"Jack" wrote in message
...
On Jan 4, 10:23 am, Tim wrote:


It should be easy enough to check for the lights as the source by
simply turning them off for a moment.

I've seen some really bad wiring "upgrades" done to older buildings.
Grounded outlets installed with no ground connection, ground conductor
and/or metal conduit carrying the neutral current (!), the classic hot/
neutral reversal, etc. A good piece of equipment to carry around is
one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/ELECTRICAL-REC.../dp/B002Q3R7HI

Of course you can do the same thing with an VOM, but these things are
a great go/no-go quick indicator.




Hehe, I'm glad I read down a bit before I offered the exact same advice.

When I bought my (now) 50 year old house, the listing agent mentioned that
the electrical was upgraded. A cursory inspection showed GFI outlets in the
"wet" areas, and 3 prong recepticals elsewhere. When under contract, I was
able to dig further... being a General Contractor, I did my own home
inspection. It turned out that the GFI outlets were grounded properly, but
none of the 3 prong outlets were grounded. All they did was replace the
outlets.

That saved me a few shekels on the purchase price.

--Mike