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Home inspector tools and equipment
InterNACHI's standard names a GFCI tester and an AFCI test button, and says the inspector is not required to operate moisture meters or gas detectors.
By InspectDay ASHI, InterNACHI and the makers' pages, checked on 2 min read
What the standards ask for
InterNACHI’s standard says the inspector inspects a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacles. It names two tools for that work: the AFCI test button for AFCI-protected receptacles, and a GFCI tester for GFCI receptacles and circuit breakers. Both are used where possible.
ASHI’s standard in force says the inspector inspects a representative number of lighting fixtures, switches and receptacles, and the ground-fault and arc-fault circuit interrupters. It also says the inspector is not required to measure amperage, voltage and impedance.
InterNACHI’s standard says the inspector is not required to operate moisture meters, gas detectors or similar equipment.
ASHI’s 2026 standard, approved and not yet in force, lists the equipment the inspector is not required to use: amp meters, moisture meters, combustible gas or carbon monoxide detection equipment, thermal imaging equipment, environmental testing equipment, ladders that reach surfaces over one story above ground, cameras for the inside of a drain or sewer line, and small unmanned aircraft systems. Its implementation date is to be determined.
This page covers the ASHI and InterNACHI standards. Your state’s rules may differ.
What each tool records
Klein Tools describes its RT250 GFCI receptacle tester as detecting common wiring faults and showing how long a GFCI takes to trip. The RT250 is for 3-wire, North American 120V outlets only.
Fluke describes its 62 MAX+ as a handheld infrared laser thermometer, with up to a 12:1 distance to spot ratio.
Protimeter describes its SurveyMaster as a dual-function moisture meter with pin and non-invasive measurement, and a Dry, At Risk and Wet indicator. Its Bluetooth connection saves and downloads readings with the time and date stamp.
What a finding holds
On the phone, a finding is added with a description, a finding type and a location, and then takes photos and video. Photos and video attach to an inspection item and to its findings.
Sources
- American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc., “ASHI’s Home Inspection Standard of Practice: Approved Changes as of 1/8/26”
- American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc., “ASHI Standard of Practice Changes”
- American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc., “ASHI Standard of Practice for Home Inspections Effective March 1, 2014”
- InterNACHI, “Home Inspection Standards of Practice”
- Klein Tools, “GFCI Receptacle Tester with LCD - RT250”
- Fluke, “Handheld Thermometer | Fluke 62MAX+ IR Laser Thermometer”
- Protimeter, “Protimeter SurveyMaster | Best-selling dual-function moisture meter”