Electrical inspections ensure that wiring and systems meet safety standards. There are three types of inspections: rough, service, and final. Inspections are required for new buildings, additions, and after prolonged power outages. Local governments typically conduct inspections, but private inspectors can be hired. Licensed electricians must perform the work in most cases.
An electrical inspection is an inspection that will help ensure that all electrical systems and wiring in a building meet legal safety standards. There is a national electrical code, which many electrical inspectors will use to determine if a given electrical installation is acceptable. In some cases, an electrical inspection, or even multiple inspections, will be included with an electrical permit, often required by local governments.
Most electrical inspections are done by the local government. For those who want to make sure they can pass the inspection before the official inspector makes his rounds, a private inspector can be hired. This person will inform the project manager, or owner, of any situations requiring improvement before the official inspection takes place.
There are three main types of inspections that occur when installing an electrical system. The first is known as a “rough” electrical inspection. During this time all cables, conduits and boxes will be inspected. The second inspection is the service inspection. While there are many things that need to happen to pass this inspection, making sure the service panel is properly installed and grounded are two of the most important factors. The third inspection is the final inspection. At this point all switches and finishing touches will be installed and the electrical system should be in perfect working order.
In many cases, before the city even considers passing an electrical inspection, the job must be done by a licensed electrician. Many municipalities hold the test for electricians several times a year. Some cities may accept a certificate from another municipality or state organization. Others will insist that the electrician be locally certified, by the city in which he operates. This is to ensure that quality work is being done, which will assist in the inspection process. The exception to this rule is where the owner of an occupied facility does the work himself. This, however, is not something many people are experienced enough to do.
An electrical inspection will be required not only when a new building is being constructed, but in many other cases as well. Adding a new addition to a building that will be serviced by electricity is another occasion when an inspection will need to be carried out. Some cities will also require an inspection if electricity has been completely cut off from the building for any length of time.
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