Easton

Pennsyl vania

33 6 61 20 18

New Orleans

Louisiana

67 5 28 18 18

Oakland

Cal i fornia

50 0 50 15 12

Portl and

Mai ne

59 12 29 23 17

Tacoma

Washington

30 0 70 10 10

Hughesvi 1 1

e

Maryland

64 0 36 15 14

All Sites 49 6 45
- 11 -

TABLE 6

Electrical Problems Found

Problem Category

Houses With

Problems

No Response or Satisfactory

# % 2 %

Service entrance conductors 39 25 118 75

Fuse/circuit breaker panel 26 17 131 83

Branch circuit wiring 54 34 103 66

Temporary/ext. cord wiring 59 38 98 62

Lighting 61 39 96 61

Overamping 77 49 80 51

Total (one or more problems) 122 78 35 22

Total (more than one problem) 86 55 35 22

Total (overamping & other

problems)

60 38 35 22

1
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Electrical

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- 13 -

TABLE 8

Comparison of Data from the Technical and

Non-Technical Inspection Returns on CSA Houses

Frequency of

Non-Technical

Inspection

(% of Houses)

Technical

Inspection

(% of Houses)

Electrical Problem(s) 70 78

Overamping 44 49

Multiple Problems 53 70
Figure

1.

Distribution

of

CSA

Weatherization

Demonstration

Project

Sites

- 14 -

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Distribution

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Weatherization

Demonstration

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Sites

from

which

Technical

Data

Returns

were

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*

- 17 - < —

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in

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from

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data

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Problems

A

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- 20 - Figure 7A and 7B Frequency of Occurrence of Electrical

System Problem Types Per House

NUMBER OF PROBLEM TYPES PER HOUSE
References

(1) Fulcomer, P.M. , Temperature Measurements on Operating Surface Mounted

Lighting Fixtures, NBSIR79-1912, September 1979.

(2) Fulcomer, P.M. , Temperature Measurement on Operating Recessed Lighting

Fixtures, NBSIR79-1913, September 1979.

(3) Crenshaw, R. , et al, CSA Weather izat ion Demonstration Project Plan,

Report to Community Services Administration, 1-2, Nov. 1978, Center

for Building Technology, National Bureau of Standards.

(4) Vaishnav, M.P., Electrical Aspects of the CSA/NBS Weather ization

Study, An Interim Status Report to CPSC, May 1979, Center for Consumer

Product Technology, National Bureau of Standards.
- • n

.

’ • ••! (V Vi
APPENDIX I

Potential Electrical Hazards in Housing -

Sent to CSA Sites for "Non-Technical " Data

Collection

POTENTIAL ELECTRICAL HAZARDS IN HOUSING

PURPOSE OF PAMPHLET

The purpose of this informal pamphlet is to present information

concerning the need for assessing the condition of the residential

electrical systems in the homes selected for the Weatherization Program,

and describe the data needed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission/

National Bureau of Standards (CPSC/NBS) to assess the extent and nature

of electrical system problems, which exist in today’s homes. This

pamphlet will be updated, based on your comments and other data.

It is anticipated that two types of potential electrical hazards will be

encountered

1) Those hazards which the Weatherization Program will aggrevate

and thus should be fixed prior to weatherization.

2) Those hazards which will not be affected by the Weatherization

Program.

The CPSC/NBS study is concerned with identifying both types of potential

hazards. The (CSA/NBS) Weatherization Program is only technically concerned

with the first type.

GENERAL BACKGROUND

In the United States, the evaluation and approval of electrical

construction in housing primarily involves three entities, which are:

(1) local authorities, (2) the National Electrical Code (NEC) and

(3) Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. (U.L.). The information presented

below contrasts the usual safeguards taken with new installations with lack

of safeguards for existing installations. There is generally no evaluation

of existing electrical systems except when alterations or additions are made

to them. When other alterations (e.g. installing thermal insulation) are

made, electrical systems are usually ignored.

The inspection of electrical construction is usually done by local authorities

who generally determine the legal requirements which apply to electrical

construction in their areas. In practice, local authorities usually follow

the National Electrical Code (NEC) for installation requirements, and approve

only manufactured electrical components which have been listed by Underwriters

Laboratories, Inc. In some cases, local authorities adopt the National

Electrical Code with modifications. Such modifications usually make legal

requirements more restrictive than corresponding NEC requirements. For

example, some jurisdictions prohibit the installation of nonmetallic-sheathed

cable or electrical cable with aluminum conductors. The National Electrical

Code and any local amendments to the NEC are referred to in the event of any

controversy concerning wiring methods or requirements; otherwise, the safety

and adequacy of electrical installations are evaluated by the judgment of

electrical inspectors.
The National Electrical Code is promulgated under procedures of the

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the American National

Standards Institute (ANSI) as a voluntary standard. It is an "installation"

code, stating in generic terms what may be installed for different types

of construction and for given conditions, and it sets forth installation

requirements. The NEC covers requirements for electrical construction

except for the suppliers' or utilities part of electrical systems.

