WAC 308-408C-110

The inspection of the electrical system includes the service drop through the service equipment; subpanels including feeders; branch circuits, connected devices, and lighting fixtures, as well as grounding and bonding of electrical components where visible/accessible.

(1) The inspector will:

(a) Describe in the report the type and rating of primary service, whether overhead or underground, voltage, amperage, over-current protection devices (fuses or breakers) and the type(s) of branch wiring used.

(b) Report

(i) The existence of a connected service-grounding conductor and service-grounding electrode when same can be determined.

(ii) When no connection to a service grounding electrode can be confirmed.

(c) Inspect the main and branch circuit conductors for proper over-current protection and condition by visual observation after removal of the readily accessible service equipment and panel cover(s).

(d) Report, the presence of electrical conductors known to be potentially hazardous and that a licensed electrical contractor should further evaluate the types and methods of branch wiring used.

(e) Verify

(i) The operation of a representative number of accessible switches, receptacles and light fixtures in every room.

(ii) The grounding and polarity of a representative number of receptacles in every room; particularly in close proximity to plumbing fixtures or at the exterior.

(f) Report the location of any inoperative, absent, or missing GFCI and/or AFCI devices when they are recommended and/or required by current industry standards. It is not a requirement to test GFCI and AFCI devices in occupied homes where doing so could adversely affect the occupant's possessions such as computers or freezers.

(g) Advise clients that homes without ground fault or arc fault protection should have GFCI and AFCI devices installed where recommended and/or required by current industry standards.

(h) Report on any service panel or subpanel, and fuse boxes known to have inherent safety risks based on either design or age.

(i) Describe and identify any condition of these systems or components that may need to be referred to a specialist.

(2) The inspector is not required to:

(a) Insert any tool, probe or testing device into the main or subpanels.

(b) Activate electrical systems or branch circuits that are not energized.

(c) Operate circuit breakers, service disconnects or remove fuses. It is not a requirement to test GFCI or AFCI devices in occupied homes where doing so could adversely affect the occupant's possessions such as computers or freezers.

(d) Inspect ancillary systems including, but not limited to:

(i) Timers.

(ii) Security systems.

(iii) Low voltage relays.

(iv) Smoke/heat/carbon monoxide detectors.

(v) Antennas.

(vi) Intercoms.

(vii) Electrical deicing tapes.

(viii) Lawn sprinkler wiring.

(ix) Swimming pool or spa wiring.

(x) Central vacuum systems.

(xi) Electrical equipment that's not readily accessible.

(e) Dismantle any electrical device or control, except for the removal of the deadfront covers from the main service panel and subpanels.

(f) Move any objects, furniture, or appliances to gain access to any electrical component.

(g) Remove switch and receptacle cover plates.

(h) Verify the continuity of connected service ground(s).