Originally Posted by
Jerry Peck
If I could not see the connection of the ground rod, I always wrote up to have the electrical contractor verify proper grounding while on-site doing other repairs (and I cannot think of one single house which did not need an electrical contractor to come out and make other repairs - thus, if you are worried about the cost factor, and we HIs should not worry about that), there is none ... UNLESS ... they have to dig and dig and dig and dig and then still don't find (or do eventually find) the ground rod connection - either way, though, it is worth it to your client to have that dug up, exposed, and checked. Even then, though, the cost is only around $50 ... because they are "already on-site" doing other repairs.
I've had electricians dig along the grounding electrode conductor for quite a ways before finding it loose at or from the ground rod, or cut off underground.
Just because you can't pull it out does not mean it is connected to anything.
Thanks Jerry - This is exactly the case. There was a basement family room with what looked like a new ceiling fan and light fixture that would not work. Bulbs were clear and I could see intact filaments. From the DED principle for HI - Detected: Non-working fan and lights; Evaluation: Possible improper wiring or faulty circuit that could manifest into other problems causing damage including personal injury; Direction: Professional licensed electrician repair as required. Also, had a missing wall receptacle cover and then, there was the ground wire. Ok, maybe I went a little overboard on the transformer in the bedroom closet ceiling, but then it was something else the electrician could check and let him/her, the qualified professional specialist, say it was low-voltage and not a safety issue.
Note on other comments:
I think just noting that you observed a ground wire but could not verify connection to a grounding device with out some kind of direction leaves the door open to a suit if ANYTHING in the electrical system causes damage or injury. Doesn't have to be a valid suit. Could be easily proved or disproved. But, there is the cost, lost time, frustration, and if you have E&O, a smudge on your reputation because the Insurer settled.
I'm not too sure how a paper clip and fiddling around inside a receptacle is going to prove a viable ground system. It might show how vulnerable one is to electrocution or how fast a circuit breaker trips. Not my job. Now, if I'm in a pre-70's house with 3-conductor outlets, I will pull of a random receptacle cover to check if a grounding wire is installed vs. a bootleg ground.
Maybe I'm weird, ok, I am, but I work for the client and I try to do every inspection like it was my own or for one of my kids. I learned early in my electronic/electrical training and experience, "Be Aware of the Assumptions You Make"
No one is forcing the client to do anything. I tell them that I try to give them the information they need to make decisions concerning the property in question. Nothing in the directions is a "DO THIS OR ELSE" mandate. Who does it, when its done, or how its done, if at all, is entirely up to them with the aide of their realtor (if there is one).