Inspector "I want..."

[electricmanscott]

Helped out a friend with a service change the other day. He had it inspected today. A few things the inspector wanted, agree? Disagree?

I know what I think...discuss!

1. #4 Cu must go to the neutral bar where the neutral is connected not the bar on the opposite side of the panel. "What if the bonding screw comes loose, you will lose your ground, you can't rely on just that screw"...."
"Just jump the two bars with a #6 and you're good"



2. Install GFCI receptacle at panel. Or "if you want to use the existing basement receptacles to count as the "Required receptacle" you have to change them to GFCI."

3. GEC has to connect to the street side of the meter. "I'll make it easy for you, just add a jumper around the meter and you'll be ok"
The GEC hit the pipe within 5' of entry and jumped across water meter already.

Also he mentioned that since the new AFCI requirements guys are installing fewer circuits in new homes. He will be checking to make sure you install as many circuits as the code requires.

[kjfelec]

Also known as the "My Town" inspector.

[480sparky]

1. #4 Cu must go to the neutral bar where the neutral is connected not the bar on the opposite side of the panel. "What if the bonding screw comes loose, you will lose your ground, you can't rely on just that screw"...."
"Just jump the two bars with a #6 and you're good"

So he's more concerned with grounding if one side of the neutral bar becomes electrically isolated from the other side? Guess he's never heard of an open neutral then.

2. Install GFCI receptacle at panel. Or "if you want to use the existing basement receptacles to count as the "Required receptacle" you have to change them to GFCI."

Why are there other 'required receptacles' in the basement required to be changed to GFI's if you don't provide a GFI recep at the panel? The two are not related.

3. GEC has to connect to the street side of the meter. "I'll make it easy for you, just add a jumper around the meter and you'll be ok"
The GEC hit the pipe within 5' of entry and jumped across water meter already.

So what is he asking for? Sounds like your install is legit as it is (assuming 3 pipe clamps).

Also he mentioned that since the new AFCI requirements guys are installing fewer circuits in new homes. He will be checking to make sure you install as many circuits as the code requires.


What's he gonna do? A load calc. on each circuit?


Sounds like one inspector I know. Favorite phrase is "Well, if it was my house....."

[infinity]

IMO he missed the boat on every thing you've listed.

[electricmanscott]

IMO he missed the boat on every thing you've listed.


Agreed. I wasn't there it was not my job. Instead of a 15 minute inspection my friend did everything he wanted and the guy shot the breeze with him for a while. Turned into a three hour affair.

The kicker is the guy told the homeowner "everything looks ok he just has to fix a few things...":rolleyes:

[ultramegabob]

Helped out a friend with a service change the other day. He had it inspected today. A few things the inspector wanted, agree? Disagree?

I know what I think...discuss!

1. #4 Cu must go to the neutral bar where the neutral is connected not the bar on the opposite side of the panel. "What if the bonding screw comes loose, you will lose your ground, you can't rely on just that screw"...."
"Just jump the two bars with a #6 and you're good"

****I love these "What If" senerios..... my responce is, what if we were on the moon?.... and I wouldnt want to run an additional jumper if there was a factory jumper installed....

2. Install GFCI receptacle at panel. Or "if you want to use the existing basement receptacles to count as the "Required receptacle" you have to change them to GFCI."

**** If you are in an unfinished basement, and you have general purpose recepts, they need to be GFCI protected anyway...

3. GEC has to connect to the street side of the meter. "I'll make it easy for you, just add a jumper around the meter and you'll be ok"
The GEC hit the pipe within 5' of entry and jumped across water meter already.

**** we are not required to bond to water lines here, meters are located outside and buried in the ground, and most all water lines are plastic in this area....

Also he mentioned that since the new AFCI requirements guys are installing fewer circuits in new homes. He will be checking to make sure you install as many circuits as the code requires.

**** this is just kind of an odd statement....

[Joe Villani]

Numbers 2 and 3, I dont agree with.

