TOPIC: Portable Generator

Hi,

Still wet behind the ears but learning.

As a start-up I have known about inspectors (literature, etc.)  that use portable generators to test electric topics in a home.

As I will be picking up the occasional HUD homes (PEMCO says they use them [generators] on their reports, but I am beginning to wonder…) and they don't have utilities on, I was thinking of getting a  Gen as soon as it becomes financially feasible.

However  in doing research I have not been able to find on how to connect to a home. Have seen plenty of illegal and potentially dangerous methods, as in the double male end into a dryer outlet.

Is using a generator a common practice? And if so, what is the standard method of connection?

I know of no Inspectors in the area that do this.

Thanks for any info.

Tom

Personally I wouldn't do it for the simple reason that if there is a wiring problem and you cause a fire and burn down the house. Career in home inspections would be short lived.
In the event of the fire the big question of all the authorities involved but mainly from the fire chief or fire marshal will be are you qualified (liscenced) to perform that action? Never mind the grief you would get from your insurance company and bankers or whomever owns the property.

Just discount the electrical part of the inspection due to no power or have the appropriate people turn on the power.

Thanks, that is all of what I was thnking. You know that feeling you get when something is "off", that's what I was getting and why I decided to ask people with more time in than me.

I would not use a generator for the reason Gerry mentioned and I don't discount if they don't have the Utilities on. When I book a inspections I ask are the utilities on. I invite them to visit my website and look over the InterNACHII Standards the Scope of inspection. They read and sign my agreement before any thing is inspected . My agreement has it there in black and white If one or all the Utilities are off I offer to go back for a set fee time is money..

Tom, like the others said, disclaim it and move on. Make sure to let them know it needs to be on in advance and if it's not on you charge a fee to come back and inspect it later (say $100-$150 depending on the distance).

Thanks all,
I've seen the process mentioned in PEMCO inspections, HUD, And I myself Bought a HUD home, and I find it unlikely that a generator for power or air preasure for plumbing was done, as they state. Given all the issues with both when I had my own utilities turned on.

The Realtor suggested have a Gen to me today after he spoke with HUD to get Permission to Inspect, at first I was ok, let me look into it, did some Googling, and then asked here.

But after doing some reading and thinking, it really seems like a good idea on paper, but in real life, no thanks.

I will be taking the advice here and more on.

Thanks Guys.