Corrosion of metal parts and pieces is generally bad...unless your nick-name is "Rusty". When these metal pieces are components of an electrical system...It's time to get "Hot After It"!
In the magical world of electrical systems...corrosion equals resistance, and resistance equals heat generation by arcing and sparking. Corrosion can occur at electrical terminals, such as found in main service panels at the breaker lugs, or at receptacle (outlet) locations where the wiring is connected the fixture. Corrosion can result from the improper tightening of the lugs or screws fastening the conductive wire system to the fixture or breaker. If the lug is not tightening properly, then the arcing and sparking of the current across the gap (no matter how small) will generate heat and cause the loss of electrons from the surface of the metal parts. This loss of electrons from the metal surface is "corrosion" and causes a "crusty" surface to appear. The corrosion also causes a resistance to the proper flow of electricity through the electrical system, which causes increasing arcing, sparking, heat production and more corrosion. If the environment in which the electrical system is in has a high humidity level, like those found in vacant houses or with wet / damp basements, then the rate of corrosion is increased.
To reduce the risk of corrosion occurring along the electrical components, a qualified licensed electrician will properly tighten all connections and may also use an electrically conductive / anti-corrosion paste or jell at the connections. When corrosion is observed with existing copper wire systems, then contacting an electrician is an important first step in correcting or replacing the damaged parts. If corrosion is observed with existing aluminum wire systems, then the recommendation to contact an electrician is even more urgent!! Aluminum wire, when acted upon by corrosion and the increased heating of the wire in this location, will expand in dimension when heated, causing extreme pressure on the connection and then return to its normal dimension when the current is off. When the current is re-energized, the connection gap is likely to be somewhat larger, causing a larger arc or spark and more heat generated!!
Having a professional home inspector evaluate an electrical system for its current condition is recommended for protecting life, health and property. A little corrosion can go a long way to causing big problems!!
Happy Trails!!
If you just love living in the country...keeping the exterior wood trim and siding painted or stained is necessary to keep the native fauna from treating your house like a ginger bread house in a room full of hungry kids!!
Painting or staining all exterior wood surfaces helps to protect the wood structure from termites, which swarm periodically to look for new colony locations, wood boring beetles and bees, and woodpeckers!
Allowing the exterior wood portions of any house to remain unprotected or fall in disrepair, will invite nature's bounty of wood destroying organisms to your "Home Sweet Home"!
Happy Trails!!
Fireplace & Chimney Inspections in Jefferson City/Columbia/Mid-Missouri
Weather you live in Jefferson City/Columbia/Mid-Missouri or elsewhere in the world, using the home’s fireplace, stove, or even gas fired furnace for the first time is not without some risk. The Mid-Missouri (Jefferson City and Columbia) local news reports are beginning to “heat up” with reports of home fires that are related to fireplace chimney issues.
UPDATE: Fire Damages Columbia Home | KOMU.com | Columbia, MO | is one example of how “out of sight, out of mind” becomes “late breaking news”!
Proper cleaning and inspection of fireplace, stove, or furnace systems are highly recommended prior to the first use of the season. Birds, squirrels, insects, and even lightning can cause un-noticed damage or obstruction to the chimney/flue system.
If you live in the Columbia, Jefferson City, or Mid-Missouri area, feel free to contact me through RobSmithPI.com, and I will gladly be of service to you and yours.
Well...I have moved my Home Inspection business to the Jefferson City, Columbia, Fulton, and Holts Summit area in the heart of Missouri. Today will be my first day as a RainMaker, and this is my first public blog post!
As it turns out, to my delight and amazement, I will be representing ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) in the Greater Jefferson City, Missouri market. I am excited to carry the ASHI flag, and do my part to represent my clients by providing "Consumer Protection in every Home Inspection".
I am also looking forward to bringing information and interviews from around the Jefferson City area to the ActiveRain Community!
Please comment with any specific questions or blog topic ideas...I'll stay in touch!!
Rob Smith Property Investigations / RobSmithPI.com / 573.291.6065
ASHI Associate Inspector, Termite / Radon / Onsite Septic Inspections. Providing Consumer Protection in every Home Inspection. Back Home in Mid Missouri...Let's stay in Touch!
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