As for number 1, I can see his point, if you look 250.24 (A) (1) it states that the connection of the grounding electrode conductor shall be made at any accessible point from the load end of the service drop or lateral to and including the [I]terminal or bus which the grounded service conductor is connected[I]at the service disconnecting means.

Joe Villani

[nakulak]

Numbers 2 and 3, I dont agree with.

As for number 1, I can see his point, if you look 250.24 (A) (1) it states that the connection of the grounding electrode conductor shall be made at any accessible point from the load end of the service drop or lateral to and including the [I]terminal or bus which the grounded service conductor is connected[I]at the service disconnecting means.

Joe Villani

yeah, but it says at any accessible point, not at every accessible point ?

[LarryFine]

yeah, but it says at any accessible point, not at every accessible point ?
No, but his point is that, unless the GEC land directly on the neutral bus itself, by landing it on the EGC bus instead, the bus' mounting screws, the cabinet, and the bonding screw and/or jumper comprise splicing.

[j_erickson]

The Milford inspectors are up to it again, huh?:grin:

[quogueelectric]

Helped out a friend with a service change the other day. He had it inspected today. A few things the inspector wanted, agree? Disagree?

I know what I think...discuss!

1. #4 Cu must go to the neutral bar where the neutral is connected not the bar on the opposite side of the panel. "What if the bonding screw comes loose, you will lose your ground, you can't rely on just that screw"...."
"Just jump the two bars with a #6 and you're good"

*********I see his concern a lot of the new panels have neutral buss on both sides of the panels. However the bonding screw would have to come loose on everyone on the transformer for it to happen yet I have seen it happen but very rarely. I would either move the #4 or jump the buss to get through the inspection.

2. Install GFCI receptacle at panel. Or "if you want to use the existing basement receptacles to count as the "Required receptacle" you have to change them to GFCI."
***************
This is standard procedure for me there would have been an offset nipple to a handibox with a gfi receptacle screwed to the backboard this would not have been been an issue on final.

3. GEC has to connect to the street side of the meter. "I'll make it easy for you, just add a jumper around the meter and you'll be ok"
The GEC hit the pipe within 5' of entry and jumped across water meter already.
***********He just wanted it on the street side which is where it should be Not a big deal just move it a few feet. Btw was the jumper the old #6 jumper.

Also he mentioned that since the new AFCI requirements guys are installing fewer circuits in new homes. He will be checking to make sure you install as many circuits as the code requires. ******** Fair warning I tend to overdo anyway not a concern for me.

[electricmanscott]

******** Fair warning I tend to overdo anyway not a concern for me.

So how many circuits would I be required to have in a four bedroom, two bath, one laundry, living room, family room, kitchen, and two car garage. :-?

[electricmanscott]

Numbers 2 and 3, I dont agree with.

As for number 1, I can see his point, if you look 250.24 (A) (1) it states that the connection of the grounding electrode conductor shall be made at any accessible point from the load end of the service drop or lateral to and including the [I]terminal or bus which the grounded service conductor is connected[I]at the service disconnecting means.

Joe Villani


And that is exactly what was done. It is all bonded together.

[quogueelectric]

So how many circuits would I be required to have in a four bedroom, two bath, one laundry, living room, family room, kitchen, and two car garage. :-?
by me if there is no central air we need to install a dedicated 20 in each bedroom for a window shaker. I usually try to pick northmost walls as this provides the least light. It is hard to say can get very pricey. two baths can be doubled up but then you need lighting ckts for lts and fans. I never do bare minimum anyway. I usually pull at least 8ckts to a kitchen. 2 sabc 20/ 2 micro/fridge 2 dishwash/disposal 1 lightingusually undercounter and lots of recess cans. Some gas stoves have 20a plate warmer in them. Every house is different.

[iwire]

Fair warning I tend to overdo anyway .