(Requirements for electrical and communication utilities' facilities are generally covered by a different national voluntary standard, which is

known as the "National Electrical Safety Code'.')

Responsibility for revision of the NEC is divided among approximately 24

panels (subcommittees) with a correlating committee overseeing and

coordinating the work of the panels. The panels consist of representatives

from varied interests such as electrical manufacturers, electrical contractors,

electrical utilities, electricians, insurance, electrical and building

inspectors, and other governmental authorities. The NEC is revised on a three-year schedule and there are provisions for interim amendments. The

Rules of Procedure for amending the NEC. are detailed in an appendix to the

NEC.

Even though the National Electrical Code is a voluntary standard it affects

construction throughout the United States because of its adoption by State,

local, or other enforcing authorities. In areas where there are very limited

or no legal requirements, or where legal requirements are not rigidly enforced,

some contractors still conform to the National Electrical Code. In the

event of fire or accident, courts generally accept the National Electrical

Code as acceptable good practice.

Nearly all testing for safety of manufactured electrical products is done

by Underwriters' Laboratories (U.L.), a non-profit, private corporation.

Underwriters' Laboratories lists manufactured products which they have tested

and found satisfactory. U.L. develops its own test methods and standards.

Underwriters' Laboratories has no legal authority to "approve" products for

installation or sale. U.L. uses the word "list" and not "approve" in referring

to products it has found satisfactory. Approval of products is the function

of the enforcing authority having jurisdiction. The procedures of most

enforcing authorities do not call for listing by Underwriters' Laboratories

as the sole criterion for approving electrical products. However, in practice,

listing by U.L. usually becomes tantamount to local approval provided local

electrical regulations are not more stringent than those of the National

Electrical Code, in which case the use of certain types of electrical products

may be prohibited.

- 2 -
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DEFICIENCIES

Electrical system components and equipment may have several types of

deficiencies. Older houses in particular may have deficiencies which are potentially hazardous. Some of these deficiencies may be aggravated when

thermal insulation is installed. Several categories of deficiencies in

electrical systems are discussed here.

While the condition and other appropriate factors should determine the

adequacy of a particular wiring system, the type(s) of systems used in

each house should be noted. Illustrations of several common types are

attached.

For various reasons, including ageing, abuse and dampness, the wiring

and other parts of electrical systems may be in a deficient or potentially

hazardous condition. There are numerous specific conditions which could

present a hazardous situation. Examples of such conditions are listed below:

° Loose/broken light fixtures

0 Exposed wiring

° Badly damaged/f rayed wire

° Receptacles broken/loose

° Outside wires not properly buried or supported

° Exposed electrical conductors at outlets

0 Electrical conductors in contact with metal frames of equipment

0 Deteriorating electrical insulation

Generally weatherization itself does not aggravate these types of deficiencies

in electrical systems. However, the process of installing thermal insulation

may cause additional damage to deteriorated electrical systems. Stresses

which are put on wiring with "cracking" or otherwise deteriorating electrical

insulation may cause the electrical insulation to come off the wiring when

it is moved to permit the installation of thermal insulation. Such stresses

during the installation may cause "short-circuits" or cause ungrounded metal

to become "electrically-hot " (a shock hazard).

A qualified electrical inspector should determine the necessary corrections to

the electrical system before houses are weatherized. The electrical systems

in older houses are not expected to be up-dated to the extent that they will

conform with all provisions of the National Electrical Code or local electrical

codes for new houses. However, imminent or potentially imminent hazards

should be corrected.

Overloaded Branch Circuits/Overfusing

When houses are thermally insulated, it becomes extremely important

that branch circuits not be overloaded. The National Electrical Code defines

"branch circuit" as "The Circuit Conductors between the final overcurrent

device ("fuse box" or "circuit breaker panel") protecting the circuit and the

outlet(s)" (lights, receptacles, permanent appliances). In single family

houses, or within housing units of apartment buildings, basically the entire

electrical system consists of branch circuits only.

- 3 -
When wiring is encapsulated (surrounded) by thermal insulation it operates

at higher temperatures than when it is exposed to the air. When a circuit

is supplying electricity to lights, appliances, etc., power is lost in

the wiring in the form of heat. If such heat cannot be readily dissipated,

the wiring may reach very high temperatures. Such heat may shorten the life

of the wiring and if the temperatures become high enough they may cause fires.

The higher the load (that is with too many lights and appliances) on a branch circuit, the chances of obtaining dangerously high temperatures

increase. If thermal insulation prevents the dissipation of heat produced

by self-heating in the wiring, the potential hazards becomes much more

serious

.

