Permit Inspection

[matt151617]

I installed an electric vehicle charger in my garage myself. It was a fairly simple process; just surface-mounted conduit, and a wire run of 25 feet to the EV charger.

I've never had an inspection done before; what should I expect? Do I leave the subpanel cover off, junction box covers off, and take off the main cover of the EV charger? Are they going to get really in to the weeds with measuring conduit strap spacing? Anything else I need to "watch out" for?

I'm also curious if they'll check stuff like ground rods on the subpanel. They're there, just buried in the yard, so I'm not sure if they need to be exposed.

 

[SlappyWhite]

Different rules for different areas. Here, for what that is worth, they do a rough-in with conduit/wires run and nothing connected at the ends other than grounds, then a final with it all done and powered up. They will look at strapping spacing, etc. all needs to be to code.

I would not expect them to dig into other areas unless they see something fishy.

Others can comment on New Jersey specifically.

 

[BrandonV]

Different rules for different areas. Here, for what that is worth, they do a rough-in with conduit/wires run and nothing connected at the ends other than grounds, then a final with it all done and powered up. They will look at strapping spacing, etc. all needs to be to code.

I would not expect them to dig into other areas unless they see something fishy.

Others can comment on New Jersey specifically.

Wow. Out here they'd kind of just **** their head sideways looking at what you did and sign off on the permit.

I think the biggest reaction I ever got from an inspector was, "wow... you pulled a permit for this?!?".

 

[alfredeneuman]

Here surface mount installations usually have no rough inspection, Just a final.
Be ready to take anything the inspector to see apart for his/her inspection.

 

[35Ford]

Close everything up. I've found it's better to not be available for the inspection unless they specifically request it. Leave the door open and the permit in sight. If everything is right, it'll get signed off. End of story, no drama.

 

[AA/FC]

Of course every inspector is human, and no human is the same but the last electrical inspection I had was painless. The inspector was very nice and he even complimented me on the quality of my work. He said something like.... "if every homeowner could do work like this, then my job would be much easier". (or something similar)

I had everything closed up, but I had basic tools with me just in case he wanted a cover removed.... I think I removed one cover, otherwise he just asked questions about how I made connections, what size wire I used, etc, etc... My job included tapping into existing PVC conduit outdoors and adding a circuit along with a generator lockout device and a power inlet box. The overall interaction with my inspector led me to believe that if the job looks like it was neatly installed with care, then the inspector is less likely to nitpick things. However, if the install looks like an absolute disaster, then he might start to dig into things a little further..... Or, I could be completely wrong. lol.

He told me that he enjoys working with homeowners to get things right. He likes when he gets phone calls from homeowners asking how to do something correctly. He led me to believe that he is not nearly as strict with homeowners as he is with licensed electricians. He said something like.... "Electricians get paid to do things correctly, it's their job to do it right the first time."

Anyway, long story short, if your inspector is anything like the one I recently had, then you have nothing to worry about.

You'll be fine....

 

[no704]

Commercial install for a machine/welding/automotive shop. Inspector fails inspection for having the gas lines bonded. Electrician was pissed!

 

[mm08822]

Don't be there and leave everything buttoned up.

You'd be surprised how lazy some of them are.

 

[dcg9381]

Close everything up. I've found it's better to not be available for the inspection unless they specifically request it.

This. If they want you to open it, they'll ask or open it themselves.

If you want a "real inspection" open it up and post a photo on GJ.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I installed an electric vehicle charger in my garage myself. It was a fairly simple process; just surface-mounted conduit, and a wire run of 25 feet to the EV charger.

I've never had an inspection done before; what should I expect? Do I leave the subpanel cover off, junction box covers off, and take off the main cover of the EV charger? Are they going to get really in to the weeds with measuring conduit strap spacing? Anything else I need to "watch out" for?

I'm also curious if they'll check stuff like ground rods on the subpanel. They're there, just buried in the yard, so I'm not sure if they need to be exposed.

is this subpanel in a detached garage?

 

[luvtheheat]

Inspector fails inspection for having the gas lines bonded.

I assume you mean the ground rod conductor was also bonded to the gas line. If so, LOL. When I replaced my main panel, inspector gave a big thumbs up on connecting the ground rod conductor to the gas line, as well as the water main, on it's way to the ground in the panel.

 

[no704]

I assume you mean the ground rod conductor was also bonded to the gas line. If so, LOL. When I replaced my main panel, inspector gave a big thumbs up on connecting the ground rod conductor to the gas line, as well as the water main, on it's way to the ground in the panel.

Yes rods, water and gas. Inspector made him remove the gas bonds.
He put them back after that ***** left.

 

[dcg9381]

He put them back after that ***** left.

I find that often it's in one's best interest not to argue with inspectors or ask them to cite code for a "violation". Especially when returning your property to the prior condition takes less than 1/2 an hour.

