Inspections

[jm1470]

When a inspector comes to the job either rough or final what do you guys carry with you. I have always carry a pen and a pad something to write on, and maybe a screwdriver and tester. I was told to never carry the code book, Is this a good practice.

[shockin]

When a inspector comes to the job either rough or final what do you guys carry with you.

If it's residential carry a tape measure. Outlet spacing throughout as well as fixture spacing in a closet have to be the biggest items in a house. (Just to prove you're right of course)

On a commercial inspection if there are enough violations that you need to write them down to remember some-one is going to loose their job.

I have pulled out a code book a time or two in front of an inspector, but I wouldn't carry it with me. It doesn't seem necessary.

[growler]

I was told to never carry the code book, Is this a good practice.

I always have a code book on hand. If there is going to be something that's questionable I already have the section I need marked to defend my position. I can't look up things as fast as some people so I like to be prepared.

I don't carry the code book around in my hands , just have it ready in case it's needed.

[satcom]

I always have a code book on hand. If there is going to be something that's questionable I already have the section I need marked to defend my position. I can't look up things as fast as some people so I like to be prepared.

I don't carry the code book around in my hands , just have it ready in case it's needed.

I do the same, always have it on hand.

[raider1]

If the electrician needs the code book when I go on an inspection they can always borrow mine.:)

I would have no problem with an electrician or any other tradesman carrying a code book with them during any inspection that I preformed.

Chris

[cowboyjwc]

As an inspector I like when you have a code book around, it shows you care. If we do have something that needs to be discussed then you have something to work with other than, "I've never been called on that before". Also, if you don't agree with me I can show you where that paticular section is so that you know the next time.

I like when the contractor has a minimum of tools at least, I should have my own tape, but I don't always carry it, so that's nice too. If we have to get up to something, it's nice if the ladder is set up and we don't have to wait for someone to go run to the truck and get it. The pad and pen is good, because my note is going to be generic and you can write specifics so you don't forget where the correction is.

Walk the job before we get there so you're not surprised.

[augie47]

I am not upset when the electrican carrries his Code book. I'd prefer to see one on his dash so I know actually owns one. (few in this area do :-?)
If we "need class", mine is readily available. 90% of the time when it comes to Code, most the electricans I work with want the "condensed lay-mans version".
A readily available ladder is always appreciated.
I carry the average tools. On most of the jobs I inspect, the electrican has the p0anel cover mounted with only two screws providing quick access which is helpful.
(I have had them install all screws and align the slots just to see if I take the cover off :smile: )

[LarryFine]

If the electrician needs the code book when I go on an inspection they can always borrow mine.:)Likewise, if the inspector needs to, he can borrow mine. ;)

[SEO]

I encourage having a code book available on site. When I point out violations I'll always ask to see their code book. Many times they don't have one with them. In that case I get mine. I as an inspector carry a non-contact tester, a 10 in one screwdriver,flashlight, 25' tape, receptacle tester, note pad and if it's a job that requires a lot of walking (don't want to go back) I carry my code book. One tip for electricians is go over your job as if you were the inspector.

[LarryFine]

As an inspector I like when you have a code book around, it shows you care. If we do have something that needs to be discussed then you have something to work with other than, "I've never been called on that before". Also, if you don't agree with me I can show you where that paticular section is so that you know the next time.Wouldn't you need the NEC handy to not have to say "I know it's in there somewhere." and be able to cite the article?

How do you write up a non-compliance? You can't just say "We always call on that."

[LarryFine]

When I point out violations I'll always ask to see their code book. Many times they don't have one with them.Mine is on the laptop, so it's close by.

One tip for electricians is go over your job as if you were the inspector.That's what I've always done, and it works.

[augie47]

How difficult is it to remember "90.4":)


(and before you jump, no, I don't do that....just couldn't resist)

[SEO]

How difficult is it to remember "90.4":)


(and before you jump, no, I don't do that....just couldn't resist)

Some inspectors wear that section number on their hat so that they won't forget.:smile:

[hillbilly1]

Inspectors also like to see a worn codebook when you pull it out, it means you have probally been using it. I've had several inspectors make that comment about mine.

[raider1]

Inspectors also like to see a worn codebook when you pull it out, it means you have probally been using it. I've had several inspectors make that comment about mine.

I have several worn out code books for sell if anyone is interested.;):D

Chris

[hardworkingstiff]

Inspectors also like to see a worn codebook when you pull it out, it means you have probally been using it. I've had several inspectors make that comment about mine.

That you wore yours out or it doesn't look worn? :smile:

[SEO]

I inspected a large industrial facility and the forman carried around the handbook. Seems he could have had an apprentice help carry.

[hillbilly1]

That you wore yours out or it doesn't look worn? :smile:

It looks well worn, partly though from riding around in the truck floorboard!:D

[growler]

One tip for electricians is go over your job as if you were the inspector.

An electrician should go over the job as if he is responsibile for everything on the job, because that's how it is. He really shouldn't worry about the inspector because that's just a formality.

It's nice to get the job signed off but even if the inspector misses a dozen violations the contractor is still responsible so he should correct any violations even if the inspector doesn't notice.

If a contractor is depending on an inspector to catch every little mistake then the contractor is really in trouble.

[SEO]

An electrician should go over the job as if he is responsibile for everything on the job, because that's how it is. He really shouldn't worry about the inspector because that's just a formality.

It's nice to get the job signed off but even if the inspector misses a dozen violations the contractor is still responsible so he should correct any violations even if the inspector doesn't notice.

If a contractor is depending on an inspector to catch every little mistake then the contractor is really in trouble.

I agree 100%.