A common example of how branch circuit wiring may become encapsulated in

thermal insulation is where an unfinished attic has some insulation,

the wiring is usually on top of this existing insulation. The addition

of more thermal insulation in the attic (because of recent increased

energy conservation needs) usually results in the new insulation being

installed on top of the wiring. This results in the wiring being

"sandwiched" (encapsulated) between old and new thermal insulation.

Because of the chance of wiring being encapsulated in thermal insulation

when houses are weatherized, it becomes extremely important that branch

circuits not be overfused. Houses with edison base fuseholders (which

includes most houses over 20 years old) may easily and inadvertently be

overfused. (See page 6 concerning discussion of edison base fuses).

In residential occupancies branch circuits are usually overfused if wire

sizes are larger than shown below.

Wire Size (AWG)

Rated Size

of Fuse (in amperes)

Copper Aluminum

#14 #12 15

#12 #10 20

#10 # 8 30

NOTE: Wires of a given size with some types of superior electrical insulation

may be rated at higher ampacities (current carrying capacity in amperes)

than shown above. However, nonmetallic-sheathed cable and most other

wiring used in houses does not have these superior electrical insulations.

This is the reason for obtaining detailed data on overcurrent protection

(fuses or circuit breakers). See Section on overcurrent protection.

- 4 -
Recessed and Surface Mounted Ceiling Lights/Overlamping

When thermal insulation covers recessed lights or the outlet boxes

for surface-mounted ceiling lights, a potential hazard may be created.

Thermal insulation tends to prevent heat produced by the lights from

dissipating. This can result in high temperatures which may hasten

deterioration of the lighting fixture and the wiring in the outlet box

where connections are made to the lighting fixture. If temperatures

become too high, insulation on wiring and other non-metallic parts of

the electrical system may possibly ignite.

Thermal insulation in close proximity to the lights or their outlet

boxes may also ignite if temperatures become to high.

The National Electrical Code contains the following provision:

"Thermal insulation shall not be installed within three inches of a recessed fixture enclosure, wiring compartment or ballast and shall not

be installed above the fixture as to entrap heat and prevent the free

circulation of air unless the fixture is otherwise approved for the

purpose'.'

This potential hazard may be particularly acute when there is overlamping.

This is the reason for obtaining detailed information on recessed and

surface-mounted ceiling light fixtures. Overlamping occurs when a larger

size lightbulb (in watts) is inserted into a light fixture than the

light fixture is designed for. The excess heat produced by such lightbulbs

in an installation where thermal insulation entrap heat may create a serious fire hazard. Unless otherwise marked, most light fixtures are overlamped if bulbs larger than 60 watts are used.

Service Entrance Capacity

Many older houses have insufficient electrical service capacity brought

into them. While 150 and 200 ampere service entrance capacity is common

in newer homes, many older homes have 60 ampere or less service entrance

capacity. 60 ampere capacity may still be adequate in some houses,

particularly when such heavy appliances as electric heaters, stoves, and

air conditioners are not used.

A qualified electrical inspector should determine if houses have

insufficient service entrance capacity. If there is need to rewire

or add additional branch circuits, it may be necessary to also increase

the service entrance capacity. Unless the electrical load is increased

or additional branch circuits become necessary in weatherizing a house,

weatherization may not increase hazards associated with a small service

entrance capacity. However, if the service entrance cables become

encapsulated in thermal insulation, they may overheat in the same manner

as branch circuit cables.

-5 -
Overcurrent Protection

Generally overcurrent protection consists of either fuses or circuit

breakers. The purpose of fuses and circuit breakers is to open ("cut-off")

the circuit if the load is too high (too many lights or appliances) or

if a shirt-circuit develops. These hazards were discussed earlier.

Generally there are three types of overcurrent protection used on branch

circuits in housing: (A) circuit breakers; (B) type S fuses and (C) Edison

base fuses are attached.

(A) Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers have usually been used in housing only in the last

15 to 20 years. Circuit breakers which have been installed by qualified

electricians should be correctly sized in accordance with the branch

circuit wiring. However, it should be determined that the proper circuit

breaker is used on each circuit before weatherizing a house.

Circuit breakers should be operated (tripped) by hand once or twice

a year as corrosion may tend to prevent proper operation. Badly

corroded circuit breakers should be examined to determine that they

are in good operating condition.

(B) Type S Fuses (Fusestats)

While standards for type S fuses are not entirely universal in the

U.S., generally it is much more difficult to overfuse circuits with this

type of fuse. Type S fuses usually are rated 0-15, 16-20, and 21-30 amperes.

They are designed so that it is difficult to put a type S fuse with a higher ampere rating into a fuse holder designed for a lower rated fuse.

Adapters to convert Edison base fuseholders (see next Section) to hold

type S fuses are readily available. See attached photos of type S fuse.

