About this video:
The ComSOP outlines the electrical items that the inspector is required to inspect and not required to inspect in Section 6.5.8. This video demonstrates a ComSOP electrical inspection of a vacant warehouse and office space.
6.5.8 Electrical
I. The inspector should inspect:
A. the service drop/lateral;
B. the meter socket enclosures;
C. the service-entrance conductors, and report on any noted deterioration of the conductor insulation or cable sheath;
D. the means for disconnecting the service main;
E. the service-entrance equipment, and report on any noted physical damage, overheating or corrosion;
F. and determine the rating of the service disconnect amperage, if labeled;
G. panelboards and over-current devices, and report on any noted physical damage, overheating, corrosion, or lack of accessibility or working space (minimum 30 inches wide, 36 inches deep, and 78 inches high in front of panel) that would hamper safe operation, maintenance or inspection;
H. and report on any unused circuit-breaker panel openings that are not filled;
I. and report on absent or poor labeling;
J. the service grounding and bonding;
K. a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacles, including receptacles observed and deemed to be AFCI-protected using the AFCI test button, where possible. Although a visual inspection, the removal of faceplates or other covers or luminaires (fixtures) to identify suspected hazards is permitted;
L. and report on any noted missing or damaged faceplates or box covers;
M. and report on any noted open junction boxes or open wiring splices;
N. and report on any noted switches and receptacles that are painted;
O. and test all ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs using a GFCI tester, where possible;
P. and report the presence of solid-conductor aluminum branch-circuit wiring, if readily visible;
Q. and report on any tested GFCI receptacles in which power was not present, polarity was incorrect, the cover was not in place, the GFCI devices were not installed properly or did not operate properly, any evidence of arcing or excessive heat, or where the receptacle was not grounded or was not secured to the wall;
R. and report the absence of smoke detectors;
S. and report on the presence of flexible cords being improperly used as substitutes for the fixed wiring of a structure or running through walls, ceilings, floors, doorways, windows, or under carpets.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. insert any tool, probe or device into the main panelboard, sub-panels, distribution panelboards, or electrical fixtures.
B. operate electrical systems that are shut down.
C. remove panelboard cabinet covers or dead fronts if they are not readily accessible.
D. operate over-current protection devices.
E. operate non-accessible smoke detectors.
F. measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service equipment, if not visibly labeled.
G. inspect the fire or alarm system and components.
H. inspect the ancillary wiring or remote-control devices.
I. activate any electrical systems or branch circuits that are not energized.
J. operate or reset overload devices.
K. inspect low-voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring, or any time-controlled devices.
L. verify the service ground.
M. inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources, including, but not limited to: generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or the battery- or electrical-storage facility.
N. inspect spark or lightning arrestors.
O. inspect or test de-icing equipment.
P. conduct voltage-drop calculations.
Q. determine the accuracy of labeling.
R. inspect tenant-owned equipment.
S. inspect the condition of or determine the ampacity of extension cords.
Additional Resources for Commercial Property Inspections: