W. Va. Code R. § 103-7-18

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 103-7-18 - Electrical

18.1. Except as set forth in subsection 18.7. of this rule, the home inspector shall not be required to inspect any electrical system, component, or subcomponent for electrical code compliance.

18.2. The home inspector may submit a professional evaluation concerning:

18.2.a. Service entrance conductors;

18.2.b. Service equipment, ground equipment, main over current device and main and distribution panels;

18.2.c. Amperage and voltage ratings of the service;

18.2.d. Branch circuit conductors, their over-current devices and the compatibility of the amperages and voltages;

18.2.e. 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;

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

18.2.g. The operation of ground fault circuit interrupters or arc fault breakers.

18.3. The home inspector shall describe:

18.3.a. Service amperage and voltage;

18.3.b. Service entry conductor materials;

18.3.c. Service type as being overhead or underground; and

18.3.d. The location of main and distribution panels.

18.4. The home inspector shall report any observed aluminum branch circuit wiring.

18.5. The home inspector shall report on the presence or absence of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, if accessible, except when detectors are part of a central system. Inspectors shall recommend the proper installation of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors per current NFPA standards, and in compliance with West Virginia Code § 15A-10-12.

18.6. The home inspector is not required to:

18.6.a. Insert any tool, probe, or testing device inside the panels;

18.6.b. Test or operate any over-current device except ground fault circuit interrupters and arc fault breakers;

18.6.c. Dismantle any electrical device or control other than to remove the dead front covers of the main and auxiliary distribution panels; or

18.6.d. Evaluate:

18.6.d.1. Low voltage systems;

18.6.d.2. Security system devices, heat detectors or carbon monoxide detectors;

18.6.d.3. Telephone, security, cable TV, intercoms or other ancillary wiring that is not part of the primary electrical distribution system; or

18.6.d.4. Built-in vacuum equipment.

18.7. The home inspector shall visually inspect any electrical system and shall recommend to the client, if a perceived possible electrical hazard exists, a full electrical system inspection performed by a West Virginia certified electrical inspector as certified pursuant to W. Va. Code § 29-3C-1et seq.

W. Va. Code R. § 103-7-18