The Electricity Series
The Mystery of the Unsecured Cover
Everybody knows that property representatives have to secure electrical device covers in order to avoid being cited for high-scoring electrical deficiencies during the REAC inspection. I certainly know it. Several articles in this website give dire warnings about the matter. But, where, exactly are these instructions written? Read the article . . .
Electrical Devices in Locked Rooms or Cages
REAC Inspectors will cite exposed electrical connections for electrical devices in difficult to access locations, including those
• in locked rooms or cages,
• in areas inaccessible to residents, like roofs and basements,
• that are 15 feet off the floor,
• in areas beyond the property manager’s control.
Read the article . . .
Capped Wires and Abandoned Wires
There is an unintelligible sentence about capped and abandoned wires that appears three times in HUD’s Dictionary of Deficiency Definitions DCD Version 2.3.
It is the note to the Missing Covers deficiency definition.
“Note: If the accompanying authority identifies abandoned wiring, capped wires do not pose a risk; therefore, do not record this as a deficiency.” [sic]
Read the article . . .
What is Blocked Access, What is Quickly and What is Delay?
There is a REAC inspection electrical deficiency called “Blocked Access.” One of its definitions is on page 91 of HUD’s Dictionary of Deficiency Definitions DCD Version 2.3 and it begins like this: Deficiency: A fixed obstruction or item of sufficient size and weight can delay or prevent access to any panel board or main power ... Read the article . . .
What is an Electrical System Deficiency and Boy Does it Matter
It matters because the REAC inspection score1 matters. The REAC inspection is, after all, an inspection that will result in a numerical score that HUD releases to the public and that has financial consequences to property managers and owners. It matters because a REAC Inspector has a choice to make when recording a non-unit electrical ... Read the article . . .
The Names of Electrical Things
— Safety Switch or Service Disconnect— Timer Boxes —Raceways Before Electric Meters— GFCI or GFI —Junction Box— These are the common names for electrical components, not necessarily what they’re called in the National Electric Code (NEC). This article may come in handy when you’re reading the instructions for the REAC inspection or when you’re reading ... Read the article . . .
Electricity is Usually Easy
If you’re a property manager who is preparing for the REAC inspection you should know that guarding the rather large electrical deficiency deductions is usually fast, easy, and inexpensive. Step 1: Secure all electric boxes Secure them. I don’t care if they’re on a roof that’s inaccessible to the residents in a locked closet or ... Read the article . . .
