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Historical Rule for the Texas Administrative Code

TITLE 22EXAMINING BOARDS
PART 23TEXAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION
CHAPTER 535PROVISIONS OF THE REAL ESTATE LICENSE ACT
SUBCHAPTER RLICENSED REAL ESTATE INSPECTORS
RULE §535.222Standards of Practice
Repealed Date:09/01/2000

      (v) inspect fire sprinkler systems;

      (vi) inspect or operate drain pumps or waste ejector pumps;

      (vii) inspect the quality or the volume of well water;

      (viii) determine the potability of any water supply;

      (ix) inspect water-conditioning equipment, such as softeners or filter systems;

      (x) inspect solar water heating systems;

      (xi) determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon devices on appropriate fixtures or systems;

      (xii) operate freestanding appliances;

      (xiii) inspect private water supply systems, swimming pools, or pressure tanks;

      (xiv) observe the system for proper sizing, design, or use of proper materials; or

      (xv) inspect the gas supply system for leaks.

(g) Electrical systems.

  (1) Scope.

  (2) Components for inspection.

    (A) Service entrance and panels.

      (i) Inspection guidelines. The inspector shall do the following:

        (I) observe service entrance cables for integrity of insulation, drip loop, separation of conductors at weatherheads and clearances;

        (II) observe that the drop, weatherhead, and mast are securely fastened;

        (III) inspect for the presence of a grounding electrode conductor in the service where visible, secure connection to the grounding electrode or grounding system;

        (IV) inspect all accessible main and subpanels to ensure they are secured to the structure and appropriate for their location (weather-tight if exposed to weather, appropriate clearances and accessibility), with inside covers (dead fronts) in place and knock-outs filled;

        (V) inspect the condition of the wiring in the panels, its type (for example, copper or aluminum) and the compatibility of overcurrent protectors for the size of conductor being used and for proper sizing of listed equipment of overcurrent protection and conductors, when power requirements for listed equipment are readily available;

        (VI) report the presence or absence of appropriate connections, such as copper/aluminum approved devices, pig-tailed connections or crimp connections; and

        (VII) observe the presence of main disconnect(s).

      (ii) Specific limitations. The inspector is not required to do the following:

        (I) determine service capacity amperage or voltage or the capacity of the electrical system relative to present or future use;

        (II) determine the insurability of the property; or

        (III) conduct voltage drop calculations.

    (B) Branch circuits, connected devices and fixtures.

      (i) Inspection guidelines. The inspector shall do the following:

        (I) inspect all accessible receptacles to determine whether:

          (-a-) power is present;

          (-b-) polarity is correct;

          (-c-) the unit is grounded, if applicable;

          (-d-) there is evidence of arcing or excessive heat;

          (-e-) the unit is secured to the wall;

          (-f-) the cover is in place; and

          (-g-) ground fault circuit interrupter devices are properly installed in the bathrooms, exterior, garage, kitchens (within six feet of a sink) and in swimming pool locations and operate properly as shown by use of a tester (absence, improper installation, or improper operation of devices shall be reported as an existing or recognized hazard).

        (II) operate all accessible wall and appliance switches to determine if:

          (-a-) they are operational;

          (-b-) there is evidence of arcing or excessive heat; and

          (-c-) they are fastened securely with covers in place;

        (III) inspect installed fixtures including lighting devices and ceiling fans;

        (IV) report inoperable or missing fixtures;

        (V) observe and report deficiencies of exposed wiring and junction boxes;

        (VI) observe and report deficiencies or absences of conduit in appropriate locations and for secure termination of conduit;

        (VII) inspect appliances and electrical gutters for proper bonding;

        (VIII) observe subpanels for bonding and grounding;

        (IX) inspect for presence of disconnects in appropriate locations; and

        (X) inspect (if branch circuit aluminum wiring is discovered in the main or subpanels) a random sampling of accessible receptacles and switches and report the presence or absence of appropriate connections, such as copper/aluminum approved devices, pig-tailed connections, or crimp connections.

      (ii) Specific limitations. There are no specific limitations for branch circuits, connected devices and fixtures.

(h) Optional inspections of other systems and attachments.

  (1) Scope. This subsection covers other systems and attachments which an inspector may be requested to inspect. The inspector may need special knowledge or tools to perform these inspections. It is the responsibility of the inspector to be properly informed and educated regarding current and safe procedures for inspecting the items described in this subsection. The inspector shall determine and provide a report of the condition of the equipment, systems, parts, or components by visual observation and operation in normal modes and operating range noted at the date and time of the inspection. If an inspector agrees to inspect a component described in this subsection, subsections (b) and (c) of this section apply.

  (2) Components for inspection.

    (A) Gas lines.

      (i) Inspection guidelines. The inspector shall do the following:

        (I) inspect for the condition and type of all accessible and visible gas piping; and

        (II) test gas lines by using a local or an industry-accepted procedure.

      (ii) Specific limitations. The inspector is not required to inspect sacrificial anode bonding or existence.

    (B) Outbuildings. The inspector shall do the following:

      (i) inspect the building for structural performance and for water penetration; and

      (ii) observe the building for compliance with electrical, plumbing, and HVAC standards where applicable.

    (C) Outdoor cooking equipment. The inspector shall do the following:

      (i) identify the energy source and operate the unit;

      (ii) inspect the condition of control knobs, handles, burner bars, grills, box, rotisserie (if present), and heat diffusion material;

      (iii) observe the stability of the unit and pedestal;

      (iv) inspect gas units for proper materials used for the gas branch line and the connection to the appliance; and

      (v) inspect gas units for presence and location of the gas shut-off valve and for leaks at the valve.

    (D) Lawn and garden sprinkler system.

      (i) Inspection guidelines. The inspector shall do the following:

        (I) operate all zones or stations on the system manually;

        (II) observe water flow or pressure at the circuit heads;

        (III) inspect for evidence of surface water leaks, presence and proper installation of anti-siphon valves and backflow preventers, and presence of shut-off valves;

        (IV) inspect the condition and mounting of control box and visible wiring; and

        (V) observe and report the operation of each zone and associated valves, spray head patterns, and areas of non-coverage within the zone.

      (ii) Specific limitations. The inspector is not required to inspect the automatic function of the timer or control box, the rain sensor, or the effectiveness of anti-siphon valves or backflow preventers.

    (E) Private water wells.

      (i) Inspection guidelines. The inspector shall do the following:

        (I) operate at least two fixtures simultaneously;

        (II) identify the type of pump and type of storage equipment;

        (III) observe and determine water pressure and flow and operation of pressure switches;

        (IV) observe the condition of visible and accessible equipment and components;

        (V) inspect for proper wiring and circuit protection;

        (VI) observe the condition of, and site drainage in the area of, the well head; and

        (VII) recommend, perform, or arrange to have performed, a coliform analysis.

      (ii) Specific limitations. The inspector is not required to do the following:

        (I) open, uncover, or remove the pump, heads, screens, lines, or other component parts of the system;

        (II) determine water quality or potability or the reliability of the water supply or source; or

        (III) locate or verify underground water leaks.

    (F) Individual private sewage systems (septic systems).

      (i) Inspection guidelines. The inspector shall do the following:

        (I) report the observed condition of the accessible or visible components of the system at the time of the inspection;

        (II) operate plumbing fixtures to observe functional flow;

Cont'd...

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