pull chain lights and inspection

Portland, ME · Member since 2012 · 616 posts · 550 votes

Has anybody ever failed a housing quality standards inspection (section 8 inspection) because they have a pull chain light rather than a wall switch? I've been approved for a grand for new siding and windows, but must pass a HQ inspection first. The inspector says that pull chains are not allowed, but my brother is a HQ inspector in another city and says there is no such requirement. I've asked the inspector to please look up the regulation to show me and he said he'd "try to find it". I don't want to make an enemy of this man and was very respectful and polite in my request, but I'm not going to just roll over and make an unnecessary improvement. Has anybody else dealt with this?

0 Reply

54 views

Most Popular Reply

Dawn AnastasiPro Member

Rental Property Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2013 · 6k+ posts · 4k+ votes

13y

In looking at the National Electrical Code, it indicates that bedroom, living room, and dining room light fixtures must be controlled by a light switch and not a pull chain. So in that case I would think that pull chains would not be allowed.

Podcast Guest on Show #29

1 Reply

See this reply in the discussion

11 Replies

Jump to latestLatest

Sort by

Dawn AnastasiPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2013 · 6k+ posts · 4k+ votes
13y
Do you have the book of required quality standards? If so can you review the book and find the rule yourself? If you can't find it in writing, then it isn't a rule.
Podcast Guest on Show #29
0 Reply
Patrick G.
Abingdon, MD · Member since 2013 · 193 posts · 60 votes
13y
Dawn A. Is this the Required Quality Standards you are referring to?
http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/guidebooks/7420.10G/7420g10GUID.pdf

If so page 10-8 doesn't really say "you can't have pull Chains" but it does say you need "Permanent" wall or ceiling mounted fixtures (kitchen & bath), I could understand if the inspector views pull chains as non-permanent.
0 Reply
Dawn AnastasiPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2013 · 6k+ posts · 4k+ votes
13y
In looking at the National Electrical Code, it indicates that bedroom, living room, and dining room light fixtures must be controlled by a light switch and not a pull chain. So in that case I would think that pull chains would not be allowed.
Podcast Guest on Show #29
1 Reply
Scott W.
Real Estate Investor · chicago, IL · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 231 votes
13y
This must be the 2011 NEC code cuz I just had a village inspection done & the electrical inspector passed it . They're on the 2088 though.

I know a few years ago a section 8 inspector told a landlord "you need a pull chain on the ceiling fan."
0 Reply
Joel OwensBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
13y
So you are saying there is no way to cut off the power to the fan other than the pull chain??

Here we always have a light switch for the fan in the wall and then the pull chain on the fan itself.

I would think it's a safety issue cutting off current at the switch instead of trying to find the breaker to cut off at the panel. Not an expert but generally if it doesn't cost much you might not want to make waves as long as the inspector is reasonable.
Podcast Guest on Show #47
NNN Invest53 Reviews
Website View Page
1 Reply
George P.
Property Manager · Livonia, MI · Member since 2011 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
13y

never heard of such a dumb rule..

what fixture has the pull chain? kitchen ceiling light? basement?
0 Reply
Steve Babiak
Real Estate Investor · Audubon, PA · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 8k+ votes
13y
Originally posted by Joel Owens:
...
Here we always have a light switch for the fan in the wall and then the pull chain on the fan itself.
...

As Joel Owens posted, the pull chain is permissible as long as there is a wall switch that controls the overall power to the fixture.
0 Reply
Amy A.
OP
Portland, ME · Member since 2012 · 616 posts · 550 votes
13y
The lights I'm talking about are the main room lights. It's very common in older homes, and Maine has the oldest housing stock in the nation. I believe that a pull chain may not meet code for new construction, but don't think it's required to upgrade to current codes. If that were the case, there would be no section 8 housing in Maine! My electrician was surprised when I told him about this because it is not a safety issue. I'll let you know what happens!
0 Reply
George P.
Property Manager · Livonia, MI · Member since 2011 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
13y
how weird.... a pull chain in the room.

we only use them here in attics and basements. but i can see how these old, old homes might still have them.
0 Reply
April Adams
Rental Property Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2009 · 52 posts · 9 votes
13y
Look it up yourself. You need to know because you may encounter this (or a similar) problem again.
0 Reply
Amy A.
OP
Portland, ME · Member since 2012 · 616 posts · 550 votes
13y
Here's an update: He had to admit that it's not in the regulations so he can't require it! When somebody tells you "no" you can't just take it at face value.
0 Reply

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.