GOOOOOD MORNING, A.I.I.....
It's a great day here in Orem, Utah! What a whirlwind week it has been. Arriving back from Portland it was all that I could do to just keep up with the demands for my time. What a great time we shared and yet what a great pain it was to come back to real life. "Get you house and affairs in order" was the plea from a good friend at the conference. He is so right. I need to catch back up to square one and then have fresh perspective at attacking the challenges at hand.
I do not know if most of you have the same seasonal inspection schedule that I do, but all of my major business decisions have to be made in between November and January. After January the steady flow has come back to my inspection schedule and I once again can't think straight until November. This means that all major educational, marketing, and hardware decisions are best made right now.
I always laugh at the full time inspectors who call me for software advice in the middle of July. They want to computerize and for some reason they feel that July is a good time of year to do so. While the bank account may be fullest at that time of year, the time to take on a major shift in inspecting style is far from easy in the busy season. Now is the time to take such a step so that by the busy spring you have the learning curve overcome and the new system is natural to you.
BLATANT 3D ADVERTISEMENT: As you know, I sell AII style computerized form sets that work with the 3D software. I also am a reseller of the 3D software. Many of you want to adopt this style of report system and form set. Please tell 3D that I have referred you directly. Tell them that you are a 3D subscriber or member of the American Institute of Inspectors. They will sell you the software at the normal investment and then pass along a resellers discount to me. Then when you purchase my form sets I give you the $100 discount. This means that the normally $405.00 form sets are just $305.00. If you buy from 3D directly and don't tell them that I am the referrer, then the form sets will be $405.00 and you lose out on the $100.00 savings.
I had a similar story to Michael's regarding Veterans Day. On Sunday evening my wife and I were talking with my 9-1/2 year old daughter about the upcoming Veterans Day. She inquired who in our family was a veteran. When she learned that her Uncle Joe (my close cousin) had served in Vietnam she asked if she could call and Thank him on Monday. Indeed she remembered the next day, and told him that she just wanted to call and say "Thank you for fighting for our country and our freedoms." He was very touched by her honest wishes, as were Marli and I. Sometimes our kids understand much more than we ever believe. Doug Barkee - Vancouver, WA
This year we were traveling back from Portland. Usually, I have breakfast with vets from my unit and sister units. We talk of our association with the USAF and our history. We talk of times current and past and how much it means to be a veteran. My father-in-law is also a WWII vet who saw action in the Pacific and was on Iwo Jima. He saw the raising of the US Flag in the now famous photo. Most times, he says little of the specifics and his involvement, but sometimes little events surface. Once, last year, a photo album surfaced with many pictures of those days. What some veterans went through is incredible. I hope your day was good. Jim Corbin, AII 2002 President - Bow, WA
I use coveralls presently but will be ordering the Tyvek suits. The statement at the conference about washing your coveralls at home and bringing the crawlspace home with you started me thinking! I'll leave the crawlspace funk somewhere other than at home for now. Jim Maass - Columbia, SC
I have not used Tyvek suits. I owned a number of overalls and could easily maintain them. There were a few times that the mud and water would have been handled better with the Tyvek, but for the most part, the coveralls provided all that I needed. Jim Corbin, AII 2002 President - Bow, WA
Now c'mon all of you out their in crawlspace parts of the country. What do you use to evaluated those dark and stanky places under the homes? Do you use Tyvek suits? Or do you use coveralls? What equipment have you found best for evaluating substructure crawlspaces?
What were your greatest memories of this past weekend's Portland AII Annual Meeting? What were the funniest moments? What were some of the learning highlights?
The conference surpassed our expectations in every way. The camaraderie, classes, fun, organization, unselfish sharing of information, entertainment, etc. were A+. We look forward to the next conference and seeing our new friends. Sandy & Don Hartman - Seattle, WA
This year was a special conference. AII is growing and the conference showed the results of everyones hard work. I had the pleasure of being President for the year and enjoyed it very much. I appreciate the opportunity to work for AII. The banquet was very special. I able to publicly thank everyone and I received a very nice surprise of a gift of an embroidered coat from AII. I wear it proudly and it is a constant reminder of a great organization. I hope that others will become part of the committees and management of AII because the organization is moving and it is only possible with the help of volunteers who donate time in the various standing committees and officer positions. Each can handle a part and lessen the duties of the whole. The jobs and positions occupy small time spaces and there are a lot of experienced members to offer council if needed. I thank you for my opportunity and I look forward to my new Board position.
