Electrical Inspector consultation

[kerwinq]

Has anyone had a consultation with a Electrical Inspector? I am going to do some wiring and pulled the permit but have to have a consultation before doing the work so they are comfortable that I know what I am doing. I have added wiring before without a permit but this is for an addition that I did so want it to be all by permit.

Just wondering how they typically treat homeowners vs. licensed electrication

 

[ghnl]

As long as you agree you will work carefully & not try to hide anything you should be fine.

When I built an addition to our house (when we lived in Massachusetts), the inspector suggested a few contractors I might want to hire. Once I made it clear it was going to be a D-I-Y job he was OK with that. A few months later when I built the garage there was never any question from the building inspector.

 

[Gary S]

Take advantage of the opportunity to ask any questions you might have. If the inspector works with you, you both win. You get things right the first time and he gets what he needs to sign off on your wiring and know it is right.

 

[kerwinq]

I am definantly not trying to hide anything. I will have to make a list of questions that I want to ask so I don't forget anything.

Thanks

 

[tfi racing]

Bring a list of the materials you intend to use/purchase and a sketch of your intended layout,that will help show that you are diligent and competent enough to do the job.

 

[Rosco]

In my experience, the building inspectors are extremely helpful. Before I built my garage I had several consultations (by my request, at their office) and they really saved me a lot of time and money. Especially when I had to sub out some of the framing, he would "drop by" to check on my progress. It really made a difference in the quality of work the contractor was doing (they kept expecting him to pull up, thought he was related to me or something)

Once they know you are willing to ask questions and spend the money/time to do it right, they are very helpful and a lot less critical.

 

[dipper]

The biggest thing the inspector will want to know about is grounding, and how your panel is going to be grounded. So be sure to have that all planned out and ask him what he is expecting before he comes out to inspect. Once you sub-panel is installed and fed, there isn't going to be much more you could mess up provided you use properly sized wire and breakers.
Don't be afraid to call and ask them questions, and be sure you find one you like; and then use them for the whole project.

When I had my electrical inspection, he was simply amazed at the quality of work I had done and that I had done it all myself (electrical and construction wise). Granted I have some experience from working with an electrician during college and remodeling my own home; but most of what I learned was from my father in my early to late teen's.