It's easy to over design, the skill is knowing what you don't need. 8-)

[ITO]

Hmmm
[reads 90.4]
[looks at the inspector right in the eyes]
[says]"Yes sir I will get that taken care of, thanks for the heads up on the AFIs."
[gets back to work making the necessary revisions to the work to get a green tag]

It has never been profitable to argue or play one-ups-man-ship with the AJH, or and inspector. I don't care if they want my feeder conduit painted pink, if that's what is takes to pass inspection, then I will send out a case of pink paint and get my men started.

[stickboy1375]

It has never been profitable to argue or play one-ups-man-ship with the AJH, or and inspector. I don't care if they want my feeder conduit painted pink, if that's what is takes to pass inspection, then I will send out a case of pink paint and get my men started.

but... WHY? That means you have to do the same on every job! Why not just fix the problem to begin with?

[stickboy1375]

by me if there is no central air we need to install a dedicated 20 in each bedroom for a window shaker. I usually try to pick northmost walls as this provides the least light. It is hard to say can get very pricey. two baths can be doubled up but then you need lighting ckts for lts and fans. I never do bare minimum anyway. I usually pull at least 8ckts to a kitchen. 2 sabc 20/ 2 micro/fridge 2 dishwash/disposal 1 lightingusually undercounter and lots of recess cans. Some gas stoves have 20a plate warmer in them. Every house is different.


I guess I cant afford you... :roll:

[SmithBuilt]

It has never been profitable to argue or play one-ups-man-ship with the AJH, or and inspector.


But I like arguing with the inspector. I would have to find some other way to pass the time.

Seriously I'm of the opposite opinion. I try my best to do a job per code. If I have an inspector that wants things his way I have a problem with that. Foremost I did not bid the job to please him I bid it to meet code.

[cowboyjwc]

Remember, arguing with an inspector is like trying to teach a cat to fly. You soon discover that it's a waste of time and all your doing is annoying the cat.:D :grin:

[peter d]

I guess I cant afford you... :roll:

But why, don't you want to pay extra for all #12? :roll: ;)

[Pierre C Belarge]

Helped out a friend with a service change the other day. He had it inspected today. A few things the inspector wanted, agree? Disagree?

I know what I think...discuss!

1. #4 Cu must go to the neutral bar where the neutral is connected not the bar on the opposite side of the panel. "What if the bonding screw comes loose, you will lose your ground, you can't rely on just that screw"...."
"Just jump the two bars with a #6 and you're good"



2. Install GFCI receptacle at panel. Or "if you want to use the existing basement receptacles to count as the "Required receptacle" you have to change them to GFCI."

3. GEC has to connect to the street side of the meter. "I'll make it easy for you, just add a jumper around the meter and you'll be ok"
The GEC hit the pipe within 5' of entry and jumped across water meter already.

Also he mentioned that since the new AFCI requirements guys are installing fewer circuits in new homes. He will be checking to make sure you install as many circuits as the code requires.


I would think he was already aware of this before the advent of AFCIs.



1. Show him 250.24(A)(1) & (4)


2. That myth exists by us too. I have been telling many contractors it is not a code requirement...you should see their reactions. It may be a local law, so you should check for that.

3. GECs to the street side of a water meter is usually a utility requirement, it certainly is not an NEC requirement. Again, check for local laws.

[izak]

i know where a house is that is wired in #10 throughout, and the panel is filled with single pole 30 breakers....

go figure...

[peter d]

i know where a house is that is wired in #10 throughout, and the panel is filled with single pole 30 breakers....

go figure...

Do tell, you know you can't post something like that here without details. :D

[ultramegabob]

Do tell, you know you can't post something like that here without details. :D


thats worse than a house wired in UF

[electricmanscott]

Hmmm
[reads 90.4]
[looks at the inspector right in the eyes]
[says]"Yes sir I will get that taken care of, thanks for the heads up on the AFIs."
[gets back to work making the necessary revisions to the work to get a green tag]

It has never been profitable to argue or play one-ups-man-ship with the AJH, or and inspector. I don't care if they want my feeder conduit painted pink, if that's what is takes to pass inspection, then I will send out a case of pink paint and get my men started.