The classes presented were great. Michael Leavitt had a great class on electrical testing. I learned a lot and found that my 3-prong tester is not what I thought. The Commercial Inspection class on Friday was great, providing insight into another aspect of inspection. The exercise with the dogs was especially enlightning. I had never seen one in action. I understand others are following in Brent's' footsteps to obtain their own dog. AII is on the cutting edge. I especially enjoyed all of the people. It is a special part of each conference to share events, experiences and catch up on lives of other members. The most special part of this year was that my loving wife was able to attend with me. She provides so much for me in support, encouragement and ideas for the business. Without her this effort would be a job. I was glad that she could share knowing the members that I talk of so often. Other spouses I am sure shared the same. We enjoyed a great attendance this year. I look forward to Sacramento and I hope everyone else does also. Thank you Betty for a great conference and learning experience. Jim Corbin, AII 2002 President - Bow, WA
It was a great weekend seeing friends and familiar faces again, as well as meeting so many new members and spouses too. My wife Marli was able to attend the breakout session for Office Managers on Saturday and really enjoyed meeting the other spouses. I understand a lot of great ideas were shared. A great conference! Thanks to Betty and others for putting it all together, and of course to all of the presenters for providing the learnings. I really took notes on "Electrical Sunday", but can't quit thinking about the sniffing dogs! Doug Barkee - Vancouver, WA
The lack of noise compared to Reno. Even my wife seemed to enjoy the conference,The only thing better that was better in Reno,was the Hotel food. Rick Stewart - Corvallis,Oregon
The mire fact that out of 160 members, 137 attended and, yes, I missed my buddy Sylvan. Ron Hungarter and Doug Hansen's presentations were tops. I enjoyed each and everyone who attended my manufactured home course. That is good added value to ones business. Funniest?--- Robert Fischbach of course telling a real life story about his female doctor doing an annual physical. When she was getting ready to do the prostrate exam Robert said "do you think you could use two fingers?" Startled, she said why? and Robert said "I want a second opinion". I love it! Jim Lucas - Camino, CA
First of all Michael, I would like to thank you for giving the Electrical Class. It was outstanding and Douglas was a rare treat. He really knows electricity and also understood it from the inspector's side which made it even more beneficial. I can't tell you how much I learned, mostly because I'm still trying to digest it all.
All the classes, including the two on Friday were of great benefit.
Oh, and thanks for the electrical tester. I have been playing with it now for two days and it really works. I will be loaning it to Nathan and Perry for the next two weeks so they can see if it will really help them, especially in the older houses. I will be using it in my class this weekend with 13 students. I might make it a required tool for future classes.
As to memories. I have never missed any seminar that A.I.I. has had. They are too valuable and also show who we are and what we are, family!
Betty Buckley said it best a couple of weeks ago when she said she gets soooo excited days before any conference. I'm the same way and when I return I only wish they lasted longer. From now on out, I will arrive and depart at least 1 day early. Perhaps this will allow some winding down time on the last day and not make it so rushed.
Thanks again for everything, the MMM, company, friendship and education. Give Shelly a big hug from Kathy and me.
There was no single greatest moment, the event was all great. I only wish that I had more time to meet and talk with everyone. There is never enough time. Ron Cloyd - A.I.I. Chairman - Klamath Falls, OR
What would you report?
Last week Bill Schwahn shared....
Michael, It was GREAT to see you again ! I seen this challenge today at my 1st inspection, the Realtor said that I was crazy and if he could use my ladder he would personally go up and take the wire off of the electrical mast so I wouldn't have to put it in the report. I said that he wouldn't be using my ladder, and if he was going to use some other ladder while I was there he should let me know so that I could call the EMT's.
I couldn't help but remember Douglas Hansen and the Electrical Class. Here goes.
Bill Schwahn - Belgrade, Montana
I have to admit that I looked at the photo and saw the wire wrapped around the bolt and thought immediately what Ron Cloyd reports next. Then I went through the list of other responses and had to return to review the photo once again. It is amazing what you learn from a group of inspector's perspectives instead of just your own.
