Remember…the issue of “Readily Accessible” did not come up until the 2008 NEC…prior it is just Accessible.
However in regards to safety ( which is the HI’s concern) if you can
t access it to test it…report it not as a major defect BUT more so an issue the potential buyer needs to be aware of.
We’re starting to see a lot of something in new construction with luminaires (lights) in my area that blows my mind but seems to be allowed.
Folks have a whirlpool tub (hydro-massage for some of you). Not a shower. They have a wall mounted light directly over the tub - usually on 2 sides. Romance lighting for mom, pop OR mom/pop **OR **pop and neighbor lady to sit in tub, drink champagne and while away the time.
First time I saw this I wrote it up and reported it as wrong. Couple days later code guy I know called me - agreed with me that it was dangerous - and then gave me code references to let it be there. Blew me away.
Most of the villages/cities near me require any switch to be located no closer than 5 feet to any tub or shower. The inspectors/reviewers claim it is in the IRC not the nEC I will verify tomorrow when I get my copy of the IRC back from a buddy of mine.