Glossary, 202 terms
Home inspection terms: C
Each definition is the Key Term from the lesson named under it. Where two lessons define a term for different uses, both are here.
- C corporation
- A corporation that pays its own taxes, with its dividends taxed twice.
Lesson 22, Ethics, Starting a Business and Marketing - Cable
- Two or more conductors enclosed in one sheath.
Lesson 23A, Electrical Terms and Basic Electricity - Cadmium cell (cad cell)
- The newer flame sensor, from the 1980s, located in the blast tube; it detects light from the flame; also called the fire eye.
Lesson 32C, Oil Burners - Camber
- The built-in curve of glue laminated lumber, similar to the crown in dimensional lumber.
Lesson 12B, I-Joists, SCL, Glulam and Floor Trusses - Canned comments
- Prewritten report text supplied in computer generated checklist reports and in vendor inspection software.
Lesson 19A, Inspection Scope, Limitations, Standards and Report Formats - Canned narratives
- A library of prewritten paragraphs from which the home inspector selects those that fit the findings.
Lesson 19A, Inspection Scope, Limitations, Standards and Report Formats - Cantilever
- 1. A floor joist or other member extending horizontally past its vertical support with nothing else supporting it.
Lesson 4A, Exterior Scope and Terms, Adhered Masonry Veneer, Metal and Asbestos Cement Siding and Brick Veneer - 2. A floor that extends past its supporting wall.
Lesson 12A, Floor Framing, Spans, Bearing, Notching and Boring - Cantilever retaining wall
- A concrete or masonry retaining wall on an unusually wide footing.
Lesson 2A, Site Scope, Terms and Retaining Walls - Cantilevered joist
- A deck floor joist that extends past its support beam.
Lesson 6C, Deck Guards, Framing, Flooring, Bracing, Beams, Footings and Defects - Cap
- Flashing at the wall termination of an exhaust duct.
Lesson 4C, Exterior Trim, Flashing and Sealants, Eaves and Cornice - Cap membrane
- The top sheet of a modified bitumen system, foil faced, granule surfaced, or smooth surfaced.
Lesson 9B, Low Slope Roofing: Modified Bitumen, Foam and EPDM - Cap sheet
- A mineral-surfaced sheet that may finish a BUR.
Lesson 9A, Low Slope Roofing: Built-Up Membranes and Roll Roofing - Carbon fiber mats
- A wall repair of one or more mats installed against a bowing wall.
Lesson 11D, Foundation Repairs, Crawl Spaces and Slabs - Carbon monoxide (CO) detector
- An instrument that detects carbon monoxide, used in vents and chimneys, in the house generally, and around fuel-burning appliances.
Lesson 20, Inspection Tools and the Inspection Process - Carpet
- A natural or synthetic yarn fixed to a backing system, usually run from wall to wall.
Lesson 17B, Interior Doors and Floor Coverings - Carport
- A vehicle storage structure with no door a vehicle may be driven through.
Lesson 7, Garage Vehicle Doors and Operators - Cartridge faucet
- A faucet with a cylindrical body in its single handle form, and with handles that each turn a fraction of 90 degrees in its two handle form.
Lesson 34D, Faucets, Shower Valves, Hose Bibbs and Aerators - Cartridge fuse
- A cylinder shaped fuse; at 100 amps and larger it usually has a blade at each end.
Lesson 24B, Overcurrent Protection, GFCI and AFCI - Cased opening
- A trimmed opening between rooms with no door.
Lesson 17B, Interior Doors and Floor Coverings - Casement window
- An operable window hinged at the side and worked by a crank, with a sash that swings out.
Lesson 5B, Windows, Window Flashing, Glazing, Window Wells, Escape Openings and Fall Protection - Cash basis accounting
- A system that recognizes revenue when cash arrives and expenses when cash is spent.
Lesson 22, Ethics, Starting a Business and Marketing - Casing
- 1. Trim around the perimeter of a window or door.
Lesson 17A, Interior Walls, Ceilings, Drywall, Plaster and Trim - 2. The trim installed around the perimeter of an opening.
Lesson 17B, Interior Doors and Floor Coverings - 3. The pipe that holds a well shaft open.
Lesson 35G, Wells: Types, Location and Components - Cast-in-place liner
- A flue liner of cementitious material applied to the original flue.
Lesson 39B, Combustion Air, Masonry Chimney Construction, Liners, Flue Area and Defects - Cast-in-place wall
- A concrete wall poured into forms that stand on footings poured earlier.
Lesson 11C, Basement Foundations, Materials, Waterproofing and Defects - Catalytic stove
- A modern wood-burning stove with a catalytic element that lowers pollution.
Lesson 40B, Draft Problems, Fireplace Inserts, Wood and Pellet Stoves - Catch basin
- A component that collects water above ground, from which the water may enter an underground drain.
Lesson 2B, Grade, Drainage and Vegetation - Category I appliance
- A gas appliance with hot vent gas, around 300 degrees F, that rises by the stack effect.
Lesson 31A, Gas Appliance Categories and Gas Forced-Air Furnaces - Category II appliance
- A gas appliance with cool vent gas, around 140 degrees F, that rises by the stack effect; none was known to exist at publication.