Imminent Hazard. Recommend calling the Power company for immediate repair. Ron Cloyd - Klamath Falls, OR
1)The service entrance is not properly connected to the masthead.
2)One leg of the service entrance is improperly serving as support for the service entrance cables and is in direct contact with the masthead which could cause the masthead to become electrified.
I worry about agents that try to fix things like this to avoid conflict, be sure to cover your bases and don't let him throw you under the bus! Jim Maass - Columbia, SC
It appears that Santa may have caught his sleigh runner on that service wire and somehow got wrapped around that bolt and clamp. I recommend an immediate call to the power supply utility, since it's probably their wire down to the top of the meter. Robert Fischbach - Spokane, WA
Based on what I see in the picture, and the picture does not show it all,I would say that the service drop is lacking drip loops. D. Ray Arey - Thermopolis, Wy.
That the hot conductor is being used as the service drop support and that is non-conforming. Jim Lucas - Camino, CA
This service looks alot better than the one I inspected on the Monday following the conference,I know that we run if we smell gas.Does anyone out there call the power company to disconnect power service if they see an imminent hazard?Like securing insulators hanging by a thread which would cause the power lines to be within 8' of the ground. Rick Stewart - Corvallis,Oregon
There appears in this photo that the service drop does not have the messenger cable for support ( or it is just broken and out of sight in this photo). The hot conductor is support the drop and is most likely going to short out on the grounded mast with any movement from wind. Since this has no fuse protection (except the power companies high voltage fuses on the transformer) serious damage to persons or property could happen. Call a licensed electrician asap. Doug Palmer - Eugene,Oregon
Besides the fact that the wire is rubbing on the bolt I would have to report that the service drop is not properly secured to the mast. The service drop should not be able to pull on the weather head; and should have a drip loop. Richard C. C. Iverson - Newport, Oregon
I would report the same as Bill. I have seen similar situations as well as bare wires, connections and lack of drip loops to name a few. A licensed electrician and possibly the Power provider should be part of this repair. Jim Corbin, AII 2002 President - Bow, WA
Do you plan on purchasing either one of these tools? Why/Why not?
I thank you, Michael, for the presentation of this class. There was obviously a lot of research and work put into your presentation. I plan on purchasing one of these tools. It opened my eyes to what my current 3-prong tester does not tell me. I think back and wonder how many older "converted" electrical systems were incorrectly evaluated. Scary thoughts. Thank you for your effort and information. Jim Corbin, AII 2002 President - Bow, WA
Hi, I enjoyed your class Sunday and wanted to let you know that the Sure-Test products are not available to look at around here. It seemed like you could use any number Fluke testers to evaluate outlets, but the question would be; Are the tests too technical in nature? I figure that as long as I'm not removing the outlet cover it is not. I'll be curious to hear my electricians viewpoint when I discuss this concept with him.
See you in April. Dean Daviscourt
I learned so much out in Portland this past weekend, and had an opportunity to meet lots of great professionals! I was on an inspection yesterday and let out a sigh of relief that I had taken the Electrical Outlet Testing course that Michael Leavitt taught so well. This house was Harvey's first house with many more issues than I have time to write about now! The main one that I want you to know about is the one where a three-prong receptacle shows up as dead.
I was checking all of the accessible receptacles in this house, almost all of the three-prong receptacles had an open ground. I went into the kitchen and checked the outlet below a window and it was dead. I checked it with another outlet tester and came to the same conclusion. Now, before I went to the conference I would have just moved on, but would have recommended that an electrician investigate the circuit. But then I remembered Michael saying "the strangest thing is when you have three hot prongs on the receptacle, the tester doesn't light up at all". I put my volt sniffer on the receptacle and it lit up like a Christmas tree! You see it appears that Harvey thought that single outlet the A/C was plugged into wasn't good enough and decided to change it out with a duplex. I checked all of the prongs and every one of them was hot.
It's days like that that make you understand why you spend the money for continuing education, thanks Michael!
