New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 19 - DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Chapter V - Division Of Corporations And State Records
Subchapter J - Home Inspectors
Part 197 - Home Inspectors
Subpart 197-5 - Standards Of Practice For Home Inspectors
Section 197-5.9 - Electrical system

Universal Citation: 19 NY Comp Codes Rules and Regs § 197-5.9

Current through Register 47, No. 25, June 25, 2025

(a) Home inspectors shall observe and report upon readily accessible and observable portions of:

(1) service drop;

(2) service entrance conductors, cables and raceways;

(3) the main and branch circuit conductors for property over current protection and condition by visual observation after removal of the readily accessible main and sub electric panel covers;

(4) service grounding;

(5) interior components of service panels and sub-panels;

(6) a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches and receptacles;

(7) a representative number of ground fault circuit interrupters.

(b) Home inspections shall describe readily accessible and observable portions of:

(1) amperage and voltage rating of the service;

(2) the location of main dis-connects and sub-panels;

(3) the presence of aluminum branch circuit wiring;

(4) the presence or absence of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors;

(5) the general condition and type of visible branch circuit conductors that may constitute a hazard to the occupant or the residential building by reason of improper use or installation of electrical components.

(c) Home inspectors are not required to:

(1) observe and report on remote control devices;

(2) observe and report on alarm systems and components;

(3) observe and report on low voltage wiring systems and components such as doorbells and intercoms;

(4) observe and report on ancillary wiring systems and components which are not a part of the primary electrical power distribution system;

(5) insert any tool, probe or testing device into the main or sub-panels;

(6) activate electrical systems or branch circuits which are not energized;

(7) operate overload protection devices;

(8) observe and report on low voltage relays, smoke and/or heat detectors, antennas, electrical de-icing tapes, lawn sprinkler wiring, swimming pool wiring or any system controlled by timers;

(9) move any object, furniture or appliance to gain access to any electrical component;

(10) test every switch, receptacle and fixture;

(11) remove switch and outlet cover plates;

(12) observe and report on electrical equipment not readily accessible;

(13) dismantle any electrical device or control;

(14) measure amperage, voltage or impedance;

(15) observe and report on any solar powered electrical component or any standby emergency generators or components.

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