Lesson 31A, Gas Appliance Categories and Gas Forced-Air Furnaces - Category III appliance
- 1. A gas appliance with vent gas as hot as Category I gas or hotter, vented under positive pressure.
Lesson 31A, Gas Appliance Categories and Gas Forced-Air Furnaces - 2. A gas appliance class whose vent system uses manufacturer specified materials and instructions; its direct vent pipe is sealed metal under positive pressure.
Lesson 32B, Vent Connectors, Category III and IV Vents and Direct Vent Terminations - Category IV appliance
- 1. A gas appliance with cool vent gas, around 140 degrees F, exhausted under positive pressure through plastic pipe.
Lesson 31A, Gas Appliance Categories and Gas Forced-Air Furnaces - 2. A gas appliance class whose vent system uses manufacturer specified materials and instructions; most use plastic pipe for combustion air and venting.
Lesson 32B, Vent Connectors, Category III and IV Vents and Direct Vent Terminations - Caulked joint
- A cast iron hub and spigot joint packed with oakum and filled with molten lead.
Lesson 37A, DWV Rules and Pipe Materials - Cavity wall
- Two walls separated by a space, which insulates with air alone if the space is sealed.
Lesson 14A, Insulation Scope and Terms, R-Value and How Insulation Works - CCA
- A wood treatment chemical the industry discontinued as of 31 December 2003.
Lesson 6B, Deck Materials, Flashing, Ledger Attachment and Deck Stairs - Cellar
- A basement entirely below grade.
Lesson 11C, Basement Foundations, Materials, Waterproofing and Defects - Cellulose
- Loose fill insulation made of recycled paper treated to be fire retardant.
Lesson 14C, Insulation Materials - Cement backer board
- A cement panel installed behind a shower wall surface.
Lesson 35B, Showers and Tub/Showers - Cementitious foam
- An uncommon type of foam insulation, such as Air Krete.
Lesson 14C, Insulation Materials - Centrifugal pump
- A well pump found on some shallow wells.
Lesson 35G, Wells: Types, Location and Components - CHAdeMO
- A DC fast charging connector common among Japanese automakers.
Lesson 27C, Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (Supplement) - Chair rail
- Trim sometimes run across a wall near its middle.
Lesson 17A, Interior Walls, Ceilings, Drywall, Plaster and Trim - Chase
- 1. A framed shaft that channels light from a rectangular skylight into the home.
Lesson 10B, Skylights - 2. A framed shaft for HVAC ducts, pipes, vents, or chimneys; a concealed vertical space.
Lesson 12C, Wall Systems, Fireblocking and Fire Separation - 3. An enclosure around a vent, such as a masonry chimney holding a chimney liner or Type B vent.
Lesson 32A, Category I Gas Vent Systems and Vent Defects - 4. A flue used to hold a listed appliance vent, as an alternative to relining.
Lesson 39B, Combustion Air, Masonry Chimney Construction, Liners, Flue Area and Defects - 5. A framed shaft around chimneys, vents, pipes, or HVAC ducts.
Lesson 42, Life Safety Systems: Egress, Fire Separation, Alarms and Sprinklers - Check (cheater) vent
- A vent device with a spring loaded gasket; most jurisdictions do not approve it for site-built houses.
Lesson 34A, Plumbing Scope and Plumbing Terms - Check valve
- 1. A valve near the pressure tank that stops tank water from running back down the well.
Lesson 35G, Wells: Types, Location and Components - 2. A valve that lets flow pass one way and closes against flow the other way.
Lesson 38E, Sewage Ejectors, Backwater Valves and Sump Pumps - 3. A valve sometimes installed in oil piping; some oil burner and equipment manufacturers do not recommend it.
Lesson 38I, Oil Supply, Valves, Filters and Tanks - Check vent (cheater vent)
- A spring operated device that looks like an AAV, does a similar job, and is approved only for manufactured homes.
Lesson 38C, Vent Systems, Vent Connections and Air Admittance Valves - Checklist report
- A report format that lists common defects on a pre-printed form, with room for comments.
Lesson 19A, Inspection Scope, Limitations, Standards and Report Formats - Checks
- Unsealed cracks in the logs of a log house.
Lesson 12E, CMU, Brick, ICF, SIPs and Uncommon Wall Materials - Chimney
- 1. A generally vertical masonry and metal pipe structure, holding one or more flues, that carries combustion products outdoors.
Lesson 30, Heating Fundamentals, Combustion and Capacity - 2. A generally vertical masonry or metal structure with one or more flues that carries combustion products out of the house.
Lesson 39A, Fireplace Types and Terms, Firebox, Hearth and Clearances - Chimney cap (crown)
- 1. The top of a chimney, built water-tight; on a factory-built chimney it is called a pan.
Lesson 39A, Fireplace Types and Terms, Firebox, Hearth and Clearances - 2. The cover at the top of a chimney, where it terminates.
Lesson 39B, Combustion Air, Masonry Chimney Construction, Liners, Flue Area and Defects - Chimney connector
- 1. The component that carries combustion products from an appliance into a chimney.