That is just sad.

[ITO]

Remember, arguing with an inspector is like trying to teach a cat to fly. You soon discover that it's a waste of time and all your doing is annoying the cat.:D :grin:

That is pretty much it, being right does not always work out like you think it should.

[e57]

Remember, arguing with an inspector is like trying to teach a cat to fly. You soon discover that it's a waste of time and all your doing is annoying the cat.:D :grin:

Love the analogy - disagree with the logic. For instance - we have a few newer inspectors here that have come up with some REALLY outlandish make-it-up-as-you-go-along-codes.... IMO if I give them one inch they will take a mile - next thing you know you're not working out of the NEC, or even local codes anymore. If I'm not the guy who stands up and calls them on their crap - everyone else just rolls over - the myth becomes law of the land. Then you're building to some whacked out standard that won't fly with the next inspector shows up, and all standardization falls through the floor - the earth rips away from its moorings and off into the aether we go....

Example: GFCI'ed bathroom lights was becoming the norm here just because they were now expecting it - finally made it a policy to drag them to the code book in my truck and ask them to find it.


I had an inspection many years ago with a then new Inspector wanting to have me replace an existing feeder because I did not leave a cable marking on it - there wasn't one there anyway.... She did not believe it was #1..... I showed her a piece of #2, and a piece of 1/0 - one bigger, one smaller than what was in the panel... She wants it "replaced"! At significant cost to either the company or customer.... So I called the boss who said - do not let her leave until you find a marking.... Why should we pay for another inspection, why allow her to leave, why allow her to quadruple the cost of the job? So after a 1/2 hour of looking I found one - DEEEP up in a very shallow 150 year old filthy crawl space - and I say "I got it right here!" - She says, "Oh I believe you...." I look at her and said - "Oh no you don't, you go up there and look at it. Here's my flashlight..." Sent her up there in the dress she showed up to the site in....:D

[augie47]

From an inspectors point of view, the thread tiltle is one that somewhat makes the hair on my neck stand :-) ... I just hate when an electrician asks "well, what do YOU want?" as if I have a special Code. I have spent many a year explaining that I "want nothing". I am there to see that the job complies with the NEC. If there is a question, we will look at the book, the National Electrical Code book, not MY book.

[stickboy1375]

But why, don't you want to pay extra for all #12? :roll: ;)


It's the #12 that makes it so much better... :roll: :grin:

[peter d]

It's the #12 that makes it so much better... :roll: :grin:

Not only the #12, but having two 42 circuits panels filled right up the brim with dedicated circuits as well. ;)

[quogueelectric]

It's easy to over design, the skill is knowing what you don't need. 8-)
The point I will try to get across is that I dont want a callback when the refrigerator compressor kicks on whille the toaster oven and microwave or cofeepot are being used.
They are used to paying 3000+ for electrical for a modern kitchen. The granite countertops and the cabinits alone will probably be 50 large. My customers are usually very rich and will not tolerate this kind of a minimal instalation it is just that it is where I live in a very wealthy resort area.
I dont want to be known as the bare minimum code instalation guy they do not exist around here. Rebuild for custom homes is figured at 600$ a square foot for insurance estimates.
I dont need to thread the cheapscate needle to make money here. They are here to enjoy the ocean for a 4 short months and are willing to pay not to be disrupted with nonsence.

[quogueelectric]

Remember, arguing with an inspector is like trying to teach a cat to fly. You soon discover that it's a waste of time and all your doing is annoying the cat.:D :grin:
Now that is probably the funniest post on the site. And so true I dont know why people want to urgue with the inspector over peanuts.

[e57]

I just hate when an electrician asks "well, what do YOU want?" as if I have a special Code.

Have you ever asked yourself WHY they ask that question?

You may not be the only inspector they deal with.

Hate saying - consider yourself a special and dying breed - most of the Inspectors I seem to deal with often seem to be going by memory - and often a faulty one, and get offended if you question their judgement. I don't think I am totally alone on the opinion. Like any other job - there are those who take it seriously, those who take it too seriously, and those who either don't care, or are incompetent.

[wbalsam1]

Have you ever asked yourself WHY they ask that question?

You may not be the only inspector they deal with.

Hate saying - consider yourself a special and dying breed - most of the Inspectors I seem to deal with often seem to be going by memory - and often a faulty one, ........

I know what you mean e57, why just the other day I fell down a flight of stairs on the job...stood up, brushed myself off, and asked the inspector trainee that was with me....."What was all that racket?"......:D

[stickboy1375]

And so true I dont know why people want to urgue with the inspector over peanuts.

Because its not peanuts were arguing about... Its usually our money! How would you feel if you installed every receptacle one direction, yet the inspector would not accept it, would you bow down and change them, or fight it?

[quogueelectric]

Because its not peanuts were arguing about... Its usually our money! How would you feel if you installed every receptacle one direction, yet the inspector would not accept it, would you bow down and change them, or fight it?
So you think you can make a cat fly??

[stickboy1375]

So you think you can make a cat fly??

You bet...
http://static.flickr.com/11/12752017_8bda6aec1c.jpg

[Minuteman]

When it's one of those "my way" things, that takes a little time and/or material - I leave the cat alone and just do it his way.

But, if it's a bunch of time and/or material - watch out for flying kitties!

[quogueelectric]

You bet...
http://static.flickr.com/11/12752017_8bda6aec1c.jpg
YOU. You are good!!!

[quogueelectric]

Because its not peanuts were arguing about... Its usually our money! How would you feel if you installed every receptacle one direction, yet the inspector would not accept it, would you bow down and change them, or fight it? This wouldnt have happened in a hospital or medical center per chance??

[e57]

So you think you can make a cat fly??
Hows that quote go? "If the milks sour, I'm not the kind of pussy who'll drink it"

Anyway back to the OP...
1. #4 Cu must go to the neutral bar where the neutral is connected not the bar on the opposite side of the panel. "What if the bonding screw comes loose, you will lose your ground, you can't rely on just that screw"...."
"Just jump the two bars with a #6 and you're good"Was this a CH panel or another type with two neutral bars - one on each side? And I'm assuming he was talking about the bonding screw listed for use with the panel?

2. Install GFCI receptacle at panel. Or "if you want to use the existing basement receptacles to count as the "Required receptacle" you have to change them to GFCI."
Required? What - at the panel? On that floor? Unfinished basement?

3. GEC has to connect to the street side of the meter. "I'll make it easy for you, just add a jumper around the meter and you'll be ok"
The GEC hit the pipe within 5' of entry and jumped across water meter already. Less than 10' of water pipe buried before the meter?

[electricmanscott]

1. Murray panel. Listed bonding screw installed just as it should be in this installation.

2. He "require" a rceptacle to be installed on a service upgrade because you are required to have a receptacle in the bsement.

3. Copper water pipe. No reason for his desire to have the wire hit the street side befor the meter other that he thinks it is required.

[electricmanscott]

I dont know why people want to urgue with the inspector over peanuts.


It is not peanuts, it is principal and self respect.

I don't get the mentality that you guys have that an inspector is somehow holier than thou. :rolleyes:

Many of these guys are failed tradesmen ( I know not all of them blah blah blah...) And the ones that are not are old coots that have not worked in the trade in years and spend most of the day in front of the TV.

No way in hell am I going to let some yahoo who probably hasn't seen a codebook in who knows how long let alone actually read it, dictate nonsense to me. I go out of may way to open the book every single day and take alot of time studying and keeping current with the code and trade.

Perhaps if inspector "I want" did the same we wouldn't have topics like this.

But hey, if you guys like working for free.....And you are if you do a code compliant job and then have to go back and make phantom corrections. Unless of course you bill the customer for that time in which case you are rippping them off.

[wbalsam1]

It is not peanuts, it is principal and self respect.

