Electrical Code Inspectors Beyond Workscope?

[Murphjup]

I was wondering, when county code inspectors inspect a job site, can they go beyond the pemitted work they are there to look at? Can they "Site" you for other things they they see are not code?

What's the norm?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Az Scooter]

An inspector is an inspector. Once you invite them on your property, they typically have free reign.

 

[mrb]

An inspector is an inspector. Once you invite them on your property, they typically have free reign.

usually when you have an open permit they have a right to be on the property. if they see work going on with no permit, and you refuse entry, they can obtain an inspection warrant. (this is in one large jurisdiction I am aware of, will vary depending on location)

 

[Az Scooter]

When you get the permit, you are giving them permission to do the inspections. Look at the paperwork that is signed on issuance. It does grant permission for any inspections.

 

[rodnok1]

If you are installing a new sub panel or the like, they can require old wiring to be brought up to code. If you're talking about not having permit for wiring and your getting plumbing or framing inspection...really depends on the inspector

 

[sberry]

As a matter of practice they tend not to interfere with parts of a project not related to the permit, a service upgrade is a good example. The existing is there, they cant force improvements but may suggest or imply something. There is some reasoning behind this. Use the upgrade for example. They know what you are doing and like to see old service equipment replaced, if they hassle you with the rest of the house it would discourage the replacement of old entrance panels. If you knew he was going to bust your chops about the rest of the house you wouldn't be so inclined to do it.

 

[sberry]

I did one for a bud a while back, had a super cobbled panel in the basement. My Bud asked, should we remove this junk before the insp comes, I say, no, makes it plain as day as to why you are doing the upgrade.
Even the inspections are cheap, in MI about 50$ for upgrade.

 

[ket-tek]

I was wondering, when county code inspectors inspect a job site, can they go beyond the pemitted work they are there to look at? Can they "Site" you for other things they they see are not code?

In my county the residential code inspectors are very strict and have every right to site you for anything not up to code. They can and will bring the county police with them, with an inspection warrant if the situation requires it or if you are argumentative, non-responsive, or you act like an a**hole to them.

Some people in my county complain about how strict the inspectors are, but I have had nothing but pleasant experiences with them.

I read all the info on the county website, get the proper permits, do the work in the proper order and keep them informed of where I stand and what I have done, and just do the work to code (most is better/beyond the code requirements) and the inspectors have been great at answering questions and are always polite when they come here.

They can make your life hell if you piss them off, so do all you can to please them.