Lesson 30, Heating Fundamentals, Combustion and Capacity - 2. The pipe from a wood-burning stove to its chimney, also called a stove pipe or flue pipe.
Lesson 40B, Draft Problems, Fireplace Inserts, Wood and Pellet Stoves - Chimney liner
- 1. A vent installed inside a chimney that serves as a chase.
Lesson 32A, Category I Gas Vent Systems and Vent Defects - 2. The inner lining of a chimney.
Lesson 32D, Oil Vent Systems - Chinking
- A process that fills the gaps between logs to reduce air infiltration; the material today is elastomeric.
Lesson 12E, CMU, Brick, ICF, SIPs and Uncommon Wall Materials - Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC)
- A thermoplastic water pipe, usually cream, with a 180 degrees F maximum under pressure.
Lesson 34B, Pipe Supports, Copper, CPVC, Galvanized Steel and PEX - Chlorination
- The most common method of disinfecting water.
Lesson 35F, Water Treatment Devices and Hot Water Circulation - Chords (truss)
- 1. The horizontal members along the top and bottom of a truss.
Lesson 12B, I-Joists, SCL, Glulam and Floor Trusses - 2. The members along the top and bottom of a truss.
Lesson 13B, Roof Framing Defects, Trusses and Attic Access - Cinder block
- 1. A CMU made with coal ash or other combustion residue; it may contain corrosive materials.
Lesson 11A, Structural Scope and Terms - 2. A common name for a CMU.
Lesson 11C, Basement Foundations, Materials, Waterproofing and Defects - Cinder blocks
- A name often given to CMUs, from a method that uses fly ash and other combustion waste.
Lesson 12E, CMU, Brick, ICF, SIPs and Uncommon Wall Materials - Circuit analyzer
- A receptacle testing instrument more accurate than a three-light tester that detects more defects.
Lesson 20, Inspection Tools and the Inspection Process - Circuit vent
- A vent system for as many as eight fixtures, of any type, on one floor level.
Lesson 38C, Vent Systems, Vent Connections and Air Admittance Valves - Cistern
- A vessel that stores water, sometimes found under older houses.
Lesson 35H, Cisterns, Water Quality and Fire Sprinklers - Civil litigation
- A court dispute among two or more parties.
Lesson 21A, Business Law, Claims and Liability - Claims made policy
- An E&O policy covering claims filed during the policy term.
Lesson 21B, Contracts and Insurance - Clamp-on ammeter
- A meter placed on one conductor of the condenser power supply to measure compressor current draw.
Lesson 28B, Cooling Systems: Inspecting Equipment and Typical Defects - Clapboard
- Lapped horizontal wood plank siding.
Lesson 4B, Fiber Cement, Hardboard, Insulbrick, Stucco, EIFS, Vinyl, Wood and Wood Structural Panel Siding - Class I vapor retarder
- A vapor retarder class; on a crawl space floor it is usually 6 mil polyethylene sheeting.
Lesson 16D, Crawl Space Ventilation and Basement Wall Insulation - Clay tile
- A roof tile of clay and water plus materials that color it and alter its hardness and durability.
Lesson 8A, Steep Slope Roofing: Asphalt Shingles and Tile - Cleanout
- A plugged fitting that lets a plumber reach a blocked drainage pipe with a snake.
Lesson 37B, DWV Fittings, Cleanouts and Defects - Cleanout (ash dump)
- A hearth opening through which ashes may be swept to a pit below.
Lesson 39A, Fireplace Types and Terms, Firebox, Hearth and Clearances - Cleanout (plumbing)
- An accessible opening for clearing blockages in drainage pipes.
Lesson 34A, Plumbing Scope and Plumbing Terms - Clear and convincing evidence
- A burden of proof heavier than a preponderance of the evidence, required for common law fraud in many jurisdictions.
Lesson 21A, Business Law, Claims and Liability - Closed attic
- An unventilated attic, sealed from the outdoors and treated as conditioned space.
Lesson 16C, Attic Ventilation and Closed Attics - Closed cell foam
- 2 pound spray foam that stops liquid water and, depending on thickness, is a vapor retarder.
Lesson 14C, Insulation Materials - Closed system
- 1. A hot water heating system that is sealed once its boiler, pipes, and distribution components are filled with water.
Lesson 33B, Hot Water Heating Systems - 2. A cold water supply system in which a device such as a pressure reducing valve, a check valve, or a water meter check valve blocks the return of heated water.
Lesson 36D, Water Heater Installation, Seismic Bracing, Thermal Expansion and Defects - Closed valley
- A tile valley with the metal valley flashing covered by tiles; also called a mitered valley.
Lesson 8A, Steep Slope Roofing: Asphalt Shingles and Tile - Closed valley (mitered valley)
- A valley where the roof covering laps over and hides the metal flashing.
Lesson 8C, Steep Slope Roofing: Slate, Polymer, Wood and Ice Dams - Closed-loop
- A ground-source or water-source configuration that circulates water or a water and antifreeze mixture through tubes sealed from the environment.
