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Thursday, July 27, 2023
Question:
Hello Code Question of the Day, I am selling my house and the home inspector, and the buyers real estate agent is requiring that I upgrade my electrical service panel as condition of the sale. The electrical panel is in good working order, and has been since it was installed in 1989, there is no damage of any kind to the house, or any evidence of tampering. What Code requires this, simply because it is an older style circuit breaker? Thanks, William Hartman.
A
Answer:
Hi William and thank you for your question. In general, the rules found in the NEC® are new installation requirements unless specifically written to apply to maintenance or replacement work. In most cases a home inspection is not the same as a permit inspection from an AHJ. Home inspectors are often hired to represent the interests of the buyer, as such the inspection reports often reflects the home inspectors perceived electrical deficiencies. On occasion a certain model, brand or style of circuit breaker is viewed as outdated, so the inspector will recommend they be replaced even though they are in good working condition.