Inspector's Viewpoint
"Your Source For Independent Inspection Information"

Winter 2001 - by Dennis R. Robitaille, Director
Independent Home Inspectors Of North America

Electric Space Heaters blamed For Numerous Fire Fatalities:

Investigators have blamed a rash of fatal fires during this past November on various types of space heaters. In Whitman, Massachusetts, a state policeman, his wife and mother-in-law died in a space heater caused fire. In Dorchester, MA two children perished in an early Saturday morning blaze. A Fire department spokesman indicated that a space heater placed tot close to a bed caused the fire. In boston, also during November, an elderly woman died after a space heater caused some bedroom drapes to catch fire.

According to the Consumer product Safety Commission, 12 percent of residential fires are caused by heating devices. 1997 CpSC data statistics claim 5,400 of the 406,500 fires nationally, were caused by portable heaters. Deaths attributed to space heater caused fires were 130.

When using space heaters, the National Institute of Health's Division of public Safety recommends that people make sure of the following: The space heater should have a multidirectional tip-over switch, which shuts the unit off if it falls. It should have an overheat sensor, which automatiaclly shuts the unit off if it becomes too hot and it must be at least three feet away from other objects.

Addional safety tips include:

1. Units must be grounded and UL approved.

2. before using the heater, inspect the electrical cord, look for frayed wire or cracked insulation.
If there are any defects in the cord or unit, DO NOT USE.

3. Extension cords should not be used with space heaters, if an extension cord is necessary, be sure the extension cord is a heavy duty type with an amperage rating greater than what the space heater amperage use is. The extension cord must not be run under carpeting or across / through doorways.
No other electrical items should be plugged into that extension cord.

4. Do not place the heater in or near wet areas or in high traffic areas such as exit ways.

5. Never leave the unit on while you are out of the home and avoid using one while asleep.


Ask The Inspector:

"My father in-law is a home builder, couldn't I have him inspect the home I plan on purchasing?"

    Yes, you could. Now, with that being said, let me raise some issues as to why that may not be a good idea.
1. Knowing how to build houses does not necessarily qualify someone to inspect them. builders sub contract their work out to tradespeople, like electricians and plumbers. builders do not necessarily have the knowledge of how all the various systems that comprise a home, work. You should also be aware that even architects or engineers are not trained in the specialty of home inspection.

2. A professional home inspector will have had some training regarding how to recognize problem conditions, as well as, how to write up a report about the conditions. Many inspectors utilize specialized computer software which they have customized over the years, to produce detailed reports. Many inspectors are capable of producing the report the same day and faxing or e-mailing it to the client. If the inspector is a member of a professional home inspector association the inspector will likely have passed a series of written examinations and have completed over 250 inspections.

3. Most professional home inspectors carry errors and omissions insurance specific to home inspection.

4. Most professional home inspectors make use of special testing equipment, such as electronic moisture detectors, electrical receptacle / circuit testers, carbon monoxide testers and more.

5. A professional home inspector will survey the property in an unbiased manner. This may not be true for a relative who inspects the property and this may adversely affect having his opinions being accepted by the real estate agents and property owner.

6. In several states, only licensed home inspectors would be allowed to conduct the inspection. (Check with the state licensing board, to determine if home inspectors must be licensed in the state you are purchasing in.)

A Sign Of The Times:

If Floridians don't know who they are votting for,
maybe the state lottery can help out by developing "quik pic" ballots.

The people of Florida have spoken,
now the attorneys will tell us what they said.

Send your home questions, news / legal articles or lighthearted quips to:


Dennis Robitaille @Independent Home Inspectors Of North America.

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