Lesson 28A, Cooling Systems: Understanding the System - Closet flange
- The plastic ring joining a toilet outlet with the plumbing system; also the toilet drain outlet.
Lesson 35D, Toilets and Bidets - Cloth-covered NM
- Nonmetallic sheathed cable with cotton or rayon sheathing; also called rag wire.
Lesson 25B, Older Wiring: Knob and Tube, Cloth NM and Aluminum - Clothes closet
- A closet with shelves or rods designed for storing clothing; pantries and similar storage closets are excluded.
Lesson 26B, Switches, Lights and Ceiling Fans - CMU (concrete masonry unit)
- A hollow concrete block used to build walls.
Lesson 11C, Basement Foundations, Materials, Waterproofing and Defects - CO/ALR
- The label on switches and receptacles that work with aluminum wire; an NEC requirement since 1981.
Lesson 25B, Older Wiring: Knob and Tube, Cloth NM and Aluminum - Coating
- Paint, stain, or a similar finish that protects wood or wood composite exterior components from deterioration and serves as an aesthetic feature.
Lesson 4A, Exterior Scope and Terms, Adhered Masonry Veneer, Metal and Asbestos Cement Siding and Brick Veneer - Cold-formed steel
- A framing material used much like wood, with screws for fasteners, U-shaped tracks for plates, C-shaped studs, and steel beams and headers.
Lesson 12E, CMU, Brick, ICF, SIPs and Uncommon Wall Materials - Collar (duct)
- A ring of sheet metal that attaches a duct to a plenum or trunk duct.
Lesson 28A, Cooling Systems: Understanding the System - Collar tie
- 1. A horizontal piece between two rafters in the top third of the attic, helping hold the rafters together at the ridge.
Lesson 11A, Structural Scope and Terms - 2. A member connecting a rafter pair, one way to join rafters at the ridge where no ridge board or ridge beam is installed.
Lesson 13A, Roof and Ceiling Framing, Rafters, Ties and Purlins - Column
- 1. A member, usually tall and fairly narrow, built to carry a concentrated vertical load; also called a post.
Lesson 11A, Structural Scope and Terms - 2. A steel or wood support installed above grade.
Lesson 11B, Forces and Soils, Footings, Piers and Columns - Combination AFCI
- The present AFCI type, which detects parallel and series faults; it is not a GFCI and an AFCI in one device.
Lesson 24B, Overcurrent Protection, GFCI and AFCI - Combined Charging System (CCS, J1772 combo)
- A vehicle charge port and connector that adds two bottom pins to the J1772 for DC fast charging, so a single port can serve all three charging levels.
Lesson 27C, Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (Supplement) - Combustible gas detector
- An instrument that detects combustible gases such as propane and methane (natural gas); typically used at gas fittings.
Lesson 20, Inspection Tools and the Inspection Process - Combustion air intake opening
- The opening where outside combustion air enters a masonry fireplace system.
Lesson 39B, Combustion Air, Masonry Chimney Construction, Liners, Flue Area and Defects - Combustion air outlet
- The opening that delivers combustion air at the firebox.
Lesson 39B, Combustion Air, Masonry Chimney Construction, Liners, Flue Area and Defects - Combustion air supply damper
- A stove damper that controls how fast the wood burns.
Lesson 40B, Draft Problems, Fireplace Inserts, Wood and Pellet Stoves - Combustion chamber
- The space below the tank of a gas water heater that holds the burner.
Lesson 36B, Electric and Gas Storage Tank Water Heaters - Common law fraud
- Also called tort fraud; misrepresenting the truth knowingly, or concealing a material fact, so that another person acts to his or her detriment.
Lesson 21A, Business Law, Claims and Liability - Common rafter
- A full-length rafter running from the wall to the ridge.
Lesson 13A, Roof and Ceiling Framing, Rafters, Ties and Purlins - Common vent
- A vent system for two fixtures of any type on one floor level.
Lesson 38C, Vent Systems, Vent Connections and Air Admittance Valves - Common vent manifold
- One vent connector serving two or more appliances; allowed with restrictions.
Lesson 32B, Vent Connectors, Category III and IV Vents and Direct Vent Terminations - Common vent system
- A vent system for two or more gas appliances.
Lesson 32A, Category I Gas Vent Systems and Vent Defects - Compact
- The shortest water heater cabinet style, for locations such as cabinets.
Lesson 36A, Domestic Hot Water, Storage Tank Basics and Components - Compact fluorescent bulb (CFL)
- An energy efficient bulb that contains mercury, a hazardous material.
Lesson 26B, Switches, Lights and Ceiling Fans - Competency assessment
- Judging whether a home inspector meets basic knowledge and practice requirements, the use EBPHI encourages for the NHIE.
Lesson 1, Course Introduction and NHIE Overview - Complaint
- The document filed with a court that begins civil litigation and the pleadings.
Lesson 21A, Business Law, Claims and Liability - Component group
- A lettered heading (A, B, C, and onward) under a Domain 1 task; the 2023 outline has 44.
Lesson 1, Course Introduction and NHIE Overview - Composite
- A deck flooring and railing material, often of resins and wood fibers.
