2618 RUCKER AVE 2018-01-01 MF Import

Engineer's inspection of the Propri;y Located at Page 22 2618 and 2626 Rucker Avenue, [verett, ti'Jashington Washingion prior to about 1950. Knob•and-tube wiring is generally considered safe, althougY. it does not have the safety teaWres of more modem systems; the main drawback is its age with attendant possibilities for unseen damage and improper modifications. The visible portions of the distribution wiring show many de(iciencies ot various types. BeCause the visible portions are so poorly done, the Concealed portions are also called into question, i recommend that a licensed electrical contractor be employed to thoroughly investigate the system and to improve it so that it meets present code requirements. The electrical System is not ot the grounded type, as are more modern systems. The advent of grounded systems, which occurred in the early 7960's, provides additional safety, OUTLETS & SWITCHES: As is comm�n in c•ider buildings, relatively few outlets have been provided. This vsua;ly leads to the excessive use oi extension Cords, with attendant fire hazards. I checked many of the outlets and switches and found these problems, most or all of which shouid be easily and inexpensively repairable. Some of the lights in habitable rooms are controlled by ,utl•chains. Normal minimum housing standards require wall switches. A few ungrounded three-prong outlets were noted. This defeats the safety grounding feature built into certain electrical devices that might be plugged into the outlets. Burn marks were no;ed on one outlet o� the enclosed rear porch. Ground fault cirCuit interrupters (GFCI) are devices that shut off the power to a circuit or an outlet if current goes to ground outside of the circuit. They are satety devices intended to reduce the risk ot lethal shocks. Code requirements for them vary with the age of the builtling and the location within the building. It is normal that they not be provided in a building of this age. They are not very expensive and can easily be installed in any existing electriCal system. 1 suggest that thoy be inStalled, at �east in cirouits serving kitchens, �„SkURoqD;,Jaundry rooms, gar&ges and outdoor outlets._ - • �=�- - - -.. • � -• • _.M _._ ...._ . . _;,::�.-_�.� ._......�_ _.�_:,---..._.��_.:_ . LIGHTING FIXTURES: I noted these problems with the lighting tixtures, most or ail of which � should be easily and inexpensively repairable. Some of the light Rxtures did not respond to the switch. I did not check�them further; the bulbs may just be burned out. Some Iight fixtures are missing.