What Is Grounding?

Generally speaking, the difference between grounding and bonding is: Grounding is a direct connection to the earth to aid in removing damaging transient over-voltages due to lightning. The purpose of bonding is to ensure the electrical continuity of the fault current path, to provide the capacity and ability to conduct safely any fault current likely to be imposed, and to aid in the operation of the over-current protection device. Properly bonding all metal parts within an electrical system helps ensure a low-impedance fault current path.

Service Drop

The service drop is the overhead service conductors located between the utility electric supply system and the service point.

Chimney Flues

While the inspection of chimney flues is a highly specialized procedure, any obvious deficiencies in the flue should be noted. In particular, pay attention to flues that are damaged, collapsed, or show signs of previous chimney fires. Extra care must be taken when inspecting chimney systems that are being used to vent fossil-fuel appliances, such as boilers, furnaces, water heaters and manufactured fireplaces, as any deficiency in either the liner or the chimney structure could be a potential fire starter, or could allow carbon monoxide into the habitable space within the home. It is now required that any traditional flues being used as vents for these appliances be fitted with continuous metal flue liners to ensure that no noxious gases can find their way into the home. Compliments of InterNachi