Lesson 6B, Deck Materials, Flashing, Ledger Attachment and Deck Stairs - Compression
- A force that shortens or crushes a member.
Lesson 11A, Structural Scope and Terms - Compression faucet
- The oldest faucet type, with two handles that each turn a valve stem to raise a seat washer from the valve seat.
Lesson 34D, Faucets, Shower Valves, Hose Bibbs and Aerators - Compression fitting
- 1. A joint on water supply pipes and valves made with a compression nut and a ferrule.
Lesson 34A, Plumbing Scope and Plumbing Terms - 2. A copper tubing fitting usually used where the tubing meets a valve or similar stationary component.
Lesson 34B, Pipe Supports, Copper, CPVC, Galvanized Steel and PEX - Compressor
- The condenser unit part that compresses refrigerant gas into superheated gas and drives refrigerant through the system.
Lesson 28A, Cooling Systems: Understanding the System - Concealed
- Out of view inside walls, ceilings, or floors, under floor coverings, behind insulation or occupant belongings, or underground.
Lesson 19A, Inspection Scope, Limitations, Standards and Report Formats - Concentric pipe
- A pair of pipes, one inside the other; in a direct vent, the vent runs in the center pipe and combustion air in the outer pipe.
Lesson 32B, Vent Connectors, Category III and IV Vents and Direct Vent Terminations - Concentric vent
- A vent used by some direct vented Category III and IV water heaters, terminating at a sidewall.
Lesson 36B, Electric and Gas Storage Tank Water Heaters - Concrete masonry unit (CMU)
- 1. A concrete block.
Lesson 2A, Site Scope, Terms and Retaining Walls - 2. A block, usually rectangular, of concrete, aggregate, and water, laid up with other blocks into walls and other structures.
Lesson 11A, Structural Scope and Terms - 3. A concrete block, used for piers and, when solid or fully grouted, for footings.
Lesson 11B, Forces and Soils, Footings, Piers and Columns - 4. A masonry block; above-grade house walls usually use hollow core units of nominal 8x8x16 inch size.
Lesson 12E, CMU, Brick, ICF, SIPs and Uncommon Wall Materials - Concrete slab surface defect
- A non-structural defect that affects the appearance of concrete.
Lesson 11D, Foundation Repairs, Crawl Spaces and Slabs - Concrete tile
- A roof tile of Portland cement and water with sand or another aggregate, colored with mixed-in pigment or sprayed color.
Lesson 8A, Steep Slope Roofing: Asphalt Shingles and Tile - Condensate
- 1. Water condensed from air passing over the evaporator coil, which must be disposed of properly and can be plentiful in humid climates; high efficiency furnaces and boilers also produce it.
Lesson 28A, Cooling Systems: Understanding the System - 2. Water produced by an air conditioning evaporator coil.
Lesson 28C, Cooling Systems: Condensate, Line Sets and Thermostats - 3. The water that steam becomes after condensing in a distribution device; it returns to the boiler.
Lesson 33C, Steam Heating Systems and Distribution Piping - 4. Water formed in a steam system when the steam cools.
Lesson 33D, Steam Distribution Components, Vents and Traps - Condensate disposal system
- The system a condensing appliance requires for its condensate.
Lesson 33E, Steam Boiler Components, Solid Fuel and Related Components - Condensate pump
- 1. A small electric pump at the evaporator coil that moves condensate to the disposal point through a small tube.
Lesson 28C, Cooling Systems: Condensate, Line Sets and Thermostats - 2. A pump, started by a float switch, that returns water to the boiler where gravity return is not feasible.
Lesson 33D, Steam Distribution Components, Vents and Traps - Condensate tray
- The tray at the evaporator coil where water backs up when the primary system is blocked.
Lesson 28C, Cooling Systems: Condensate, Line Sets and Thermostats - Condenser (coils)
- The tubes around the perimeter of a condenser unit.
Lesson 28A, Cooling Systems: Understanding the System - Condenser (unit)
- The outdoor unit of a split system, holding the compressor, condenser coils, fan, and controls.
Lesson 28A, Cooling Systems: Understanding the System - Condensing appliance
- 1. An appliance that turns part of the combustion water vapor to liquid inside the furnace rather than sending it up the vent.
Lesson 31A, Gas Appliance Categories and Gas Forced-Air Furnaces - 2. An appliance that requires a condensate disposal system, such as a condensing oil boiler or a Category IV gas furnace.
Lesson 33E, Steam Boiler Components, Solid Fuel and Related Components - Condensing clothes dryer
- A clothes dryer that drains the moisture from its exhaust to the plumbing waste pipes and needs no external exhaust duct.
Lesson 16B, Dryer, Kitchen and Bathroom Exhaust - Condominium
- A form of ownership of real property, not a building type.
Lesson 11A, Structural Scope and Terms - Conduction
- 1. Heat transfer through solid matter.
Lesson 14A, Insulation Scope and Terms, R-Value and How Insulation Works; Lesson 30, Heating Fundamentals, Combustion and Capacity - 2. The way the fins of a baseboard device absorb heat from its tube.
