National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast
The Complete National Home Inspector Training Manual—In Audio Form
Welcome to National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast—the most comprehensive audio course for aspiring home inspectors preparing for the National Home Inspector Exam.
Your Complete Exam Preparation Resource
This is a complete professional training program based on the National Home Inspection Training Manual, transformed into detailed audio lessons you can study anywhere, anytime. Whether you're commuting, at the gym, or reviewing before bed, master the entire home inspection curriculum.
Complete 16-Discipline Coverage:
This training program covers ALL major areas tested on the National Home Inspector Exam:
📋 Analysis & Reporting - Professional report writing and communication
❄️ Cooling Systems - Air conditioning, heat pumps, and distribution
⚡ Electrical Systems - Service equipment, panels, circuits, wiring, safety devices
🏠 Exterior Components - Siding, trim, doors, windows, finishes
🔥 Fireplaces & Chimneys - Masonry and factory-built systems, venting, safety
📖 Complete Glossary - Essential professional terminology
🔥 Heating Systems - Furnaces, boilers, distribution, controls
🌬️ Insulation & Ventilation - Attic ventilation, insulation types, energy efficiency
🍳 Kitchen Appliances - Ranges, ovens, dishwashers, disposals, built-ins
🚰 Plumbing Systems - Supply, drainage, water heaters, fixtures
👔 Professional Responsibilities - Ethics, standards of practice, business practices
🏚️ Roof Components - Coverings, flashings, drainage, structural elements
🌳 Site Conditions - Grading, drainage, driveways, landscaping
🏗️ Structural Components - Foundations, framing, load paths, structural defects
🪟 House Interior - Walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, doors, windows
200+ Detailed Episodes
Each episode provides in-depth coverage of specific topics within each discipline. Episodes are designed to be studied in sequence, building your knowledge systematically from fundamentals to advanced inspection techniques.
Who This Is For:
✅ New home inspectors studying for the National Home Inspector Exam
✅ Career changers entering the home inspection profession
✅ Real estate professionals expanding technical knowledge
✅ Anyone preparing for state licensing exams
✅ Practicing inspectors seeking continuing education
Why This Training Works:
🎯 Exam-Focused - Aligned with National Home Inspector Exam requirements
🎯 Field-Tested - Based on real inspection scenarios and common defects
🎯 Code-Referenced - Current IRC standards and industry best practices
🎯 Comprehensive - Complete coverage, not just highlights
🎯 Audio Learning - Study while driving, working out, or multitasking
🎯 Sequential Structure - Logical progression builds expertise systematically
Study Approach:
For best results, listen to episodes in numerical order within each discipline. Take notes, pause to review complex topics, and re-listen to challenging sections. This is professional training designed for exam success.
Beyond the Podcast:
This podcast is part of our complete National Home Inspector Training program. For comprehensive training including visual materials, practice exams, hands-on demonstrations, and certification support, visit [YOUR WEBSITE URL].
National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast
07 - Modern Wiring Methods: NM, AC, MC Cable, Conduit Types
Modern wiring methods include various cable types and conduit systems, each with specific uses, limitations, and installation requirements. This episode covers the most common wiring methods home inspectors encounter and how to identify improper installations.
What You'll Learn
Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (NM) and Underground Feeder (UF):
- NM (Romex): Predominant wiring since 1940s
- Early versions (late 1920s-1960s): Cloth sheathing
- Modern NM: PVC sheathing
- Color coding: White=#14, Yellow=#12, Orange=#10, Black=#8 and #6
- Notation: 14/2 or 14-2 (gauge/quantity of insulated conductors, plus EGC)
- UF: Similar to NM, designed for wet locations and burial
- UF may NOT be embedded in concrete (but may be in conduit embedded in concrete)
- UF jacket usually gray
- UF may NOT be used for pool/hot tub/spa wiring (uninsulated EGC)
Armored Cable (AC):
- Found from early 1900s to new construction
- Sometimes called BX (brand name—General Electric)
- Factory assembly with flexible interlocking metal covering
- Conductors wrapped in paper
- Should have anti-short bushing at terminations
- AC jacket can serve as EGC (if manufactured after 1959)
- Pre-1959 AC: Watch for rust/damage increasing resistance
Metal-Clad Cable (MC):
- Found from early 1900s to new construction
- Sometimes called Greenfield (early MC form)
- Factory assembly with flexible metal covering (aluminum or steel)
- NOT paper-wrapped (unlike AC)
- Difficult to distinguish from AC and FMC visually
- MC jacket can serve as EGC with appropriate fittings
Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT):
- Sometimes called "thin wall"
- Round pipe for routing/protecting conductors
- Steel or aluminum
- Common sizes: ½" to 4" diameter, 10-foot sections
- May serve as EGC with appropriate fittings
Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) and Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC):
- Round pipes for routing/physical protection
- IMC: Thinner wall, lighter weight alternative to RMC
- Steel (including galvanized) or aluminum
- Common sizes: ½" to 4" diameter
- May serve as EGC with appropriate fittings
IMC/RMC Installation Requirements:
- Support every 10 feet
- Support within 3 feet from boxes/terminations
Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC):
- Flexible tube of helically wound interlocking metal
- Steel or aluminum (including galvanized/stainless)
- Common sizes: ½" to 4" diameter
Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC) and Liquidtight Flexible Conduit (LFC):
- Flexible tubes for water-resistant applications
- LFMC: Galvanized steel with water-resistant PVC jacket
- LFC: PVC material
- Common sizes: 3/8" to 4" diameter
- LFMC may serve as EGC with appropriate fittings
- Common locations: Exterior HVAC equipment, pools, hot tubs
Key Takeaways
- NM is most common wiring method (color-coded jackets)
- AC, MC, and NM have different allowed locations and limitations
- Support spacing varies by wiring method (remember key intervals)
- Flexible cords may NOT be used as permanent wiring
- "Subject to physical damage" requires judgment and interpretation
- Burial depths vary by wiring method
- Metal conduit/tubing can serve as EGC with proper fittings
For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com
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