National Home Inspector Practice Exam

If a bare electrical wire is found in the attic, what is the best way to confirm if it is live?

1. Touch the bare end with your fingers.

2. Believe the homeowner because he knows his house.

3. Use a voltage "sniffer."

4. Use an amp meter.

The correct answer is: Use a voltage "sniffer."

Using a voltage "sniffer" is the best way to confirm if a bare electrical wire is live because this tool is designed specifically for detecting the presence of electrical voltage without making physical contact with the wire. This method offers a non-invasive way to assess the safety of the wire, reducing the risk of electrical shock or injury. The voltage sniffer can indicate whether voltage is present by simply being held near the wire, allowing the inspector to make a quick and safe determination. Touching the bare end with fingers poses a significant risk of electric shock and should never be attempted. Relying on the homeowner's assurances about the wire also compromises safety, as the homeowner may not have accurate or complete information regarding the wiring. Using an amp meter, while useful in some electrical testing scenarios, is not practical for simply determining whether a wire is live, as it requires a direct connection to the circuit, which could be hazardous in this case.