(C) Edison Base Fuses

Generally older houses are equipped with fuseholders for Edison base

fuses. Edison base fuses rated at 15, 20, 25 and 30 amperes are readily

available in many stores. An Edison base fuseholder will accept any

of these fuse sizes, thereby making it extremely easy to "overfuse'.'

Much "overfusing" may be unintentional. The hazards of overfusing,

particularly when wiring may be encapsulated in thermal insulation was

discussed earlier.

In recent years Edison base fuses have been prohibited by the National

Electrical Code in new installations. It is recommended that the correct

size adapters for type S fuses be installed in Edison base fuseholders.

This is a very simple operation. However, only qualified electricians

should make such alterations, for once the wrong size adapter is installed,

it cannot be removed without damaging the system.

Converting any Edison base fuseholder^ to accept the proper size type S fuses should be the minimum acceptable electrical updating procedures

for houses being weatherized. Overfusing may be particularly hazardous

in houses retrofitted with thermal insulation. See attached photo of Edison

base fuse.

-6 -
CPSC/NBS STUDY

Energy conservation is a national policy. Part of this national

program has been and will continue to be the saving of energy through

home weatherization programs. The Administration and Congress through

provisions in the Energy Bill have recognized this need and are working

on means of accomplishing weatherization on a large scale. Congress

has also recognized that inherent in any weatherization program are possible effects on health and safety and has taken steps to protect

the public. One example of this is "The Emergency Interim Consumer

Product Safety Standard Act of 1978" which directs the Consumer Product

Safety Commission to issue and enforce the requirements for flame

resistance and corrosion of the General Services Administration's

specification for cellulose insulation.

CPSC has recognized that other safety hazards could result from insulating

homes and has been examining data to identify possible problem areas. In

addition, the Commission has initiated several insulation-related study

programs. One of these studies is the "Effects of Thermal Insulation

on Residential Electrical Systems',' the topic of this pamphlet.

The current study is based on the premise that residential electrical systems , including lighting and other electrical components, constitute one of the

primary ignition sources in fires , and the hypothesis that insulation

represents an additional stress on the electr ical s ystem which could

accelerate the fire-failure rate.

The purposes of the study are:

1) To determine the extent and nature of electrically-related hazards

2) To identify specific causes

3) To identify remedial strategies

4) To develop requisite data to allow discussions and support CPSC action

The study is divided into four task areas and approximately seven product areas.

A pictorial of the study matrix which identifies the various components is shown

in Figure 1.

iVCo^-VARNTS E.6. KFCEPTICLES. SHliq-lf.-T A)

Wf?LIANCES

StrAJJ.GY

Figure 1

- 7 -
The first task, Historical Data, is an attempt to identify the potential

problem areas by reviewing the emergence and changes in design standards,

the electrical codes and other voluntary standards and comparison of this

data with fire experience. The principal data base for the fire data is

National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) which is under the auspices

of the National Fire Protection and Control Administration (NFPCA)

.

The next task. Field Data, is an attempt to develop from inspection an accurate picture of the state of electrical systems in homes. One of

the principal areas from which the Field Data is anticipated is through

a cooperative effort among CSA-NBS-CPSC, in which the electrical systems

in approximately 500 houses (spread climatically and geographically around

the United States) will be examined.

The third task. Laboratory Data, has as its purpose the development of data

which will explain and back-up the situations found in the field. Such data

includes the effects of overfusing and overlamping under conditions

simulating those in houses.

The last task concerns Remedial Strategy. One effort in this Task area

is the gathering of background material and technical data for actions

to be taken under the Consumer Product Safety Act.

Field Data

One of the principal difficulties in trying to assess potential hazards,

particularly the increase in the number of electrically-caused fires associated

with insulation, is a lack of definitive data on the present conditions of

electrical systems in homes. Laboratory data may be used to predict potential

hazards. With these predictions, changes could be made to appropriate standards

(e.g. the National Electrical Code) for systems and components in homes to be

built or rewired in the future. These changes, however, would not affect the

potential hazards due to Weatherization, particularly those due to increasing

the amount of insulation. The CSA/NBS weatherization study produces an opportunity to gather "real-world" data. The sample is statistically

distributed according to age of homes and to geographical and climatical

conditions.

The CSA/NBS Weatherization Program

The CPSC/NBS participation with the CSA/NBS Weatherization Program

represents a two-pronged effort. The first is an identification of potential

electrical problems which could be aggravated by insulation and thus assist

local offices in their decision processes. The second is the opportunity

to gather definitive data on the present conditions of residential electrical

systems. While the first has the greatest importance in the success of the

Weatherization Program, the potential impact of the second on possible

National priorities must be recognized.

- 8 -
Use of the Data

The purpose of gathering this data is to form a definitive and, if

possible, a statistically sound estimate of problems in residential

electrical systems existing in homes today. The ability of the NBS/CPSC

team to do this is dependent on the quality of the data gathered.