Lesson 33D, Steam Distribution Components, Vents and Traps - Conductor
- Copper, aluminum, or another material that carries electricity with low resistance.
Lesson 23A, Electrical Terms and Basic Electricity - Confirming tool
- A tool used to confirm or deny a condition after evidence of it is observed.
Lesson 20, Inspection Tools and the Inspection Process - Connector (plug)
- The part of the charging equipment inserted into the vehicle.
Lesson 27C, Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (Supplement) - Connector damper
- A damper in a stove's chimney connector that isolates the chimney if a chimney fire occurs.
Lesson 40B, Draft Problems, Fireplace Inserts, Wood and Pellet Stoves - Conservative recommendations
- Stairway construction numbers based on authoritative sources, used because no prescriptive standards cover interior stairway construction.
Lesson 18A, Stairs, Ramps, Handrails and Guards - Consideration
- Something of value each party gives, such as money, property, or a promise.
Lesson 21B, Contracts and Insurance - Constant torque motor (CTM)
- A newer variable speed fan motor, sometimes used in medium efficiency systems.
Lesson 31A, Gas Appliance Categories and Gas Forced-Air Furnaces - Containment cable
- A cable attached to the tracks and track supports that helps keep a broken extension spring from flying loose.
Lesson 7, Garage Vehicle Doors and Operators - Contaminate
- A substance in a well or aquifer that can cause harm.
Lesson 35H, Cisterns, Water Quality and Fire Sprinklers - Content outline
- EBPHI's list of NHIE domains, tasks, and knowledge statements, with the percentage of items for each content area.
Lesson 1, Course Introduction and NHIE Overview - Contingent basis
- An arrangement in which the home inspector's compensation depends on what the inspection finds.
Lesson 22, Ethics, Starting a Business and Marketing - Continuous load
- The NEC class of load that EVSE belongs to; breaker and conductor sizing for EVSE start from 125 percent of its rating.
Lesson 27C, Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (Supplement) - Contract
- An agreement of two or more parties creating obligations the law may enforce.
Lesson 21B, Contracts and Insurance - Convection
- Heat transfer by a circulating gas or liquid.
Lesson 14A, Insulation Scope and Terms, R-Value and How Insulation Works; Lesson 30, Heating Fundamentals, Combustion and Capacity - Convection oven
- An oven with a fan that moves the air inside to cook faster.
Lesson 41A, Appliance Scope and Terms, Cooktops, Ranges, Ovens and Dishwashers - Convector
- 1. Basically a larger baseboard device, in a recessed or free-standing cabinet.
Lesson 33B, Hot Water Heating Systems - 2. A larger version of a baseboard device, in cabinets from freestanding to recessed.
Lesson 33D, Steam Distribution Components, Vents and Traps - Conventional tall
- The most common water heater cabinet style.
Lesson 36A, Domestic Hot Water, Storage Tank Basics and Components - Cooktop
- A cooking appliance set into a countertop opening.
Lesson 41A, Appliance Scope and Terms, Cooktops, Ranges, Ovens and Dishwashers - Copper gas tubing
- Annealed or rigid copper tubing for gas, Type K or Type L, labeled GAS in yellow.
Lesson 38F, Gas Pipe Materials: Black Steel, Copper and CSST - Copper naphthenate
- A wood preservative for field-treating cut ends of treated lumber.
Lesson 6C, Deck Guards, Framing, Flooring, Bracing, Beams, Footings and Defects - Copper pipe
- A heavier gauge, larger diameter copper material once used, uncommonly, for DWV.
Lesson 34B, Pipe Supports, Copper, CPVC, Galvanized Steel and PEX - Copper tubing
- Copper tube for water service and distribution, made in Types K, L, and M.
Lesson 34B, Pipe Supports, Copper, CPVC, Galvanized Steel and PEX - Copper-clad aluminum
- Wire that looks like copper but shows aluminum at a cut end; rated as aluminum for ampacity.
Lesson 25B, Older Wiring: Knob and Tube, Cloth NM and Aluminum - Corbel
- A masonry course set horizontally outward past the course below it.
Lesson 39A, Fireplace Types and Terms, Firebox, Hearth and Clearances - Corbelling
- Masonry courses set out past the chimney wall.
Lesson 39B, Combustion Air, Masonry Chimney Construction, Liners, Flue Area and Defects - Cord-and-plug equipment
- EVSE that connects to its circuit by plugging into a receptacle.
Lesson 27C, Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (Supplement) - Cordset
- The portable Level 1 cord that comes with most EVs, with a NEMA plug on one end and a J1772 connector on the other.
Lesson 27C, Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (Supplement) - Corner bead
- Metal or plastic reinforcement for outside drywall corners.
Lesson 17A, Interior Walls, Ceilings, Drywall, Plaster and Trim - Corner post
- The framing where two exterior walls meet.
Lesson 12D, Wood Wall Framing, Bracing and Wall Defects - Cornice
- Exterior trim where rafters meet the wall, usually enclosing the eaves.