Jim Maass
The following comes from the Cadet wesite at: http://www.cadetco.com/recall/rmwarning.htm
July 9, 2001
If you recently purchased a Cadet Model RM or ZM heater, we have discovered a possible safety issue if this heater was used to replace an existing ZA or RA model heatbox in the original ZAC wall can.
When an RM or ZM model heatbox (replacing a ZA or RA model heatbox*) is inserted into a ZAC wall can and wired through a fitting in a specific wall can knock-out (see diagrams on back), the RM or ZM model has the potential for continuous heater operation, regardless of thermostat settings or room temperature. This can cause the heater to overheat and create a risk to nearby flammables.
We stand by our commitment to safety and quality and urge you to inspect your wall can. Simply remove the grill (after reading the important safety instructions ) to determine whether your RM or ZM heater is affected by these conditions. Also, please read important Safety Note on bottom of next page regarding maintenance of your RM or ZM heater.
If you determine that your RM or ZM model meets these conditions, please discontinue use of the heater by turning it off at the electrical panel board and contact Cadet at (800) 567-2613. A qualified technician will be sent to your home to perform a quick and simple remedy, at no expense to you.
*Heater Models
Recalled February 2000 Models Affected by this Safety Notice
If you are uncomfortable with the following instructions, please call our hotline at (800) 567-2613 for further information. Press option #6 at the main greeting to be connected to an operator.
SAFETY NOTE: This is a great opportunity (while your grill is off and the power is disconnected at the electrical panel board) to maintain your heater by cleaning it and/or checking for sagging wires that may contact the blower wheel. If the blower wheel and sagging wire make contact, the blower could potentially rub the plastic insulation off, exposing copper wires which could create a shock hazard or short-out the heater. Please be certain the heater is powered off at the electrical panel board (#1 above) to avoid possible shock. If you do have a sagging wire, Cadet will ship you a nylon strap and instructions on securing the wire, free of charge. Call the toll-free number provided above. To clean: using a hair dryer on cool setting or vacuum on blow cycle, blow debris through the top element while holding fan below so it doesn
The following was found at: http://www.jasoninternational.com/recall/index.cfm
October 1, 2002
Dear Jason Product Consumer:
In voluntary cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Jason International, Inc. is recalling certain Jason AirMasseurTM and Air-Whirlpool Baths.
PROBLEM: A control box failure can cause the air blower
PRODUCT: The baths are Jason AirMasseurTM and Air-Whirlpools, which are identified on the keypad of the bath. These baths have a Gecko control box with an Air Supply heated air blower, manufactured between January 28, 2002 and August 26, 2002.
WHAT TO DO: Check the list of serial numbers below. If your bath is included, immediately disconnect the electrical supply to your bath by unplugging the equipment or by switching off the circuit breaker. Call the Jason Technical Service Department at 1-800-255-5766 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday to schedule an appointment to have your bath serviced, or for any additional questions you may have about the recall.
We apologize for any inconvenience this recall may cause you. Our efforts are intended to ensure your continued satisfaction and the safe operation of your Jason AirMasseurTM or Air-Whirlpool Bath.
Sincerely,
Jason International, Inc.
