Electrical Standards FAQ Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Is it required for inspectors to report the absence of a dishwasher power receptacle in an adjacent cabinet?

No, it is not required (correct)

Yes, if the building complies with specific codes

Only if the absence poses a safety risk

Yes, always

What must inspectors report as deficient according to the Standards of Practice?

The presence of outdated electrical wiring

The absence of AFCI devices in homes built under specific NEC codes

The lack of a dishwasher power receptacle

Double-tapped neutral wires on a panel box terminal (correct)

Regarding AFCI devices, what is expected of inspectors in homes built under the 1999 NEC code before 1999/2003?

Inspectors must test all devices regardless of occupancy

Inspectors must report absence as a deficiency

Inspectors can use reasonable opinion not to report (correct)

Inspectors should always recommend installation of devices

Are inspectors required to test installed AFCI devices only in vacant houses?

Yes, for occupancy reasons Signup and view all the answers

Does the Specific Limitation that does not require operating over current devices apply to AFCI devices?

Yes, it applies to all over current devices Signup and view all the answers

What rule requires licensees to report the absence of AFCI devices as a hazard?

TREC Rule 535.229 Signup and view all the answers

Can inspectors inform real estate consumers about the technology of AFCI devices instead of reporting their absence?

Yes, as long as it does not jeopardize safety Signup and view all the answers

In homes built under the 2008 NEC code before 2009, what is the inspector's responsibility regarding AFCI devices?

To use reasonable opinion not to report absence in locations other than bedrooms Signup and view all the answers

What deficiencies must inspectors report regarding above-ground gutter and downspout systems?

Only visible deficiencies Signup and view all the answers

When is the absence of weep holes considered a deficiency?

Only if there is visible evidence of water penetration or structural issues Signup and view all the answers

Which deficiency in gas HVAC units must be reported according to the Standards of Practice?

Deficiencies in conditioned, combustion, and dilution air Signup and view all the answers

What is the required action if a starter course tab is not sealed material in composition shingle roofing?

Report it as a deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What must inspectors do if they cannot determine if a door is fire-rated due to paint obscuring markings?

Attempt to identify the rating and report their findings Signup and view all the answers

Are inspectors required to follow manufacturer requirements or specifications according to the Standards of Practice?

No, unless the Standards specifically require it Signup and view all the answers

Is there a minimum distance specified for how much a damper must be open to avoid being reported as deficient?

No minimum distance is established Signup and view all the answers

What does 'accepted industry practice' refer to according to the content?

A context-specific definition Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition must inspectors report evidence of a past attic fire as a deficiency?

If accompanied by other deficiencies related to fire damage Signup and view all the answers

Are inspectors required to be informed about local requirements?

No, unless specified by the Standards Signup and view all the answers

What is required of inspectors regarding headroom clearance on stairs?

There is no requirement to measure or report inadequate clearance Signup and view all the answers

What is required of inspectors regarding access to systems and components?

Inspecting only accessible systems and components Signup and view all the answers

Which components are not included in the inspector's requirement to report deficiencies?

Cisterns and buried components Signup and view all the answers

What specific feature must be present between a house and a garage to avoid being reported deficient?

A 1-3/8” solid wood or fire-rated door Signup and view all the answers

Are inspectors held responsible for determining compliance with trade or industry association standards?

No, compliance determination is not their responsibility Signup and view all the answers

What must inspectors check regarding the fastening of shingles?

Random sampling is required to check fastening Signup and view all the answers

What elements must the inspector generally report as indications of adverse performance?

Non-latching doors and sloping floors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT required in the inspector's report regarding the foundation?

The age of the construction materials Signup and view all the answers

What specific aspect of drainage must the inspector report as Deficient?

Drainage systems that are failing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following deficiencies is related to roof covering materials?

Deficiencies in fasteners Signup and view all the answers

What should the inspector report regarding the roof structures?

Types of roof structures and their condition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a reason for reporting a defect in the crawl space?

Deteriorated materials in the subfloor Signup and view all the answers

Which indication might suggest a problem with foundation performance?

Cracks in walls and ceilings Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the inspector's assessment of roof covering materials?

Type of flashing used Signup and view all the answers

What should the inspector include in the report regarding attic insulation?

Approximate average depth of attic insulation Signup and view all the answers

Which item should NOT be reported as Deficient by the inspector?

Presence of mold in the attic Signup and view all the answers

What deficiency relates to the condition of exterior doors?

Deficiencies in weather stripping Signup and view all the answers

Which emergency feature must be present in all sleeping rooms?

Performing emergency escape and rescue openings Signup and view all the answers

What should the inspector note regarding doors leading to attached garages?

They should have self-closing or automatic closing devices Signup and view all the answers

What type of door is NOT compliant when separating a garage from a living space?

A solid honeycomb core steel door less than 1-3/8 inches thick Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be reported as evidence of water penetration?

Sagging ceiling panels Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the required reports concerning the structural performance of interior elements?

The condition of doors and hardware Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.