circuit breakers

[Patrick Monegan]

I have just agreed to buy a nice manufactured home in a community where I would own the land. My home inspection was fine, but for one thing: He said the test breaker wouldn't work so he can't assure me everything is properly grounded.The sellers assure me there have been no electrical problems (whatever that's worth) and neither the inspector nor I can locate any others. What do you think? Is this a problem?

[rmurray]

When he says test breaker..I assume he is talking about the test button on the Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) breaker....

Most likely there is little problem...these breakers are very sensitive and fail themselves a lot..they are cheap to replace......If there is no power in the bathroom outlets..it does not work because there is a leakage somewhere in the line..Older homes only have GFI breakers in the bathroom outlets and they are connected to the outside outlets..If there is power in the outlets..there is no problem with the system..only the breaker itself is bad....they cost about $5..

It should be changed...if the test button is not working..they breaker may not be doing what it is supposed to do...

[Eugene]

Not being completely sure what you are saying, if the inspector conducted his own test, make sure he understands that the neutral and ground are isolated in MHomes. He may have tested the neutral to ground and since they are isolated (as opposed to bonded together as in other housing) felt it was improperly gorounded.
Make sure he knows this.