Technical Service Department
List of outstanding recall product serial numbers as of 10/01/2002:
108081, 108877, 110200, 115011, 116300, 123159, 123305, 123861, 124140, 124206, 124566, 124909, 126640, 127047, 127086, 127087, 127223, 127489, 127490, 127491, 127869, 127905, 128071, 128283, 128294, 128296, 128297, 128299, 128494, 128676, 128711, 128712, 128713, 128714, 128797, 128799, 129091, 129145, 129270, 129282, 129320, 129337, 129354, 129379, 129391, 129414, 129421, 129503, 129529, 129614, 129626, 129652, 129653, 129798, 129838, 129874, 129875, 129876, 129960, 130029, 130031, 130044, 130070, 130110, 130193, 130245, 130251, 130258, 130263, 130280, 130295, 130296, 130371, 130374, 130381, 130411, 130425, 130431, 130449, 130461, 130469, 130470, 130472, 130473, 130474, 130483, 130530, 130551, 130706, 130724, 130742, 130755, 130756, 130757, 130761, 130773, 130782, 130783, 130790, 130793, 130797, 130799, 130807, 130808, 130827, 130834, 130882, 130884, 130886, 130892, 130897, 130905, 130910, 130925, 130932, 130934, 130936, 130938, 130963, 130966, 130972, 130977, 130988, 130990, 130998, 131022, 131048, 131050, 131087, 131089, 131095, 131097, 131110, 131125, 131136, 131137, 131140, 131143, 131144, 131145, 131146, 131161, 131167, 131199, 131234, 131240, 131242, 131246, 131247, 131248, 131251, 131256, 131257, 131275, 131276, 131277, 131280, 131282, 131284, 131324, 131337, 131339, 131344, 131349, 131354, 131356, 131358, 131363, 131367, 131368, 131369, 131376, 131378, 131382, 131383, 131412, 131423, 131424, 131426, 131444, 131448, 131461, 131462, 131470, 131475, 131497, 131507, 131522, 131534, 131559, 131562, 131602, 131603, 131607, 131619, 131621, 131623, 131625, 131633, 131644, 131650, 131652, 131657, 131658, 131660, 131669, 131674, 131683, 131684, 131685, 131686, 131712, 131714, 131722, 131723, 131724, 131731, 131734, 131741, 131764, 131787, 131789, 131791, 131792, 131793, 131799, 131800, 131817, 131821, 131823, 131831, 131832, 131833, 131878, 131880, 131882, 131884, 131915, 131916, 131919, 131929, 131930, 131943, 131945, 131968, 131973, 131974, 131994, 131995, 131999, 132012, 132015, 132019, 132024, 132031, 132036, 132053, 132062, 132063, 132070, 132071, 132074, 132092, 132094, 132098, 132101, 132103, 132125, 132126, 132138, 132139, 132140, 132142, 132143, 132148, 132161, 132187, 132217, 132237, 132239, 132282, 132299, 132300, 132316, 132318, 132320, 132323, 132330, 132331, 132350, 132353, 132355, 132356, 132365, 132374, 132395, 132408, 132410, 132436, 132449, 132475, 132477, 132478, 132482, 132491, 132500, 132502, 132508, 132555, 132577, 132589, 132600, 132617, 132630, 132643, 132645, 132646, 132660, 132661, 132668, 132670, 132673, 132698, 132722, 132760, 132765, 132771, 132774, 132777, 132797, 132830, 132852, 132884, 132885, 132893, 132935, 132937, 132962, 132964, 132972, 132985, 132986, 132992, 132998, 133000, 133001, 133031, 133033, 133042, 133045, 133073, 133074, 133078, 133079, 133080, 133085, 133101, 133104, 133105, 133116, 133117, 133134, 133135, 133155, 133157, 133168, 133171, 133172, 133177, 133228, 133229, 133230, 133231, 133232, 133233, 133234, 133235, 133236, 133237, 133239, 133240, 133258, 133260, 133272, 133289, 133290, 133292, 133301, 133306, 133316, 133317, 133330, 133331, 133336, 133339, 133350, 133351, 133353, 133379, 133382, 133396, 133397, 133398, 133399, 133400, 133422, 133427, 133465, 133471, 133485, 133487, 133496, 133497, 133542, 133588, 133593, 133594, 133614, 133616, 133617, 133650, 133655, 133662, 133664, 133668, 133669, 133671, 133684, 133685, 133719, 133740, 133745, 133750, 133754, 133757, 133759, 133760, 133770, 133771, 133813, 133814, 133821, 133840, 133843, 133851, 133852, 133866, 133878, 133881, 133913, 133914, 133920, 133924, 133977, 133981, 133998, 134000, 134002, 134017, 134024, 134025, 134047, 134059, 134086, 134087, 134093, 134096, 134100, 134103, 134111, 134113, 134114, 134116, 134117, 134119, 134120, 134141, 134167, 134173, 134175, 134221, 134222, 134223, 134225, 134226, 134228, 134229, 134235, 134237, 134238, 134239, 134240, 134242, 134244, 134249, 134250, 134266, 134268, 134339, 134342, 134350, 134351, 