Whether you or a licensed electrician will do the electrical work for new construction or remodeling work, they usually do the following checking to ensure the electrical security.
Let’s take a look at what an electrical inspector looks for
Proper circuits: Your inspector will check to make sure that the home or addition has the proper number of circuits for the electrical demand of the space. This will include making sure there are dedicated circuits for appliances that call for them, particularly during the final inspection. It is highly recommended that there be a dedicated circuit that serves each appliance that requires one, such as the microwave oven, garbage disposer, and dishwasher in a kitchen. The inspector also needs to ensure there is the appropriate number of general lighting and general appliance circuits for each room
GFCI and AFCI circuit protection: It has been a while that GFCI circuit protection has been required for any outlets or appliances located in outdoor locations, below grade, or near sources of water, such as sinks. For example, kitchen small-appliance outlets also require GFCI protection. In the final inspection, the inspector will check to ensure that the installation includes GFCI-protected outlets or circuit breakers are as per local codes. One newer requirement is that most electrical circuits in a home now require AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupters). The inspector will also use AFCI circuit breakers or outlet receptacles to check to make sure that this protection follows code requirements. Although existing installations do not require updates, AFCI protection must be included on any new or remodeled electrical installation.
Electrical boxes: Inspectors will check if all electrical boxes are flush with the wall while if they are large enough to accommodate the number of wire conductors they will contain, along with whatever devices will be contained. The box should be securely fastened to make sure the device and box are secure. It is recommended that homeowners to use large, spacious electrical boxes; not only does this ensure you’ll pass inspection, but it makes it easier to complete the wire connections.
Box heights: Inspectors measure outlet and switch heights to see that they are consistent to each other. Typically, local codes require outlets or receptacles to be at least 15 inches above the floor while switches to be at least 48 inches above the floor. For a child’s room or for accessibility, heights may be much lower to allow for access.
Cables and wires: Inspectors will review how the cables are clamped in the boxes during initial inspection. At the connect point of attachment of the cable to the box, the cable sheathing should stick into the box at least 1/4 inch so that the cable clamps grip the sheathing of the cable instead of conducting wires themselves. The usable wire length extending from the box should be at least 8 feet long. This is designed for allowing enough wire to connect to the device and allows future trimming to connect to replacement devices. The inspector will also ensure that the wire gauge is appropriate to the amperage of the circuit—14AWG wire for 15-amp circuits, 12-AWG wire for 20-amp circuits, etc.
Cable anchoring: Inspectors will check if cable anchoring is correctly installed. Usually, the cables should be attached to wall studs to secure them. Keep the distance between first staple and a box less than 8 inches and then at least every 4 feet thereafter. Cables should go through the center of wall studs thus it can keep the wires safe from penetration from drywall screws and nails. The horizontal runs should be placed at the location where it is about 20 to 24 inches above the floor and each wall stud penetration should be protected by a metal protective plate. This plate can keep screws and nails from hitting the wire within the walls when a electrician install the drywall.
Wire labeling: Check requirements regulated by local code, but many electricians and savvy homeowners usually label the wires in the electrical boxes to indicate the circuit number and the amperage of the circuit. Homeowners will feel like it’s double safety protection when he or she sees this kind of detail in a wiring installation done by a inspector.
Surge protection: The inspector may suggest to use isolated ground receptacles if you have consumer electronic devices such as TVs, stereos, sound systems and other similar equipment. Besides, this type of receptacle protects against current fluctuations and interference. Both isolated receptacles and surge protectors will protect these sensitive electronic devices. Don’t forget the electronic boards in your washer, dryer, range, refrigerator, and other sensitive appliances when you make plans for surge protectors.
Post time: Jul-05-2023