Sec. 197-5.9. Electrical system  


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  • (a) Home inspectors shall observe and report upon readily accessible and observable portions of:
    (1) service drop;
    (2) service entrance conductors, cables and raceways;
    (3) the main and branch circuit conductors for property over current protection and condition by visual observation after removal of the readily accessible main and sub electric panel covers;
    (4) service grounding;
    (5) interior components of service panels and sub-panels;
    (6) a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches and receptacles;
    (7) a representative number of ground fault circuit interrupters.
    (b) Home inspections shall describe readily accessible and observable portions of:
    (1) amperage and voltage rating of the service;
    (2) the location of main dis-connects and sub-panels;
    (3) the presence of aluminum branch circuit wiring;
    (4) the presence or absence of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors;
    (5) the general condition and type of visible branch circuit conductors that may constitute a hazard to the occupant or the residential building by reason of improper use or installation of electrical components.
    (c) Home inspectors are not required to:
    (1) observe and report on remote control devices;
    (2) observe and report on alarm systems and components;
    (3) observe and report on low voltage wiring systems and components such as doorbells and intercoms;
    (4) observe and report on ancillary wiring systems and components which are not a part of the primary electrical power distribution system;
    (5) insert any tool, probe or testing device into the main or sub-panels;
    (6) activate electrical systems or branch circuits which are not energized;
    (7) operate overload protection devices;
    (8) observe and report on low voltage relays, smoke and/or heat detectors, antennas, electrical de-icing tapes, lawn sprinkler wiring, swimming pool wiring or any system controlled by timers;
    (9) move any object, furniture or appliance to gain access to any electrical component;
    (10) test every switch, receptacle and fixture;
    (11) remove switch and outlet cover plates;
    (12) observe and report on electrical equipment not readily accessible;
    (13) dismantle any electrical device or control;
    (14) measure amperage, voltage or impedance;
    (15) observe and report on any solar powered electrical component or any standby emergency generators or components.