Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: stevenbouf, Location: Henrico County, VA
Asked on: Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 4:24 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 2:50 am EDT
Question: hi everyone my names steve and this is my first post on mike holts forum. im a master electrician in RI and the company i work with is starting a new job thats a 13 unit building that has been closed for sometime and the electrical inspector wants the service and possibly the entire building checked by an engineer to make sure that mold hasnt destroyed or started to destroy the insulation on the wires. i have never heard of this before but im sure the inspector has and thats why he wants it done. if anyone has heard of this and can tell me how its done and why an engineer must do it compared to me also would a megger test be good enough. the building did have some water in it about 12 inchs barly up to the outlets its on a slab no basement and has a clear mold inspection from a mold company. the entire first floor is going to be new thanks for any help steve
Mold Inspection of Electrical Systems
Mold can pose a safety hazard by degrading electrical insulation, potentially leading to electrical shorts, fires, or shock hazards. While a visual inspection can identify visible mold, it may be necessary to conduct a more thorough inspection to determine the extent of mold growth and its impact on the electrical system.
Engineer Involvement
An engineer is typically required to perform a mold inspection of an electrical system because of the potential for serious safety hazards. Engineers have the technical expertise and experience to: Analyze the electrical system to identify potential areas where mold may have infiltrated Use specialized equipment, such as infrared cameras or moisture sensors, to detect hidden mold growth Assess the severity of the mold contamination and its impact on the electrical system Determine appropriate remediation measures and ensure the safety of the system after remediationMegger Test
A megger test, which measures insulation resistance, is not sufficient to detect mold growth. While a low insulation resistance reading could indicate mold contamination, it is not conclusive and can be caused by other factors.
Inspection Procedure
An engineer conducting a mold inspection of an electrical system may follow the following steps:1. Visual Inspection
Inspect the electrical system for visible signs of mold growth, including discoloration, spots, or filaments.2.
Infrared Camera
Use an infrared camera to detect moisture and heat anomalies that may indicate mold growth.3.
Moisture Sensors
Insert moisture sensors into the insulation and other materials to measure moisture content.4.
Sample Collection
Collect samples of insulation and other materials for laboratory analysis to confirm mold presence and species.5.
Report
Document the findings of the inspection, including the extent of mold growth and its potential impact on the electrical system.6.
Recommendations
Provide recommendations for remediation measures, if necessary.
Remediation
If mold growth is found, it is important to remediate the system to ensure its safety and functionality. Remediation may involve: Removing and replacing contaminated insulation Cleaning or disinfecting affected components* Installing moisture barriers to prevent future growthConclusion
Mold inspection of electrical systems should be performed by a qualified engineer to ensure the health and safety of the building occupants. While megger tests may provide some information about insulation resistance, they are not a substitute for a thorough mold inspection. By following proper procedures and consulting with experts, potential hazards can be identified and addressed, ensuring the safety of the electrical system and the building as a whole. Flag for review