134352, 134354, 134355, 134377, 134382, 134400, 134487, 134488, 134491, 134495, 134516, 134518, 134531, 134543, 134553, 134589, 134590, 134591, 134593, 134600, 134602, 134637, 134638, 134639, 134640, 134642, 134655, 134664, 134671, 134702, 134704, 134706, 134708, 134713, 134724, 134730, 134731, 134732, 134748, 134755, 134760, 134766, 134768, 134769, 134770, 134703, 134804, 134805, 134806, 134809, 134858, 134863, 134866, 134868, 134869, 134904, 134951, 134952, 134953, 134966, 134968, 134977, 134984, 134986, 134987, 134992, 134993, 135011, 135017, 135045, 135051, 135052, 135056, 135080, 135109, 135111, 135159, 135170, 135171, 135182, 135183, 135184, 135207, 135211, 135229, 135231, 135263, 135266, 135276, 135282, 135290, 135360, 135365, 135394, 135399, 135400, 135426, 135433, 135435, 135450, 135453, 135458, 135461, 135470, 135487, 135494, 135496, 135497, 135498, 135499, 135531, 135546, 135550, 135558, 135559, 135560, 135562, 135563, 135564, 135568, 135574, 135602, 135603, 135604, 135659, 135693, 135742, 135788, 135789, 135790, 135803, 135818, 135819, 135857, 135915, 135922, 135926, 135948, 135949, 135964, 136004, 136009, 136012, 136028, 136034, 136035, 136036, 136041, 136072, 136076, 136079, 136090, 136117, 136118, 136132, 136140, 136147, 136150, 136153, 136172, 136186, 136202, 136209, 136219, 136221, 136222, 136254, 136260, 136287, 136292, 136296, 136319, 136320, 136345, 136347, 136348, 136406, 136416, 136456, 136464, 136512, 136513, 136523, 136547, 136569, 136574, 136575, 136595, 136615, 136616, 136618, 136619, 136634, 136642, 136688, 136695, 136753, 136760, 136767, 136813, 136838, 136878, 136957, 136991, 137038, 137040, 137091, 137092, 137126, 137127, 137130, 137133, 137135, 137171, 137172, 137183, 137184, 137186, 137187, 137188, 137189, 137190, 137224, 137248, 137249, 137251, 137255, 137258, 137260, 137288, 137293, 137315, 137316, 137341, 137377, 137408, 137492, 137493, 137495, 137496, 137497, 137498, 137516, 137519, 137520, 137528, 137546, 137551, 137623, 137629, 137642, 137643, 137649, 137659, 137730, 137732, 137909, 137921, 137923, 137927, 137994, 138024, 138025, 138047, 138103, 138112, 138134, 138157, 138167, 138169, 138179, 138317, 138350, 138436, 138633, 138636, 138665, 138672, 138673, 138759, 138761, 138762
Please look closely at the photo once again. Notice the valve in the place of the typical safety release valve. It has pipe going through both the top and bottom of the valve. There is a gas type shut off valve placed above it and the combination black pipe and galvanized pipe goes up over and down to the lower wall. Following the black pipe and galvanized pipe downward from the valve you see that it goes down to some other branches with gas shut off valves to other gas appliances. Is this right? Why would you run gas line or steamy bleed off in this mannyer? Is it safe?
Here are some responses.....
I have never seen this type of installation before; it appears that the gas line goes through a valve where the TPR should be so I have to assume that it is a watts valve. I don't see any pressure relief valve so I would have to say it is not safe. I'd watch out for that arachnid on the wall next to the shut-off valve! Jim Maass - Columbia, SC
Am I really seeing black Iron Pipe, galvanized pipe and copper pipe without dielectric fittings? Does the black iron pipe serve as the SRV drain pipe as it appears? The flex lines appear to be to short to provide for loops and I'm not sure about the vent bonnet due to the clarity of the picture. I can't tell what is going on with the gas hook up. D. Ray Arey - Thermopolis Wy.
Some numnutz installed the seismic straps to put the unit away from the wall rather than restrain it. And the gas line should have a valve on each leg, in fact, each leg should come off a 3/4" line. Jim Lucas - Camino, CA
There appears to be a combination of piping - galvanized and black - for the supply. The photo is confusing but it appears that the SRV discharges vertically which could prevent adequate release during an emergency. Jim Corbin, AII 2002 President - Bow, WA
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