[cowboyjwc]

Wouldn't you need the NEC handy to not have to say "I know it's in there somewhere." and be able to cite the article?

How do you write up a non-compliance? You can't just say "We always call on that."

Sorry guess I could have said that I can always get mine. I always have one in the truck, one on my desk (actually I have 3 on my desk 2002, 2005, 2008) and one in my briefcase.

[Pierre C Belarge]

I would say that 50% of the time a contractor or electrician has the code book they usually have the handbook with them.
For NY, we use two different code cycles, depending on the type of work we are looking at. It is fun to see which version they will have...'02 '05 '08


It doesn't matter, I always use the Pierre Belarge version of the NEC anyway!!! ;):cool::grin:

[cowboyjwc]

That's the way Pierre.

Like I tell them, I've memorized every word in the NEC, not in any paticular order, but memorized all the same.:D

[chris kennedy]

I have just read this thread, very nice discussion between responsible electricians and responsible inspectors. Very refreshing. And yes, my well worn 05 Handbook is always close.

[rt66electric]

My older mentor would always put away the ladders, just in case.

[220/221]

I just carry an unmarked envelope :cool:

Seriously though, I just carry a screwdriver to open anything in question. Then I start talking to him, asking about anything non work related.

I'm older so I never have inspection problems if I am on site. They just assume I know what I am doing :roll:

Some of the younger guys get taken advantage of and end up reworking things that don't need to be reworked.

[Pierre C Belarge]

I just carry an unmarked envelope :cool:
LOL - I spit my coffee out when I read that. If you need any inspections, give me a call

Seriously though, I just carry a screwdriver to open anything in question. Then I start talking to him, asking about anything non work related.
Is this your envelope opener?;)
I'm older so I never have inspection problems if I am on site. They just assume I know what I am doing :roll:
The wheel chair always gets me.

Some of the younger guys get taken advantage of and end up reworking things that don't need to be reworked.

Sombody has to listen to Pierre Belarge's NEC code babbling....

[Fulthrotl]

When a inspector comes to the job either rough or final what do you guys carry with you. I have always carry a pen and a pad something to write on, and maybe a screwdriver and tester. I was told to never carry the code book, Is this a good practice.

i have the prints, the permit card, a notepad, and a pen.

if it's any amount of work at all, i call for a courtesy inspection, or show up
at the counter during the time when the inspector is available.

i describe the scope of work, and what my plan is, and i ask him what he would
like to see. if he's poopy, he will give a lame answer, like "everything done per the
NEC".

that tells me what i need to know about his attitude. :-p

usually what happens, is we have a brief discussion about means and methods,
and what he likes to see... every inspector has his hot buttons...

with one, he has to have the neutrals on MWBC's identified with the circuits
they serve, preferably with printed labels, not the book version.

another will want to lift the neutral, and apply the "neutral fault test" which
i have whined about here before...:D

another simply WILL NOT accept a plaster ring unless it's absolutely flush with
the finished wall surface. i know the code specifies an allowable mismatch. it
doesn't matter... not if you want his name on your ticket.

another one want's tube protectors on chain hung lights, even tho they are
10' in the air. no code requirements for that. it doesn't matter.

i get all that stuff ironed out, and go do the work. when i call for inspection,
we're just going over stuff we have already gone over. smile, nod, shake hands,
etc. if i haven't laid the groundwork well enough for that to happen,
then i've screwed up. that's my fault.

best inspection i ever had was a bank of america in northern california i was
doing a remodel on. after the courtesy inspection, and the inspector and i had
spent half an hour walking the job, with a detailed description of what i was
going to do, he just signed off the ticket, and said have a nice day... never did
see him after that... :smile:

something i have noticed recently. i purchased an ideal suretest, and i offer that
if he want's to check outlets... there's no lying with one of those, and he checked
a couple outlets, and asked me if they were all good, and i said yes, and that was that.

professionalism is profitable.


randy

[peter d]

I just carry an unmarked envelope :cool:

All kidding aside, I have had people tell me they have bought inspectors for $50 or a bottle of scotch.

[BLACK4TRUCK]

I carry a hand shake and a smile.. I never get violations 8-)

[220/221]

All kidding aside, I have had people tell me they have bought inspectors for $50 or a bottle of scotch.

I wired some condos in the early 80's. The inspector mentioned that, as a side business, he made/sold engraved panel/address labels for like 3 bucks each.

I think the total bill was under $100 and I never saw him again and I never saw a red tag. We are fortunate here and the inspectors generally don't hound us like they could.

[C3PO]

I always am wearing my tool belts when they so up and carrying my code book.

[Buck Parrish]

I make sure every thing is right. Then I leave and tell them where the key is. If they need me they have my cell phone number.:wink:
I have got to make production.

[cowboyjwc]

All kidding aside, I have had people tell me they have bought inspectors for $50 or a bottle of scotch.

Here we have an agreed price of $2.5M and dicker up accordingly. One guy said that's a lot of money, this is only a $100,000 job. I told him it would probably be cheaper to just do the job right.:D:D

ONLY JOKING!

[480sparky]

The only thing I have ever carried around during an inspection is a screwdriver to open something up so the inpsector can lay eyes on the innards of whatever it is. I feel my job is to create a final product that is painfully code-compliant, not iffy and open to interpretation. If I have a situation that is, I call the inspector first to clarify what to do.

If there's a Code problem, we wait until the end, then head out to the truck. I carry both a looseleaf and a laptop in the van.

It's rare that I actually have to drag out a codebook. If I do, it's to, shall we say, educate the inspector.

Most inspectors I work with already have a "Passed" tag made out before they roll up to the site.