Lesson 4A, Exterior Scope and Terms, Adhered Masonry Veneer, Metal and Asbestos Cement Siding and Brick Veneer - Cornice return
- 1. The cornice turned to a new direction, as at a gable end.
Lesson 4A, Exterior Scope and Terms, Adhered Masonry Veneer, Metal and Asbestos Cement Siding and Brick Veneer - 2. The part of a boxed cornice that turns at the end of a gable roof; also called a return.
Lesson 4C, Exterior Trim, Flashing and Sealants, Eaves and Cornice - Corporation
- A separate legal entity, available in all states, owned by shareholders.
Lesson 22, Ethics, Starting a Business and Marketing - Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST)
- Flexible gas distribution tubing sold in coils, its corrugated tube covered by polyethylene sheathing.
Lesson 38F, Gas Pipe Materials: Black Steel, Copper and CSST - Cosmetic defect
- (1) a defect that does not significantly affect a component's ability to perform its intended function; (2) one that a reasonable client could both see and understand during a pre-closing inspection.
Lesson 17A, Interior Walls, Ceilings, Drywall, Plaster and Trim - Cosmetic deficiency
- A deficiency with no significant impact on a component's ability to perform its intended function.
Lesson 19A, Inspection Scope, Limitations, Standards and Report Formats - Counter sloped
- Said of a drainage pipe that slopes toward the source of flow.
Lesson 37B, DWV Fittings, Cleanouts and Defects - Counterclaim
- A claim a defendant brings against the plaintiff, carried on inside the original litigation.
Lesson 21A, Business Law, Claims and Liability - Counterflashing
- The component of a two component system that covers the vertical flange of the base flashing.
Lesson 10A, Roof Flashing: Penetrations, Sidewalls and Headwalls - Counteroffer
- An attempted acceptance that changes a term of the offer, which the other party would need to accept.
Lesson 21B, Contracts and Insurance - Coupling
- A fitting joining two pipes in a straight line.
Lesson 34A, Plumbing Scope and Plumbing Terms - Course
- One horizontal row of bricks.
Lesson 4A, Exterior Scope and Terms, Adhered Masonry Veneer, Metal and Asbestos Cement Siding and Brick Veneer - Courtyard
- A name sometimes given to a patio with walls on all four sides.
Lesson 3, Driveways, Walkways, Patios and Pool/Spa Barriers - Crack control joint
- A groove made in fresh concrete so the slab cracks at the groove instead of at random.
Lesson 3, Driveways, Walkways, Patios and Pool/Spa Barriers - Crawl space
- 1. An accessible area enclosed by the foundation walls beneath the first habitable story.
Lesson 11A, Structural Scope and Terms - 2. An unfinished area beneath the first story of a house, with less height than a basement.
Lesson 11D, Foundation Repairs, Crawl Spaces and Slabs - Crazing
- 1. A pattern of numerous small cracks in a concrete surface.
Lesson 3, Driveways, Walkways, Patios and Pool/Spa Barriers - 2. Many small surface cracks in concrete that may resemble an irregular honeycomb.
Lesson 11D, Foundation Repairs, Crawl Spaces and Slabs - Creep
- 1. Permanent deformation of a member.
Lesson 11A, Structural Scope and Terms - 2. The permanent distortion, shrinking, and brittleness of aluminum at a connection after repeated expansion and contraction; also called cold flow.
Lesson 25B, Older Wiring: Knob and Tube, Cloth NM and Aluminum - Creosote
- 1. A tar-like black material used to treat railroad ties.
Lesson 2A, Site Scope, Terms and Retaining Walls - 2. A flammable byproduct of burning wood that can catch fire inside a chimney.
Lesson 30, Heating Fundamentals, Combustion and Capacity - 3. A flammable byproduct of improper wood burning.
Lesson 39A, Fireplace Types and Terms, Firebox, Hearth and Clearances - 4. A flammable byproduct of burning wood, usually brown or black.
Lesson 40B, Draft Problems, Fireplace Inserts, Wood and Pellet Stoves - Cricket (saddle)
- 1. A structure that diverts water around a chimney.
Lesson 10A, Roof Flashing: Penetrations, Sidewalls and Headwalls - 2. A gable-shaped projection built on the high side of a chimney where it meets the roof, to send water around the chimney.
Lesson 39A, Fireplace Types and Terms, Firebox, Hearth and Clearances - 3. A roof structure at a chimney that keeps the chimney from blocking water flowing off the roof.
Lesson 40B, Draft Problems, Fireplace Inserts, Wood and Pellet Stoves - Cripples
- 1. Short framing members that carry the horizontal plate under a window in a rough opening.
Lesson 5B, Windows, Window Flashing, Glazing, Window Wells, Escape Openings and Fall Protection - 2. Short studs below a window, and sometimes above it.
Lesson 12D, Wood Wall Framing, Bracing and Wall Defects - Criterion-referenced
- 1. Describing a passing point set against a standard fixed in advance, not against other candidates.
Lesson 1, Course Introduction and NHIE Overview - 2. Describing a standard-setting process that compares each candidate's score with a predetermined standard, with no curve and no quota.