The NON-TECHNICAL Electrical System. Inspection

Figure 2 indicates the type of information needed for a preliminary

characterization of possible problems with the electrical systems in the

houses involved in the weatherization project. The format in figure 2 may be used to record the data for transmission to NBS.

Please note that the format of figure 2 provides checklists as well as space for additional notes. Detailed notes and pictures, particularly of

hazardous or unusual situations, would be most helpful. Writing on materials

to be photographed needs to be in sharp focus, so that it will be readable in

resulting prints. Please note precautions in the Electrical Safety paragraph

which should be taken when making inspections.

(LOCATION OF CAP OFFICE

CAP ID • OF HOUSE PERFORMED BY.

1.

Have you had any problem* with your electrical system in recent years? NO YES ! If YESi describe:

2.

Has a fuse bloun or a circuit breaker tripped recently? NO YES

Do you knou why? HO YES . Describe e ircunstances:

3.

Have you had any electrical work perforned on the house in recent years? HO YES

If YESi describe!

ENTRANCE PANEL JFUSE BOY): EDISON EASE FUSES.

TYPE S FUSES CIRCUIT EPEAKER . OTHER

L'lRI NC

:

]'f?icat«te the * of circuits at each of the following values:

SI2E AMPS 15 20 25 30 40 NUMBER

SI2E AMPS 50 75 100 150 NUMBER

PICTURE OR SKETCH OF FUSE BOX:

LIGHT FIXTU RES! Any RECESSED LIGHTING? MO.__YES.__IN UHAT R00M(S>?_

Is insulation to be installed on this surface? YES NO Uhat watt bulb(s) is in fixtures? UATTS

For what watt bulb(s) is fixture designed? WATTS

Any CEILING MOUNTED FIXTURES? YES.__H0

Are bulbs greater than £0 watts used in these f 1 x tures?vSS_N0_

ELECTRI CAL E QUI PMENT USE; Does this house have the following ELECTRICAL equipment?

CEILING HEATERS (electric)-* DISHWASHER

DRYER (electric)- ILECTRIC HEAT FREE2ER

HEATER BLOWER

MOT WATER HEATER (electric)-* OUEN (electric) REFRIGERATOR

Does a visual inspection show any wiring defects? YES HO

If YESi describe:

Will wires be covered with insulation? YES NO

INSTALLED

STOUE (electric)

WALL HEATERS (electric)- WASHING MACHINE

WATER PUMP —

OTHER

PORTABLE

COFFEE MAKER- HAIRDRYERS

HEATER TAPES ON WATER PIPES*

HOT PLATE

SPACE HEATERS (electric)-

TOASTEPS

UACUUI1 CLEANER

WINDOW AIR COND I T I ONERSOTHER

YES HO

YES NO HOW MANY

COMMENTS: (use additional sheets as needed)

Figure 2

- 9 -
Figure 2 indicates the type of information needed for a preliminary

characterization of possible problems with the electrical systems in the

houses involved in the weatherization project. The format in figure 2

may be used to record the data for transmission to NBS.

The first three questions deal with electrical problems that the occupant

of the house may have (or have had recently) with the electrical system

such as flickering lights, hot receptacles, equipment where electric shocks

have been felt, sparks, burnt or damaged cords, plugs or other components

,

fuses blowing, etc. It would be very helpful to know if there has been

any rewiring (or additional wiring) since the house was originally wired.

Under the heading of ENTRANCE PANEL please indicate the type of overcurrent

protection provided, such as Edison Base Fuses, Type S Fuses, Circuit Breaker,

of Other. If the term Other is checked, please describe in detail the

type of overcurrent protection found. Attached photos show the difference

between the Edison Base Fuses and the Type S Fuses. A sketch or picture of the

fuse box or circuit breaker panel should indicate the arrangement and size of

the fuses or circuit breakers. If a picture of the fuse box or circuit

breaker panel is taken, care must be taken to focus on the writing so it

will be legible in the resultant print.

Under the heading of WIRING please indicate the number of circuits at each of

the values indicated for both fuses and circuit breakers. If any wiring

defects such as crumbling insulation on wires, loose wires, broken or inoperative switches or receptacles, etc., are found, please note and

describe, but do not touch them - electricity' "can kill . 'Also note" if’any

wiring would be covered with insulation during the weatherization process.

Under the heading of LIGHT FIXTURES please indicate if there are any recessed

lights in the house. If there are recessed lights, please note in what

room(s) they are, whether they will be covered with insulation as a result

of the weatherization process, the size of the bulbs currently used in the

recessed lights, and when possible the size bulbs that the recessed lights were designed for. If the recessed light fixture does not indicate the

size of bulb for which it was designed, please note whether this information

appears to have become illegible. Also record any ceiling mounted fixtures

of type shown on form and indicate if bulbs greater than 60 watts are used

in any of the ceiling mounted fixtures. Figures in the inspection form

show those ceiling mounted fixtures that are of interest to us.

