11 NCAC 08 .1110             ELECTRICAL

(a)  The home inspector shall inspect:

(1)           Electrical service entrance conductors;

(2)           Electrical service equipment, grounding equipment, main overcurrent device, and interiors of panelboard enclosures unless unsafe conditions are reported;

(3)           Amperage and voltage ratings of the electrical service;

(4)           Branch circuit conductors, their overcurrent devices, and the compatibility of their ampacities at the interiors of panelboard enclosures unless unsafe conditions are reported;

(5)           The operation of a representative number of installed ceiling fans, lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles located inside the house, garage, and on the dwelling's exterior walls;

(6)           The polarity and grounding of all receptacles within six feet of interior plumbing fixtures, and all receptacles in the garage or carport, and on the exterior of inspected structures;

(7)           The operation of ground fault circuit interrupters; and

(8)           Smoke detectors and installed carbon monoxide alarms.

(b)  The home inspector shall describe:

(1)           Electrical service amperage and voltage;

(2)           Electrical service entry conductor materials;

(3)           The electrical service type as being overhead or underground; and

(4)           The location of main and distribution panels.

(c)  The home inspector shall report in writing the presence of any readily accessible single strand aluminum branch circuit wiring.

(d)  The home inspector shall report in writing on the presence or absence of smoke detectors, and installed carbon monoxide alarms in any homes with fireplaces, fuel fired appliances or attached garages, and operate their test function, if readily accessible, except when detectors are part of a central alarm system.

(e)  The home inspector is not required to:

(1)           Insert any tool, probe, or testing device inside the panels;

(2)           Test or operate any overcurrent device except ground fault circuit interrupters;

(3)           Dismantle any electrical device or control other than to remove the covers of panelboard enclosures; or

(4)           Inspect:

(A)          Low voltage systems;

(B)          Security systems and heat detectors;

(C)          Telephone, security, cable TV, intercoms, or other ancillary wiring that is not a part of the primary electrical distribution system;

(D)          Built-in vacuum equipment;

(E)           Back up electrical generating equipment;

(F)           Other alternative electrical generating or renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, or hydro power;

(G)          Battery or electrical automotive charging systems; or

(H)          Electrical systems to swimming pools or spas, including bonding and grounding.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143-151.49; 143-151.58;

Codifier determined that agency findings did not meet criteria for temporary rule Eff. October 15, 1996;

Temporary Adoption Eff. October 24, 1996;

Eff. July 1, 1998;

Amended Eff. September 1, 2013; February 1, 2007; April 1, 2005;

Readopted Eff. October 1, 2018.