Lesson 43, Scheduling, Taking and Passing the NHIE - Cross brace
- A brace that keeps garage door tracks or an opener motor unit from moving laterally.
Lesson 7, Garage Vehicle Doors and Operators - Cross-bar
- A bar across a sink drain outlet that helps keep objects out of the drain.
Lesson 35C, Sinks - Cross-claim
- A claim one defendant brings against another, or one plaintiff against another, carried on inside the main litigation.
Lesson 21A, Business Law, Claims and Liability - Cross-connection
- 1. A link from the water supply pipes to a possible contaminant source.
Lesson 34A, Plumbing Scope and Plumbing Terms - 2. A connection between a contaminate source and the water supply pipes.
Lesson 35E, Standpipes, Floor Drains and Backflow Prevention - Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)
- A thermoplastic tubing for water service and distribution, in widespread North American use since the 2000s.
Lesson 34B, Pipe Supports, Copper, CPVC, Galvanized Steel and PEX - Crown
- 1. The slight curve along the length of most dimensional lumber joists.
Lesson 12A, Floor Framing, Spans, Bearing, Notching and Boring - 2. The top of the outlet side bend of a trap.
Lesson 38A, Traps and Fixture Drains - Crown (camber)
- A curve along the long axis of a board or beam.
Lesson 11A, Structural Scope and Terms - Crown (crown molding)
- Trim where the ceiling meets the wall.
Lesson 17A, Interior Walls, Ceilings, Drywall, Plaster and Trim - Crown molding
- 1. A decorative molding in the same locations as bed molding, usually more ornate and wider.
Lesson 4A, Exterior Scope and Terms, Adhered Masonry Veneer, Metal and Asbestos Cement Siding and Brick Veneer - 2. Trim in various styles, often used where the soffit meets the house wall.
Lesson 4C, Exterior Trim, Flashing and Sealants, Eaves and Cornice - Crown venting
- A vent connection less than two pipe diameters from the trap weir.
Lesson 38A, Traps and Fixture Drains - Crown weir (trap weir)
- The highest point inside the outlet side bend of a trap.
Lesson 38A, Traps and Fixture Drains - Crusher run
- Compacted gravel used with compacted sand as the subbase for flagstone and pavers.
Lesson 3, Driveways, Walkways, Patios and Pool/Spa Barriers - CSST
- Corrugated stainless steel tubing, a gas tubing bonded at the first metal fitting or gas pipe past the meter.
Lesson 24A, Service Equipment, Enclosures and Panelboards - CU/AL
- The label on the first devices made for aluminum wire, which did not work well; on circuit breakers, the label stranded aluminum works with.
Lesson 25B, Older Wiring: Knob and Tube, Cloth NM and Aluminum - Cultured marble
- A bathroom countertop material of marble dust and other ingredients in a liquid polymer, hardened in a mold.
Lesson 18B, Cabinets, Countertops and Smart Home Scope - Culvert
- 1. A below ground passage for water, usually a metal or concrete pipe of large diameter.
Lesson 2A, Site Scope, Terms and Retaining Walls - 2. A corrugated metal pipe sometimes laid under a driveway or walkway.
Lesson 3, Driveways, Walkways, Patios and Pool/Spa Barriers - Cup (cupped)
- Describes a board curved along its face.
Lesson 11A, Structural Scope and Terms - Curb
- A raised box on which a skylight is mounted.
Lesson 10B, Skylights - Curb (threshold)
- The raised edge at a shower entrance.
Lesson 35B, Showers and Tub/Showers - Cured-in-place pipe
- A sewer repair method that lines the pipe with epoxy.
Lesson 37A, DWV Rules and Pipe Materials - Current
- The amount of electricity moving in a circuit, measured in amperes (amps) and written I.
Lesson 23A, Electrical Terms and Basic Electricity - Current draw
- The current a compressor draws, compared with the RLA on the condenser label; measuring it is out of scope under most standards of practice.
Lesson 28B, Cooling Systems: Inspecting Equipment and Typical Defects - Customer Care Center
- The test administrator's office that takes changes and cancellations of reservations.
Lesson 43, Scheduling, Taking and Passing the NHIE - Cut off level
- The tank pressure at which the pressure switch stops the pump.
Lesson 35G, Wells: Types, Location and Components - Cut off pressure
- The steam pressure at which a pressuretrol or vaporstat shuts off the boiler fire.
Lesson 33E, Steam Boiler Components, Solid Fuel and Related Components - Cut on level
- The tank pressure below which the pressure switch starts the pump.
Lesson 35G, Wells: Types, Location and Components - Cut on pressure
- The steam pressure under which a pressuretrol or vaporstat fires the boiler again, if a thermostat still calls for heat.
Lesson 33E, Steam Boiler Components, Solid Fuel and Related Components - Cut stringer
- A stair stringer notched to carry the treads.
Lesson 6B, Deck Materials, Flashing, Ledger Attachment and Deck Stairs - Cylinder
- A medium size propane container, 500 to 1,000 gallons, filled from a truck.
Lesson 38H, Gas Meters, Regulators, Sizing, Leak Detection and Propane Tanks
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