Home Inspection Electrical Practice Test

Which issue is associated with wires in panels?

1. Sheathing removed

2. Wires crossing bus bars

3. All wires well secured

4. Thermal expansion

The correct answer is: Wires crossing bus bars

The issue associated with wires in panels that stands out is the wires crossing bus bars. When wires cross bus bars within an electrical panel, it can lead to several problems, including potential short circuits and increased resistance. This crossing can create unintended electrical paths, which can generate excessive heat, lead to malfunctioning of electrical components, or even cause a fire hazard. Proper organization and routing of wires help ensure that each connection is secure and reduces the likelihood of interference or overload situations. The other issues, while relevant to general electrical safety and panel integrity, do not have the same immediate and critical implications in terms of the function of a panel. For example, sheathing removal can be a problem, but it typically pertains to the vulnerability of wires rather than their placement within a panel. Ensuring all wires are well secured and thermal expansion concerns, while important in maintenance and installation, do not directly relate to the conduct of wires crossing bus bars, which poses a direct and serious risk to electrical integrity.