Electrical
Coverage 1st Year Only. Workmanship and Materials.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Note: Remodeling Specific: The Bolster Contractor is responsible only for areas of the property worked on and specified in the contract, and not for the entire house.
7-1-1
Observation: A fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips.
Performance Guideline: Fuses and circuit breakers shall not be tripped by normal usage.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will check wiring circuits and components for conformity with applicable electrical code requirements. The Bolster Contractor will correct noncompliant elements.
Discussion: Blown fuses and tripped breakers are symptoms of a problem in some part of the electrical system in the home or some consumer product connected to the system. Although defective components are possible, most electrical malfunctions are caused by consumer-owned fixtures and appliances. The consumer should unplug or disconnect fixtures and appliances on the circuit and then replace the fuse or reset the breaker. If the problem recurs, The Bolster Contractor should be notified.
7-1-2
Observation: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) trips frequently.
Performance Guideline: Ground fault and arc fault circuit interrupters shall perform as designed.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will install ground fault and arc fault circuit interrupters in accordance with applicable electrical codes. Tripping is to be expected and is not covered unless it is caused by a component failure or incorrect installation.
Discussion: Both ground fault and arc fault circuit interrupters are very sensitive devices and are easily tripped. GFCI’s protect outlets in wet areas (for example, bathrooms, kitchens, garages, exterior, etc.). Outlets protected by GFCIs may be connected in series; it may not be readily apparent that an inoperative convenience outlet is the result of a tripped GFCI in another room (and not necessarily in the electrical panel). AFCIs sometimes are installed to protect bedroom circuits. The most common cause of tripping by AFCIs is damaged cords or plugs on owners' lamps, small appliances, or other devices. AFCIs are usually found in the electrical panel.
7-2-1
Observation: A light fixture is tarnished.
Performance Guideline: Finishes on light fixtures may be covered under the manufacturer's warranty.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: No action is required of The Bolster Contractor. Owner should contact manufacturer.
7-2-2
Observation: Receptacle or switch covers protrude from the wall.
Performance Guideline: Receptacle or switch covers should not be more than 1/16-inch from the adjoining wall surface.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will adjust the covers to meet performance guideline.
7-2-3
Observation: The owner's 220-volt appliance cord does not fit the outlet provided by The Bolster Contractor.
Performance Guideline: The Bolster Contractor shall install electrical outlets required by applicable electrical code.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: No action is required of The Bolster Contractor. Discussion: The owner is responsible for obtaining an appliance cord that fits the outlets provided by The Bolster Contractor.
7-3-1
Observation: A ceiling fan vibrates and/or is noisy.
Performance Guideline: The Bolster Contractor shall install ceiling fans in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions (including blade balances).
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor shall correct any fan installation not in accordance with the performance guideline if the fan was supplied and installed by The Bolster Contractor.
7-3-2
Observation: An exhaust fan discharges into attic or crawl space.
Performance Guideline: Fans shall discharge as required by applicable codes. Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor shall repair to meet performance guideline.
7-4-1
Observation: A smoke detector "chirps."
Performance Guideline: A smoke detector should not "chirp" at substantial completion of the project. Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair or replace the smoke detector to eliminate chirping.
Discussion: Most smoke detectors are powered by both the home's electrical power and a backup battery. "Chirping" is an indication that the battery is weak or is not installed. If the chirping occurs on a new smoke detector, The Bolster Contractor will check the battery, verify that the detector is wired correctly, and replace the device if necessary. Safety officials recommend that owners change the batteries in smoke detectors semi-annually when daylight-saving time begins and ends.
7-5-1
Observation: Electrical outlets, switches, or fixtures malfunction.
Performance Guideline: All electrical outlets, switches, and fixtures shall operate as designed.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will repair or replace malfunctioning electrical outlets, switches, and fixtures, if supplied and installed by The Bolster Contractor.
7-5-2
Observation: Carbon monoxide alarm goes off excessively.
Performance Guideline: Carbon monoxide sensors shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s standards and applicable codes.
Corrective Measure: None. The Bolster Contractor is responsible to properly install the sensor.