{"id":6271,"date":"2023-11-10T23:35:05","date_gmt":"2023-11-10T23:35:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c4n6.com\/site\/?post_type=blog_post&p=6271"},"modified":"2023-11-11T00:11:05","modified_gmt":"2023-11-11T00:11:05","slug":"6271","status":"publish","type":"blog_post","link":"https:\/\/c4n6.com\/site\/blog-post\/6271\/","title":{"rendered":"NSPIRE Exposed Electrical Conductors: New Inspector Guidance for this High-Scoring Deficiency!"},"content":{"rendered":"

NSPIRE Exposed Electrical Conductors: New Inspector Guidance for this High-Scoring Deficiency!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENTS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018HUD-NSPIRE Demystified: A Deep Dive into the New Inspection Process\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Starting again February 2024<\/u> with multiple training options to choose from!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Register here: <\/strong>HUD-NSPIRE Full Training!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Click here to see free, downloadable <\/strong>REAC Resources<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Because this will be a long Newsletter, I am combining October and November\u2019s Monthly Newsletter into this single topic. This Newsletter details the new inspector guidance from HUD for the high-scoring<\/strong> NSPIRE deficiency: Exposed Electrical Conductors located under the Electrical – Conductor, Outlet and Switch Standard.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This is considered a Life-Threatening deficiency.<\/strong><\/p>\n

On a 100-unit property the total points lost for each<\/u> inspectable area are:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There are 2 parts to the Deficiency Criteria and the first one is GREAT<\/u> news!<\/p>\n

Part 1: An opening or gap is present and measures greater than \u00bd inch\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This is incredible, amazing news because it was only \u00bc inch under HUD\u2019s UPCS Protocol (about the size of a #2 pencil).\u00a0 Now that HUD has made it \u00bd inch, filling the gap with a dummy breaker or a manufactured blank will be much<\/u> easier!<\/p>\n

Now the bad news:<\/p>\n

Part 2: Electrical conductor is not enclosed or properly insulated.<\/p>\n

Doesn\u2019t sound too bad, right?\u00a0 Then HUD provides examples of when the deficiency should be cited:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Wiring that is insulated but not protected by sheathing or conduit.\"\"<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Let\u2019s stop and explain this one\u2026.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    HUD wants ALL<\/u> insulated wires to be enclosed in either a sheath or conduit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    If you have an older range hood\u2026your lightbulb looks something like this:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    What about this\u2026should it be cited since it\u2019s not enclosed in a sheath or conduit?<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    My advice is for maintenance to KNOW<\/u> which wiring is low voltage and which isn\u2019t.\u00a0 That way if an inspector wants to cite thermostat or fire alarm wiring\u2026you can confidently tell him\/her it is LOW VOLTAGE and HUD states it cannot be cited.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Knockouts missing<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      This is the same as it was under the UPCS protocol \u2013 do not forget to check UNDER j-boxes (including any j-boxes located outside), breaker panels, disconnects, timer boxes, and garbage disposals!<\/p>\n

      \"\"<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Visible wire nuts on electrical conductors <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        HUD wants ALL wires to be sheathed or within a conduit terminating into a junction box or other secured cover to where wire nuts cannot be observed.<\/p>\n

        \"\"<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. HARDWIRED SMOKE ALARM WITH EXPOSED CONDUCTOR<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          In previous versions of the Standards, HUD had it listed as just \u201cHardwired smoke alarm missing.\u201d\u00a0 After pointing this out to HUD, they changed it to read, \u201cHardwired smoke alarm with exposed conductor<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

          \"\"<\/p>\n

          This was SUPPOSED to mean that the white terminal was missing\u2026exposing wires.<\/p>\n

          Appeal every one of these.\u00a0 The electrician needs to state that the wires are not designed to be enclosed by a sheath nor conduit, all conductors are technically covered, and that there are no safety issues.<\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

          This one is really going to hurt.\u00a0 Smoke alarms cited as missing under the Smoke Alarm Standard are not scored\u2026but if the inspector cites them as exposed conductors \u2013 it is scored at the LIFE-THREATENING scoring level once per Unit<\/u>! <\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Improper material –<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            \"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