Under ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT USE please indicate the type and number of

electrical equipment/appliances found. Where possible, also indicate the

wattage requirement of the electrical equipment or appliance noted.

Please use the COMMENTS space (and additional pages as needed) for any remarks,

notes, sketches, etc. you feel may be of help t o us in assessing any possible

electrical hazard.

Elec trical Safety of People Making Inspections

Except when inspections are strictly visual, the person performing

them should be a qualified licensed electrician. ELECTRICITY CAN KILL.

- 10-
r
APPENDIX II

Instructions for Electrical Inspection

Reports - Sent to CSA Sites for "Technical"

Data Collection
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ELECTRICAL

INSPECTION REPORTS

PURPOSE OF INSPECTIONS

These electrical inspections are made for two purposes, which are (1) safety,

and (2) to obtain data to characterize electrical systems in houses needing

weatherization.

SAFETY ASPECTS

The report on each house will be turned over to the local CAP office so that they can determine repairs, alterations, etc., which are needed to

the electrical system.

ELECTRICAL DATA ASPECTS

The installation of thermal insulation may cause or aggravate hazards

involving* electrical systems. In particular oversized fuses (overfusing)

and oversized light bulbs (overlamping) with indiscriminate use of thermal

insulation may result in hazardous situations.

(a) OVERFUSING

Thermal insulation surrounding electrical cables will cause the

cables to operate at higher temperatures (see NBS report NBSIR 78-1477).

If circuits are overfused, the potential hazard may be acute when

thermal insulation is installed. This is the reason for obtaining

detailed data on overcurrent protection.

In residential occupancies branch circuits are usually overfused

if wire sizes are larger than shown below.

Wire Size (AWG) Rated Size

of Fuse (in amperes)

Copper Aluminum

#14 #12 15

#12 #10 20

#10 # 8 30

NOTE: Wires of a given size with some types of superior electrical insulations

may be rated at higher ampacities (current carrying capacity in amperes)

than shown above. However, nonmetallic-sheathed cable (romex) and

most other wiring used in houses does not have these superior electrical

insulations.
(b) overlamp ::;g

When themal insulation covers recessed lights or the outlet

boxes for surface-mounted ceiling lights, a potential hazard

may be created. This potential hazard may be particularly

acute when there is overlamping. This is the reason for

obtaining detailed information on recessed and surface-mounted

ceiling light fixtures. Unless otherwise marked, most such

light fixtures are overlamped if bulbs are larger than 60

watts are used.

RECORDING INFORMATION

A form on which to record information when making electrical system inspections

is provided. Also provided are additional sheets on which to record notes

or comments. Please identify item on the form to which the comment applies.

Item No's are (1) through (9) and 3-A through 3-1, and 6-A through 6-M.

INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING SPECIFIC ITEMS

Item (1) - SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS

Please give information requested. Assess condition of conductors, their

fastenings, etc. Detail damage, any hazards, unusual situations, etc. If

three-phase service is provided, please indicate under comments.

Please estimate the length of service entrance cable which is inside of

the house. Indicate places within house (such as "unfinished attic",

"exterior wall", "interior wall", etc.) where service entrance cables

are located. (We are concerned about heat dissipation after thermal

insulation is installed.)

Item (2) - FUSE/CIRCUIT BREAKER ARRANGEMENT

Please draw sketch.

Example for fuse panel:

1 2 3

6
Item (3) - BRANCH CIRCUIT INFORMATION

The cover of the fuse or circuit breaker panel (s) should be removed.

Information recorded for each circuit should be in accordance with

the numbering on the fuse or circuit breakers in the sketch prepared

under Item (2).

Item 3 -A - Type of Overcurrent Protection

Use the following symbols:

CB - Circuit Breaker

S - Type S Fuse

E - Edison Base Fuse

CART - Cartridge Fuse

Identify any hazards, blown fuses, unusual conditions, etc, in Items 3-1

or on separate sheet.

Item 3-B - Size of Fuse or Circuit Breaker (amperes)

Record the size of each fuse or circuit breaker presently used.

Item 3-C - Size of Conductor

Please record (#14, #12, etc.) for each circuit.

Item 3-D - Conductor Material

Use abbreviations:

C - copper

AL - aluminum

C-clad - Copper clad aluminum

Item 3-E - Insulation Material

Please try to determine if insulation is rubber or plastic (thermoplastic)

.

Use R for rubber, T for plastic.

It em 3-F - Wiring Method

Use symbols:

NM

BX

EMT

RC

FMC

Others

nonmetallic - sheathed cable (romex)

armored cable

electrical metallic tubing

rigid conduit

flexible metal conduit

specify, use Item 3-1 or separate sheet, if necessary.
Item 3-G Grounding Conductor

Indicate "yes" or "no" for each circuit.

