TOPIC: Flex conduit connection

It is "not right" only if you can determine first "what it is".

Is it an owner fix, or a way to keep the "required bushing" in place?

Don't post your "thoughts".
Think about it and post what is actually there.
I see a lot of HI's that write in their reports what they initially "think" and this has no place in the report. It's not about what you think. It's about what "is".

Yes, it looks like a home owner job (but is it)? It doesn't look right (but is it wrong)?
These thoughts should get you started looking into what is actually going on there. It is not the end of the observation.

People post all that time, "what is this" without nothing more than a picture (sometimes not even that). They left the scene without the required information to even answer the questions posted to their question. This is not right and is a very bad habit to get into.

Before you post a reply to someone's question, think.
Before you put something you know nothing about in an Inspection Report, know what your talking about.

This is one reason I am against "on site reporting".
The report I am writing right now requires research for three issues before I make them an issue in the report.
I had no problem telling the client that I didn't know and I will follow up on an issues before I put it in the report.

Even if I do "same day" reports, I almost always sleep-on-it before I hit "send".

I'm not trying to pick on anyone here, just "posting my "thoughts"" after reading this!
I see this type of habit progress and take Inspectors down the wrong road more often than not.

The following is offered with all due respect...

That type of wire should not go anywhere without a conduit.

3 days later...

It is "not right" only if you can determine first "what it is".
Is it an owner fix, or a way to keep the "required bushing" in place?
Don't post your "thoughts".
Think about it and post what is actually there.

That sounds like double talk, so does it get written up as wrong or not? It seems Michael doesn't have any other info and erring on the side of caution would be the right path to take. If we don't have complete information, aren't our comments just opinions and thoughts based on experience/education?  I'm sure a good qualifying phrase like "does not appear to be" or "is not typical" would be better than "definately not right", but in the end the inspector is going to assume it is a defect until proven otherwise.


P.S. Larry, post whatever dang thoughts you want. (well, keep it clean at least)

The double talk happens when additional information is cast into the pot.

We went from what is this? To determining it was a homeowner fix and was not right.
Both statements are unsupported and assumptive.

A home inspector should be able to determine or at least attempt to obtain the specifics before they write up a report.

If this is a low voltage control circuit (that was in the initial question concerning the fire suppression system) that someone want one step beyond and added shielded cable because it passed through a hazardous location (that we can't see from here). Installed the material to hold a bushing in place so the wire would not be damaged by the sharp conduit...
Is it a deficiency?

Should we be hiring, at someone else's expense an electrician to come and tell us that it is a control circuit of some sort and does not fall under the national electric code?

"but in the end the inspector is going to assume it is a defect until proven otherwise."

I don't buy into that "assuming stuff" when a little bit of due diligence can avoid the entire situation that may cause a financial liability and an appearance of incompetency.

Around here, we first prove otherwise and then recommend the appropriate action.

It's just a recommendation. Take it for what it's worth. Just because I expound on the circumstances does not mean I'm pointing fingers at anyone. I thought I spelled that out in the last paragraph.

Bottom line is: NOBODY KNOWS WHAT THIS CONNECTION/WIRING IS! And I agree with you, IF YOU DON'T KNOW THEN DON'S SAY NOTHING. It is my responsibility to mention in my report that I DO NOT RECOGNIZE it and that it should be recommended for further inspection by a licensed electrician. What I learned here is that it's OK not to know everything but that the 'unrecognizable component' should be noted and referred for further evaluation. ALWAYS REPORT WHAT YOU DON'T REPORT ON.

We were asked for our opinions I said it "looks" like a home owner fix. I wouldn't think that ? th OP would just go on only the say so of any one that didn't have diffinitive knowlage (in other words any of us).

Tell me though, what wireing requires protection of a conduit for only part of the attic run?

Cameron, I always try to keep it clean (not like some on the NACHI site), and I don't mind critisisim, maybe I should have worded it differantly. Some good points were brought out becuase I didn't though so it's all good.

You got it, Mike and Larry. Spot on.

Should we be hiring, at someone else's expense an electrician to come and tell us...

That's exactly what should happen. I agree, David, that inspectors should attempt to get more information. I'm sure posting it on this forum was one of several steps Mike tried to do just that.  I didn't read any brilliant analysis from any of us so, yes, in those times when we don't know we should refer to an expert. This is one of those times. Frankly, if it doesn't conform to something in the NEC and I suspect it is electrical, I would call it out every time.

We went from what is this? To determining it was a homeowner fix and was not right. 
Both statements are unsupported and assumptive.

Actually, Larry said "Looks like a home owner fix to me. Definately not right.". That's a helpful opinion offered on a forum not a conclusion written in a report.  And based on that photo and the information available, it's an opinion worth respecting.

Oh, and "That type of wire should not go anywhere without a conduit." sounds exactly the same as "definitely not right".