 

[no704]

I find that often it's in one's best interest not to argue with inspectors or ask them to cite code for a "violation". Especially when returning your property to the prior condition takes less than 1/2 an hour.

This guy was a pice of work. Almost made us elevate 3 transformers inside the building because we installed car lifts. Would have had to pull new mains.

 

[dcg9381]

This guy was a pice of work. Almost made us elevate 3 transformers inside the building because we installed car lifts. Would have had to pull new mains.

Yea, at that point, I'm going to ask him to cite code. Sheesh.

 

[no704]

Yea, at that point, I'm going to ask him to cite code. Sheesh.

Was saying gas fumes could ignite!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I find that often it's in one's best interest not to argue with inspectors or ask them to cite code for a "violation". Especially when returning your property to the prior condition takes less than 1/2 an hour.

you actually should challenge them. they cant make up code as they go and many of them know less than the contractors because they are combination inspectors.

When people dont challenge them it allows shoddy inspections to continue...

not having a gas line bonded creates a very dangerous potential for shock hazard. ive actually seen it on a service call. water line (and gas line) were not bonded in a rental house. Every time a tenant touched the washer, which was outside on concrete, they got shocked. same thing happened when they touched the hose spigot to turn it on....

took me forever to find the culprit... turns out the EGC on the gas stove receptacle was energized, which caused the gas line & water line to be energized. The water line was being energized by the gas line thru the bond wire @ the water heater.

When i bonded the water line right at the main service panel, the breaker for the offending circuit immediately tripped. but boy was it hard finding the culprit....

 

[matt151617]

is this subpanel in a detached garage?

It is.

 

[matt151617]

Close everything up. I've found it's better to not be available for the inspection unless they specifically request it. Leave the door open and the permit in sight. If everything is right, it'll get signed off. End of story, no drama.

I would assume they want to see the panel/wire run, which is inside of the garage. The EV charger is mounted to the outside. I'd rather not leave the garage open all day while I'm gone?

 

[dcg9381]

you actually should challenge them. they cant make up code as they go and many of them know less than the contractors because they are combination inspectors.

I'm pragmatic. And I'm used to living in small towns where most of city government, the city council, and the mayor all have to work together. The inspectors here are often "underpaid" for what they have to do and many of them are expected to be the authority on several different trades (which you mention). It simply isn't possible to know all of it well.. Nor should it be, based what they pay some of these people.

Some people will admit when they are wrong and own it. But that's not true of everyone. Especially in smaller jurisdictions where there is "one" inspector... It's not like the city manager is going to override on an electrical decline - so you have to appeal to elected officials who may or may not intervene. You can hire your own inspector to write it up, but the city inspector isn't obligated to honor that opinion.

In the mean time, if you're holding a construction loan and your inspection is holding up other trades, it can costs quite a bit. All it takes is one dude with a little bruised ego. Not always the case, but I've seen it more than once.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I'm pragmatic. And I'm used to living in small towns where most of city government, the city council, and the mayor all have to work together. The inspectors here are often "underpaid" for what they have to do and many of them are expected to be the authority on several different trades (which you mention). It simply isn't possible to know all of it well.. Nor should it be, based what they pay some of these people.

Some people will admit when they are wrong and own it. But that's not true of everyone. Especially in smaller jurisdictions where there is "one" inspector... It's not like the city manager is going to override on an electrical decline - so you have to appeal to elected officials who may or may not intervene. You can hire your own inspector to write it up, but the city inspector isn't obligated to honor that opinion.

In the mean time, if you're holding a construction loan and your inspection is holding up other trades, it can costs quite a bit. All it takes is one dude with a little bruised ego. Not always the case, but I've seen it more than once.

So who is liable when someone gets hurt due to incorrectly installed construction? The inspector/AHJ should be but we know they wont be

 

[dcg9381]

So who is liable when someone gets hurt due to incorrectly installed construction? The inspector/AHJ should be but we know they wont be

Well, if the inspector was pushing for a change that was incorrect and unsafe, I'd definitely be willing to push back on that. And the fact that it's unsafe, I'd "hope" that I'd have more basis for support. The situation that I'm talking about would be more like adding requirements that are not required - don't decrease safety, but do incur substantial expense. Say, requiring the main to be buried at 48" instead of 24" (I know 48" may be common other places) - I'm pulling that out of my rear end.

I've had luck hiring inspectors from other jurisdictions when things go sideways. Some of them are allowed "side work". The one I know in particular cannot inspect in another "city" but can inspect in the county. So you can take the "ego" out of it a bit if you provide a written opinion with code citations and just play "dumb consumer".

