What is a WETT Inspection™?

DEFINITION: A WETT inspection™ is the inspection of a solid-fuel-burning system, performed by a WETT-certified professional, for compliance with applicable codes and standards.

WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) is recognized nationally as the self-regulating education body solely responsible for the standards-based education and certification of individuals. There is no national government agency that requires a solid-fuel-burning system to be installed, constructed, serviced or inspected by a WETT-certified professional.
 
A WETT Inspection™ is, however, a requirement that is being mandated by the insurance industry. The definition, therefore, should be communicated to all stakeholders to avoid the use of non-inspection terminology.
 
A WETT-certified professional does not and cannot certify, pass, fail or condemn a solid-fuel-burning appliance or system, nor render it (verbally or in written form) safe or unsafe.
 
A WETT-certified professional does not issue a WETT certificate.
 
A WETT-certified inspector cannot and should not guarantee that a solid-fuel-burning system will perform in a manner as claimed by the product manufacturer or builder. The inspector’s role is to verify compliance or non-compliance to applicable codes and standards, based on the type of inspection conducted.
 
Terms and terminology used in the body of the SITE Table are included in the definitions to ensure consistency and correctness.
 
Every WETT Inspection™ begins with a complete Visual Inspection. A WETT-certified professional, as a policy or a business practice, may choose to do only Technical Inspections. However, WETT requires that the Technical Inspection must include all the requirements of a Visual Inspection (see Technical Inspection Scope: What is required). This principal also applies to Invasive Inspections.
 
There is nothing to prevent the inspector who has been contracted to perform a specific level of inspection from conducting parts of a higher level of inspection. However, the level of inspection must be clearly communicated and understood. The documentation (report) must state the level of inspection performed.
 
It is absolutely necessary that members understand the SITE Table, definitions, guidelines and process. Most problems arise because WETT members do not understand or apply these principles when communicating with the client.