3.7. Electrical

I. The inspector shall inspect:

• the service drop;
  
  

• the overhead service conductors and attachment point;
  
  

• the service head, gooseneck and drip loops;
  
  

• the service mast, service conduit and raceway;
  
  

• the electric meter and base;
  
  

• service-entrance conductors;
  
  

• the main service disconnect;
  
  

• panel-boards and over-current protection devices (circuit breakers and fuses);
  
  

• service grounding and bonding;
  
  

• a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacles, including receptacles observed and deemed to be arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)-protected using the AFCI test button, where possible;
  
  

• all ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacles and circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs using a GFCI tester, where possible; and
  
  

• for the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  
  

II. The inspector shall describe:

A. the main service disconnect's amperage rating, if labeled; and 

B. the type of wiring observed.

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

• deficiencies in the integrity of the service-entrance conductors’ insulation, drip loop, and vertical clearances from grade and roofs;
  
  

• any unused circuit-breaker panel opening that was not filled;
  
  

• the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch-circuit wiring, if readily visible;
  
  

• any tested receptacle in which power was not present, polarity was incorrect, the cover was not in place, the GFCI devices were not properly installed or did not operate properly, evidence of arcing or excessive heat, and where the receptacle was not grounded or was not secured to the wall; and
  
  

• the absence of smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors.

IV. The inspector is not required to:

• Insert any tool, probe or device into the main panel-board, sub-panels, distribution panel-boards, or electrical fixtures.
  
  

• operate electrical systems that are shut down.
  
  

• remove panel board cabinet covers or dead fronts.
  
  

• operate or re-set overcurrent protection devices or overload devices.
  
  

• operate or test smoke or test smoke or carbon monoxide detectors alarms.
  
  

• inspect, operate or test any security, fire or alarm systems or components, or other warning or signaling systems.
  
  

• measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service equipment, if not visibly labeled.
  
  

• inspect ancillary wiring or remote-control devices.
  
  

• activate any electrical systems or branch circuits that are not energized.
  
  

• inspect low-voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring, or any time-controlled devices.
  
  

• verify the service ground.
  
  

• inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources, including, but not limited to: generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or battery or electrical storage facility.
  
  

• inspect spark or lightning arrestors.
  
  

• inspect or test de-icing equipment.
  
  

• conduct voltage-drop calculations.
  
  

• determine the accuracy of labeling.
  
  

• inspect exterior lighting.