Electrical Inspection Points
There are numerous boxes that must be checked for your electrical installations to be NEC compliant. In this article, we outline these essential components so that you know what is expected. It is useful to know precisely what the electrical inspection points include so that your installation can be ready to receive the go-ahead from an electrical inspector.
Before your actual inspection, the electrical inspection points serve as a handy guide. First, you’ll have the rough-in inspection before wires in walls, ceilings and floors are covered. The second and final inspection occurs when the project is finished but before you move in. With the right contractors on the job, you can rest assured that all electrical work will pass the inspection.
Wiring
- You must have a rough-in inspection before concealing and covering any electrical wiring. This allows the inspector to examine parts of the wiring that will not be visible when the project is complete. The rough-in inspection typically focuses on areas such as ceilings, floors, and walls before they are closed up.
- Other points related to wiring include inspecting wiring methods. The NEC requires that electrical boxes are placed securely on the building structure. The size of an electrical box depends on how many devices and conductors are housed inside a box.
- Wires should be labelled with label tags or tape so that wires can effortlessly be connected to the relevant devices.
- Conductors must be a minimum of 6 inches long.
- Metal parts that don’t carry currents for electrical equipment must be connected to an equipment grounding conductor.
- The NEC outlines specific guidelines when it comes to clothes closets and lighting fixtures. A minimum clearance of 12 inches is required on ceilings or above doors for lighting fixtures. In other circumstances, 6 inches will be enough. Your contractors will determine the precise clearance required for your situation.
- With underground wiring, an underground conductor must be marked with a warning ribbon. Conductors that appear from underground must be installed in a select range of conduits.
Circuit
- General circuit requirements state that, in most cases, 125‐ and 250‐volt, 15‐ and 20‐ amp receptacles must be specified as tamper-resistant.
- Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are required for branch circuits that supply 125‐volt, 15‐ and 20‐ amp outlets or devices in various rooms. Arc fault protection involves breaking the circuit when an electric arc in the circuit is detected.
- Receptacle outlets (power plugs and sockets) must be grounded. Outlets just above the floor should be installed maximum 6 feet away from each other in rooms such as living rooms and bedrooms. Receptacle outlets above kitchen countertops should be 24 inches or less away from one another. Porches/patio areas that are directly joined to the inside of a dwelling must have minimum one outlet. Garages also have at least one per car space.
GFCI
- Ground‐fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) must be installed in areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and garages. These protection devices can be lifesavers when it comes to shock-protection.
Grounding and Bonding
- The main bonding jumper (conductor) is to be installed in the main service panel.
- A grounding electrode conductor (connected to the earth) must be securely attached and protected from any damage.
Everyone involved in the building and installation process (such as the project managers and contractors) should always comply with the above points. The National Electric Code provides these checkpoints as quality and safety assurance for you and your family.
Professional electricians from Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric can further guide you and ensure that all installations are ready, according to building codes, to pass the electrical inspection the first time around. With a solid team managing the electrical work, you have peace of mind that the job will be done safely, efficiently and professionally.
