Electrical Standards FAQ Quiz

Electrical Standards Frequently Asked Questions

• Double-tapped neutral wires on a panel box terminal are deficient and must be reported unless approved and listed by the manufacturer.
• The lack of a dishwasher power receptacle in an adjacent cabinet is not deficient.
• It is not a “reasonable opinion of the inspector” to not identify the absence of AFCI devices as deficient in houses built under 1999 NEC code before 1999/2003 or in houses built under 2008 NEC code before 2009 (in locations other than bedroom branch circuits).
• Inspectors are not required to test installed AFCI devices only in vacant houses and use “reasonable judgment” not to test in occupied houses.
• All installed AFCI devices in all houses should be tested.
• The Specific Limitation not requiring operation of over current devices does not apply to AFCI devices, which are also over current devices.
• TREC Rule 535.229 requires licensees to report absence of AFCI devices as adversely and materially affecting the performance of the electrical system, and constituting a hazard to life, limb, and property.
• TREC enforcement may allow inspectors to use their reasonable opinion and judgment, to not report the absence of AFCI devices where not required by NEC codes, as deficient. Instead, they can inform real estate consumers about the technology of AFCI devices and refer them to www.usconsumersproductssafetycommission.gov and a licensed electrician.
• The requirement that inspectors report deficiencies in installed gutter and downspout systems applies only to visible deficiencies in above-ground gutter and downspout systems and not to underground drain piping, cisterns, or other buried components.
• There is no requirement that inspectors test gutters or downspouts.
• The lack of a damper clamp is required to be reported as a deficiency when a gas appliance or artificial gas logs (but not merely a log lighter pipe) is present.
• Lack of weep holes is only required to be reported as a deficiency when there is visible evidence of water penetration or a structural issue that may be related to the lack of weep holes.
• Evidence of a past fire is not, in itself, a deficiency.
• If there are any deficiencies due to fire or other causes, those deficiencies must be reported.
• Inspectors are required to do their best to determine whether a door is fire-rated and to report accordingly.
• Inspectors are not required to measure the headroom clearance of every flight of stairs.
• Inspectors are not required to report as deficient, in gas HVAC units, deficiencies in conditioned, combustion, and dilution air. This determination depends on several factors, such as the design of the system.
• Section 535.228(e)(3)(B)(i) of the Standards of Practice does require inspectors to report as a deficiency a starter course tab that is not sealed material.
• Inspectors are not required to report manufacturer requirements except as specifically required by the Standards.
• Inspectors are not required to review installation instructions.
• “Accepted industry practice” is situation-specific and may depend on the context in which the question is being asked.
• Inspectors are not required to determine code compliance, utility sources, or regulatory requirements except as specifically required by the standards.
• Inspectors are required to inspect accessible systems and components.

Test your knowledge on electrical standards and regulations with this quiz. It covers frequently asked questions about the NEC code, AFCI devices, and inspection criteria. Perfect for those involved in electrical inspections and safety compliance.