There's little liability as a city employee. Local city here just had 2 out of 3 of the city water pumps fail. Turns out the contractor did not install wire rated for submersion and made a bunch of other mistakes. City had and engineer and inspector, but I think "commercial" grade electrical in the middle of a lake was out of their wheel house. Both were fired subsequently (unrelated) but the city lost 2 out of 3 water pumps and damage to landscaping due to water restrictions is still being calculated.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

I am a retired NJ Electrical Inspector/Construction Official so here is my PROFESSIONAL OPINION.
In NJ the inspector is there to inspect the work that is ONLY on the permit and nothing else unless there is an obvious safety issue like a rusted appliance vent, open electrical panels, rotted steps, etc. that can could be a potential "life safety" issue.
Here is how you do it: Answer the door and show the inspector to the area where the work has been done (DO NOT go into the garage with him unless he asks or an ******) and let him do his job.……. "IF" he has a question he will ask you.
Sometimes I would tell the home owner or contractor to wait out of the area while I did my inspection because I hate to have anyone hovering over me while I work and don’t want to be distracted.

BTW! Last week I had an inspection on my newly installed standby generator and told the inspector where the machine was and had the basement Bilko door open for him so he could do his job while I sat in the driveway away from him. When he came up from the basement I asked him if I passed and he told me the job was done "beyond code" and asked me who did it, I told him my name and he heard about me but never met me and we talked code for about 15 minutes.……. I did NOT want him to be intimidated or needed him to harass me.

BTW! Hopefully your job will be done to code and you will be approved.

 

[dave*99]

I am a retired NJ Electrical Inspector/Construction Official so here is my PROFESSIONAL OPINION.
In NJ the inspector is there to inspect the work that is ONLY on the permit and nothing else unless there is an obvious safety issue like a rusted appliance vent, open electrical panels, rotted steps, etc. that can could be a potential "life safety" issue.
Here is how you do it: Answer the door and show the inspector to the area where the work has been done (DO NOT go into the garage with him unless he asks or an ******) and let him do his job.……. "IF" he has a question he will ask you.
Sometimes I would tell the home owner or contractor to wait out of the area while I did my inspection because I hate to have anyone hovering over me while I work and don’t want to be distracted.

BTW! Last week I had an inspection on my newly installed standby generator and told the inspector where the machine was and had the basement Bilko door open for him so he could do his job while I sat in the driveway away from him. When he came up from the basement I asked him if I passed and he told me the job was done "beyond code" and asked me who did it, I told him my name and he heard about me but never met me and we talked code for about 15 minutes.……. I did NOT want him to be intimidated or needed him to harass me.

BTW! Hopefully your job will be done to code and you will be approved.

When you were working, how did you handle situations where no one is home? Did someone have to be there?

 

[larry4406]

I attend all my inspections.

I simply answer the questions that are asked. I remove panel covers when requested or respond as needed (ladders, etc).

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

When you were working, how did you handle situations where no one is home? Did someone have to be there?

Someone over the age of 18 had to there to let me in because I would NEVER go into an unoccupied home OR if there was a minor home alone.……. Some people hate government officials and would "jam you up" on a bogus charge.
Let me in to do the inspection because I know how to do my job and "IF" I have a question I will ask.

BTW! Commercial or Industrial inspections always required "someone" to be there.

 

[nadogail]

I find that often it's in one's best interest not to argue with inspectors or ask them to cite code for a "violation". Especially when returning your property to the prior condition takes less than 1/2 an hour.

Arguing with an inspector is usually not advised. Even if you are correct, the Inspector is still “The Inspector” and can always find something else to “Ding” you for.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Arguing with an inspector is usually not advised. Even if you are correct, the Inspector is still “The Inspector” and can always find something else to “Ding” you for.

I was always open to intelligent conversation about code issues but when the insults and yelling started I would walk away after telling the idiot to call me after he calmed down.……. It is amazing what a $2000 penalty will accomplish.

BTW! I never used the words: "My Code or My Town" and would always cite the code and explain it.

 

[Stuff]

What is the proper response to an inspector saying "I don't care if it is allowed in the code, I don't want it to see it done that way."

 

[Lassen Forge]

I'll be calling your supevisor, and the county aldermen... So I hope you play your game, because it better be worth your career.

 

[dcg9381]

What is the proper response to an inspector saying "I don't care if it is allowed in the code, I don't want it to see it done that way."

Seriously though, if they actually say that to you, STFU. There is zero point in discussing further. Hopefully you can escalate to someone with a brain.

Just a note of support for many "small area" inspectors - they've got a tough job and are expected to know way more than what their paycheck justifies. Vast majority I've met are more than reasonable.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

What is the proper response to an inspector saying "I don't care if it is allowed in the code, I don't want it to see it done that way."

call the supervisor. file a complaint... inspector is not god and doesnt get to make up code or bypass it....

 

[Stuff]

Seriously though, if they actually say that to you, STFU. There is zero point in discussing further. Hopefully you can escalate to someone with a brain.

Just a note of support for many "small area" inspectors - they've got a tough job and are expected to know way more than what their paycheck justifies. Vast majority I've met are more than reasonable.

Yeah, at the time I did shut up. To get the sticker and power turned on we did it his way. This wasn't a "small area" inspector but someone from an electrical inspection company.