No. The SOP does not require activation, but inspection.
Likewise, on a 30 degree day…I can inspect the cooling system but will not activate it, either.
Nice stretch…but…without the language that you have invented and inserted to make your point…the language that exists is quite clear.
According to Res. SOP
2.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation I. The inspector shall inspect
B. the ventilation of the attic spaces
C. mechanical ventilation systems;
II. The inspector is not required to:
F. activate thermostatically operated fans.
Inspecting includes using normal operating controls. Inspectors are required by SOP to activate mechanical ventilation systems, not thermostatically operated fans.
I disagree.
Ever hear of the case of the home inspector, who put ICC credentials in his marketing, was assumed by a client to be inspecting code violations? The client was confused as to what the inspector was required and not required to do. Judge ruled in favor of client. “Statements contained in an advertisement or on a website may form the basis for subsequent claims of misrepresentation by customers who did not understand the inspector’s role.”
The SOP is supposed to make things clear. If the client doesn’t understand what we’re doing, the ruling favors the consumer.
What does advertising have to do with the SOP?
Sure, you can mislead with advertising…such as “I meet or exceed the NACHI SOP”. That is confusing and misleading and can get you in trouble. We all know that.
But the SOP, itself, is not advertising.
It specifically states that I will not activate the attic fan. Period. Because you suspect otherwise from some stretched and creative misinterpretation of the word “inspect” does not mean that I am obligated to do what I specifically stated I would not do.
You are mixing apples and oranges in an attempt to make a point, Ben.
Nope.
Read…
According to Res. SOP
2.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation
I. The inspector shall inspect
B. the ventilation of the attic spaces
C. mechanical ventilation systems;
II. The inspector is not required to:
F. activate thermostatically operated fans.
You shall inspect the mechanical ventilation system (twist the SOP and call it an attic fan if you wish). 
Okay. I am not required to activate “thermostatically operated fans”. I stand corrected. The SOP is clear.
According to Res. SOP
2.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation
I. The inspector shall inspect
B. the ventilation of the attic spaces
C. mechanical ventilation systems;
II. The inspector is not required to:
F. activate thermostatically operated fans.
What if the “fan” is on a humidity control?
**SOP apparently requires inspectors to “activate” mechanical ventilation fans that have HUMIDISTATs. **
Your argument relies upon adding the words “apparently”, “implies”, and “might”.
Mine depends on nothing more than an understanding of the words in the SOP as they are written.
I think you need to look for another argument.
Funny how you think a discussion is always an argument.
Does the SOP require inspectors to activate mechanical ventilation fans that have HUMIDISTATs?
Ditto. you’re reaching for something that isn’t there.
Where the SOP is silent, it is at the discretion of the inspector and his client to address between themselves.
These details of the SOP are interesting to me because:
i can help inspectors and their clients, only if the inspection report is written well and the inspector knows the SOP.
that’s excellent.
No. General limitationas state:
II. The inspectors are not required to operate:
D. any system that does not turn on with the use of normal
operating controls.
But how do you know that it “does not turn on” until you try to turn it on with the humidistat?
I presume the attic fan is for humidity control. A dehumidifer to speak.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. inspect or evaluate interiors of flues or chimneys, fire
chambers, heat exchangers, combustion air systems, fresh air
intakes, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters,
geothermal systems or solar heating systems.
And
III. The inspectors are not required to:
Q. inspect on any system or component which is not included in
these standards.
Dehumidifiers are not in the SoP.