Electrical inspectors ensure that electrical systems are safe and usable, inspecting everything from main line hookups to individual outlet wiring. They examine new construction plans and provide advice for renovations and retrofits. They check compliance with building codes and determine if the system will perform as desired. Government employees inspect and approve systems, while private inspectors can be hired for real estate purchases or to investigate electrical problems. Training includes an electrical engineering degree and/or real-world experience.
An electrical inspector is a specially trained building inspector who focuses on electrical systems. He or she may work for a government agency that handles inspections, or the services may be provided independently. In either case, the electrical inspector’s primary job description involves examining electrical systems to confirm that they are safe and usable.
Electrical inspectors generally like to get involved in new construction as early as possible so they can inspect the building site and plans, which should include electrical schematics. This early inspection can save time and money, as the inspector can identify defects and problems that will need to be addressed before approving the building as safe for use. In the case of renovations and retrofits, electrical inspectors can also provide valuable advice at the start of a project that will be beneficial in the long run.
In the case of fully installed systems, the electrical inspector takes care of several issues. The first is whether or not the system meets building codes such as the National Electrical Code® used in the United States. The second is whether or not the system is secure, a concern usually addressed by systems that are compliant. Finally, the electrical inspector must determine whether or not the system will perform as desired and manage the load that will be placed upon it. In some cases, a system may be compliant, but not fully capable of dealing with the situations it may encounter.
Electrical inspectors examine everything from main line hookups to individual outlet wiring. They also inspect appliances that are wired into a facility and may examine appliances that are simply plugged in to confirm they will work properly with the electrical system.
Government employees are required to inspect electrical systems and approve them if they are safe and ready for use, or to make recommendations for changes that must be followed to obtain system certification. These inspectors are concerned with public safety and compliance with basic building standards. Private inspectors can be hired to inspect a potential real estate purchase, provide advice on retrofitting an existing system, or to investigate the cause of an electrical problem. Training to become an electrical inspector typically includes an electrical engineering degree and/or extensive experience with real-world electrical installation.
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