Item 3-H - Nominal Voltage

If circuit voltage is 110 to 125 indicate "120", if circuit voltage is

220 to 240 (single phase) indicate "240". If circuit is three phase,

please indicate this. Most circuits will be "120".

Item 3-1 - Notes/Comments on Branch Circuit Items Listed Above

Indicate applicable information from Items 3-A through 3-H above. Identify

items being commented on.

Item (4) - BACK-UP/OTHER OVERCURRENT PROTECTION

List type, size and other applicable information on any fuses or circuit

breakers not listed in Item 3 above. Give appropriate details such as "current from circuits #1, 2, 3 and 4 pass through this fuse".

Item (5) - NAMEPLATE INFORMATION/CONDITION/LOCATION OF FUSE/CIRCUIT BREAKER PANEL

Please give any legible nameplate data and assess condition of panel. Detail

hazards, unusual situations, etc. Please indicate room (or basement) in

house where panel is located and indicate whether it is on an interior or exterior wall.

Item (6) - RECESSED AND SURFACE-MOUNTED CEILING LIGHTS

Please record data requested in Items 6-A through 6-M. Remove fixture

glass, etc., so that lightbulbs and other items can be observed.

Item 6-A - Location

Indicate room such as "kit" (kitchen). If in bedroom indicate specific

one, use Item 6-M if necessary.

Item 6-B - Type of Fixture

We are only interested in recessed light fixtures and surface-mounted ceiling

light fixtures of the types shown below:
Where there is considerable distance between lightbulbs and the ceiling

(such as with most chandeliers) do not list the fixture.

Use the following symbols:

R - Recessed light fixtures

A - Type A surface mounted ceiling fixture shown above

B - Type B surface mounted ceiling fixture shown above

Item 6-C - Number of Lights

List the number of lights which can be used in the fixture.

Item 6-D - Size of Lightbulbs

List the wattage of each bulb now in the fixture. Use Item 6-M if necessary.

Item 6-E - Type of Bulbs

Are lightbulbs incadescent (use symbol I) , flourescent (use symbol F) or other (specify such as "heat" or "infrared").

Item 6-F - Scorching/Damage

Note if there is evidence of scorching or damage in fixture or ceiling or other surface above fixture. Indicate "yes" or "no". Detail any scorching

or other damage in Item 6-M or on separate sheet.

1 1 om_6 -G Condi t ion of Wiring

Examine and assess the condition of the fixture wiring. If there is

scorching or damage to the fixture wiring or to other parts of the fixture,

the ceiling, etc., be sure to also examine the wiring (including the building

supply wires) in the outlet box for the fixture. If the present condition

of the wiring is not satisfactory or "OK", please give the details in

Item 6-M or on separate sheet.

Item 6-H - Size of Enclosure

Please indicate approximate length, width and depth dimensions, respectively,

of recessed and Type A surface-mounted ceiling light fixtures. If round,

indicate diameter and depth (such as 9 1/2" d x 3 3/A"). For Type B

indicate dimensions of glass or other bowl and its minimum distance lo

ceiling or other top surface.

Item 6-1 - _Di stance of Bulbs to Top Su r face

Measure mini mi mum dimension from top of bulbs to the ceiling or top surface

of the light fixture.

Item 6-J - Is Warning on Fixture?^

Please indicate "yes" or "no'.' If "yes" please list warning in Item 6-M or on separate sheet (i.e. "Do not use bulbs greater than 60 watts',' etc.).
Item 6-K Is Thermal Insulation Above Fixture Now?

Indicate "yes" or "no". If "yes", describe amount of coverage, any

scorching or damage to insulation, outlet box, supply wiring, etc.,

in Item 6-M or on separate sheet.

Item 6-L - Is Thermal Insulation Above Fixture Likely?

Indicate "yes" or "no" as to whether the addition of thermal insulation

would cover the fixture or its outlet box unless precautions were taken.

Generally, fixtures in or on the surface of top floor ceilings are subject

fo being covered by thermal insulation.

Item 6-M - Notes/Comments on Lighting Items Listed Above

If there is insufficient space for comments please use separate sheet

of paper.

Item (7) - CONDITION OF BRANCH CIRCUIT WIRING

Please examine as much of the wiring as feasible and assess its general

condition. Detail any hazards or unusual conditions. Use Item 9 or separate sheet, if necessary.

if wiring appears to approach the condition of new wiring and does not

have fraying, cracking or other deterioration indicate "Good" or "G", if no excessive fraying, cracking or other deterioration and wiring appears to

still be serviceable even though it looks old indicate "Satisfactory" or

"S", if it is in such condition that it should be replaced indicate

"unsatisfactory" or "U". If necessary indicate condition of each circuit.