            HUD says inspectors are not permitted to say <\/em><\/strong>NIS anymore (Not Industry Standard)\u2026but that does not mean they should not cite<\/u> it!<\/p>\n

            Some examples of improper material<\/strong> used in electrical boxes are:<\/p>\n

            Leather\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wood<\/p>\n

            Caulk\/Silicone\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Foam<\/p>\n

            Rubber\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tar<\/p>\n

            Metal that is not UL-rated for the box\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cardboard<\/p>\n

            Tape (electrical, scotch, duct, etc).<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Missing Screws<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Most inspectors will view missing screws as missing covers\u2026which means exposed conductors.<\/p>\n

              MAKE SURE A SCREW IS PRESENT IN EACH SCREW HOLE!!!<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \"\"<\/p>\n

               <\/p>\n

               <\/p>\n

              Want some Good News?!<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

               <\/p>\n

                \n
              1. HUD has instructed inspectors NOT<\/u> to open timer boxes, disconnect boxes, generator transfer switches\u2026even if they are unsecured!!! <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Inspectors will need access to ALL breaker panels, even if there is only 1 breaker in the panel.<\/p>\n

                It is ok to lock the breaker panel<\/strong> \u2013 you just need to have the key!<\/p>\n

                Here is the guidance straight from HUD:<\/p>\n

                \"\"<\/p>\n

                See the highlighted area?\u00a0 The doors are NOT required to be secured!<\/p>\n

                So what\u2019s the catch?\u00a0 Inspectors are not on board with this yet.\u00a0 On a recent NSPIRE inspection, a federally employed QA (Quality Assurance) cited this on the property:<\/p>\n

                \"\"<\/p>\n

                For an appeal, the problem is now it\u2019s our word against HUD\u2019s QA that the box was NOT<\/u> open at the time of inspection\u2026that the QA opened it which violates protocol.<\/p>\n

                You need to make this a non-issue.\u00a0 Keep putting zip ties on all disconnects and timer boxes<\/strong> and make sure all boxes are closed at the time of inspection.\u00a0 You can also nicely remind the inspector that HUD states under the Standard that only breaker panels<\/strong> should be opened by the inspector and nothing else.<\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. We already discussed that low voltage wiring cannot be cited as a deficiency, but also devices DESIGNED to intentionally have a gap or space to support ventilation should NOT be cited!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Here are 2 examples of breaker panels that are designed to have a gap.\u00a0 Let the inspector know it\u2019s designed to be that way, but worst case scenario it is an easy appeal: a letter from a certified electrician stating the box is designed that way.<\/p>\n

                  \"\"<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Light fixtures that have exposed wiring by design are NOT to be cited as exposed conductors.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    Probably because they usually have the wiring enclosed in a sheath or conduit like this:<\/p>\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. This one has to be a mistake\u2026<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      \"\"<\/p>\n

                      But until HUD fixes it, if you have a missing or damaged ceiling-mounted light fixture \u2013 it CANNOT<\/u> be cited per protocol.\u00a0 These 2 examples will show why I believe HUD made an error here\u2026..<\/p>\n

                      \"\"<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      1. The last bit of good news is that a missing light bulb from a fixture is NOT considered an exposed conductor!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        It used to be\u2026but HUD was shocked by how many residents had missing light bulbs and, when literally every property failed as a direct result, opted to remove that scenario as an example of an exposed conductor.<\/p>\n

                        Let\u2019s hope they do the same thing with hard-wired smoke alarms!!!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                        NSPIRE Exposed Electrical Conductors: New Inspector Guidance for this High-Scoring Deficiency! \u00a0 TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENTS \u2018HUD-NSPIRE Demystified: A Deep Dive into the New Inspection Process\u2019 \u00a0Starting again February 2024 with multiple training options to choose from! \u00a0Register here: HUD-NSPIRE Full Training! Click here to see free, downloadable REAC Resources   Because this will be a long […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6278,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","tags":[],"blog-category":[130],"class_list":["post-6271","blog_post","type-blog_post","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog-category-hud-assist"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c4n6.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog_post\/6271","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c4n6.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog_post"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c4n6.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog_post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c4n6.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c4n6.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6271"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c4n6.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6278"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c4n6.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6271"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c4n6.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6271"},{"taxonomy":"blog-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c4n6.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-category?post=6271"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}