Please indicate, if possible, whether grounding conductor is metallically

continuous to the fuse or circuit breaker panel. Please also indicate

whether receptacles have provisions to accept grounding-type attachment

plugs. If some receptacles are the grounding type and some are not,

please indicate locations of each type.

Item (8) - TEMPORARY /EXTENSION CORD WIRING

Please detail any unusual or extensive use of non-permanent wiring.

It em (9) - DETAILS ON OTHER ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

Please identify any other electrical hazard and their location. Some

examples of such hazards are:

° Loose/broken light fixtures

° Exposed wiring

° Badly damaged/frayed wire

° Receptacles broken loose

° Outside wires not of outdoor type

° Outside wire not properly buried or supported

° Shock hazard situations

° Etc.

Two circuits of opposite polarity may share a common neutral. However, if two

circuits of the same polarity share a common neutral, the current in the

neutral will be the sum of the currents in the two circuits. Instances of

the current in the neutral conductors being large enough to start fires have

come to our attention. Three-wire (with ground) cables were used for the

two circuits. If you see this situation please report it.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INSPECTION

Location of CAP Office: CAP Identification No. of House

Inspection Performed by:

(1) SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS (2) FUSE/CIRCUIT BREAKER ARRANGEMENT

Size

Material - Copper Alum.

Other (specify)

Nom. Voltage 11/120 220/240

Underground Overhead

Condition and Comments:

Sketch (see instructions)

(3) BRANCH CIRCUIT INFORMATION (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)

3 -A 3-B 3-C 3-D 3-E 3-F 3-G 3-H

(3-1) Notes /Comments on Branch Circuit Items Listed Above
(4) BACK-UP /OTHER OVERCURRENT PROTECTION (see instructions):

(5) NAMEPLATE INFORMATION/CONDITION/LOCATION OF FUSE/CIRCUIT BREAKER PANELj.

(6) RECESSED AND SURFACE-MOUNTED CEILING LIGHTS

(6-M) Notes /Comments on Lighting Items Listed Above:

(7) CONDITION OF BRANCH CIRCUIT WIRING:

(8) TEMPORARY /EXTENSION CORD WIRING:

(9) DETAILS ON OTHER ELECTRICAL HAZARDS:
SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES /COMMENTS ON ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INSPECTION

(Please identify items on "Electrical System Inspection" for which comments

I

tern

No.

apply)

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APPENDIX III

Illustrative Comments Received

on Technical Inspection Returns

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INFORMATION

FROM

THE

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PERFORMED

ON

CSA

HOUSES:

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CIRCUITS

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Hb>l 14A (REV. 9-76)

U.S. DEPT. OF COMM. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET

1. PUBLICATION OR REPORT NO. NBSIR 81-2203 zmJk'isrM ' 'C., -

' ~

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

CSA/NBS Weatherization Study - Electrical Aspects

5. Publication Date October 1980

7. AUTHOR(S)

M.P. Vaishnav

8. Performing Organ. Report No.

9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, DC 20234

"tV ’’-A

11. Contract/Grant No.

12. SPONSORING ORGANIZATION NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS (Street, City. State, ZIP)

Consumer Product Safety Commission

5401 Westbard Avenue

Bethesda, MD 20016

13. Type of Report & Period Covered

15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

L~

1 Document describes a computer program; SF-185, FIPS Software Summary, is attached.

16. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or leaa tactual summary of moat significant inlormation. II document includes a significant bibliography or

literature survey, mention it here.)

Results of a study to determine the present condition of the electrical

wiring system in existing houses at ten sites across the country are presented in this report. The aim of the investigation was to develop

information to assess the potential safety impact that the addition of

thermal insulation to residential structures could have on their

electrical systems. A previous study indicated the nature of some of

the technical problems found in selected homes as identified by the

residents and by inspectors having no formal training in electrical

inspections. The present study is based on the evaluation of electrical

problems in 157 houses by technically qualified persons. It appears

that a rather large percentage of the homes studied had one or more

electrical problems related to overamping of circuits, service entrance

conductors, fuse/circuit breaker panels, branch circuit wiring, extension

cord wiring or lighting.

17. KEY WORDS (six to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only the first letter of the first key word unless a proper name;

separated by semicolons) # tit

Branch circuit wiring problems; fuse/circuit breaker panel problems; electrical

problems; electrical wiring system; extension cord wiring; overamping;

residential structures; safety; thermal insulation

18. AVAILABILITY [Xl Unlimited

[ For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS

Order From Sup. of Doc., U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC

20402, SD Stock No. SN003-003-

[ Order From National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Springfield, VA. 22161

19. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS REPORT)

UNCLASSIFIED

20. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS PAGE)

UNCLASSIFIED

21. NO. OF

PRINTED PAGES

22. Price

U SCOMM- DC