I don't get the mentality that you guys have that an inspector is somehow holier than thou. :rolleyes:

Many of these guys are failed tradesmen ( I know not all of them blah blah blah...) And the ones that are not are old coots that have not worked in the trade in years and spend most of the day in front of the TV.

No way in hell am I going to let some yahoo who probably hasn't seen a codebook in who knows how long let alone actually read it, dictate nonsense to me. I go out of may way to open the book every single day and take alot of time studying and keeping current with the code and trade.

Perhaps if inspector "I want" did the same we wouldn't have topics like this.

But hey, if you guys like working for free.....And you are if you do a code compliant job and then have to go back and make phantom corrections. Unless of course you bill the customer for that time in which case you are rippping them off.

1):.....Many of these guys are failed tradesmen ....
2):.....are old coots that have not worked in the trade in years and spend most of the day in front of the TV......
3):.....who probably hasn't seen a codebook in who knows how long let alone actually read it, dictate nonsense to me.......

Have you been vacationing in northern New York?.....:D

[j_erickson]

It is not peanuts, it is principal and self respect.

I don't get the mentality that you guys have that an inspector is somehow holier than thou. :rolleyes:

Many of these guys are failed tradesmen ( I know not all of them blah blah blah...) And the ones that are not are old coots that have not worked in the trade in years and spend most of the day in front of the TV.

No way in hell am I going to let some yahoo who probably hasn't seen a codebook in who knows how long let alone actually read it, dictate nonsense to me. I go out of may way to open the book every single day and take alot of time studying and keeping current with the code and trade.

Perhaps if inspector "I want" did the same we wouldn't have topics like this.

But hey, if you guys like working for free.....And you are if you do a code compliant job and then have to go back and make phantom corrections. Unless of course you bill the customer for that time in which case you are rippping them off.

Wow Scott, I couldn't agree more. Have you been eavesdropping on my conversations for the past 10 years?:D

[ITO]

Arguing over peanuts with an inspector is like running in the special Olympics, even if you win, you’re both still retards. Sorry, my principles are making money, keeping my guys busy, and gainfully employed. While pissing off the inspector by showing him how smart I am and how dumb he is has never really paid off that well for me and the bottom line is they have the final say.

When I got married the fist time my Grandfather told me to just give in, let her be right and do what she says, and it only took me three marriages and 18 years to figure out how good that advice really was. The same applies to inspectors, if you can talk with them and reason with them, then good for you, but don’t count on it so be prepared to just get the work done their way and move on to the next job or they will make your life hell.

Around here Ufer grounds have to be cad welded to the rebar in the slab, when you start getting all high and mighty on principle and one-ups-manship with the inspector, you might find yourself busting up concrete so he can verify you installed the Ufer as per local code. Yeah you can be right all you want, but it wont work like you think it should.

[peter d]

Perhaps if inspector "I want" did the same we wouldn't have topics like this.

There are a few other negative consequences to this as well.

1) EC's just avoid inspections alltogether

2) EC's add in extra time/materials to a bid price for the "I want" inspectors preferences, thus costing the customer extra money unnecessarily.

[cowboyjwc]

I'm an inspector and even I say "question the inspector."

Heck if I knew everything I would just pick the winning lottery numbers and not have to mess with you guys.

1. Failed contractor? Possible
2. Old coot. Not so much anymore
3. Haven't seen a code book? I've been to 5 update seminars this year alone. You?

Inspectors are no different than contractors, everyone has quirks and ways they like to see things. Like I've said before, a contractor asked me one time when we were all going to call it the same and I told him probably the same day you guys all install it the same.

Fly kitty fly. Oppps:D

[electricmanscott]

Final thought: I will never move to Texas.

[HighWirey]

Hmmm
[reads 90.4]
[looks at the inspector right in the eyes]
[says]"Yes sir I will get that taken care of, thanks for the heads up on the AFIs."
[gets back to work making the necessary revisions to the work to get a green tag]

It has never been profitable to argue or play one-ups-man-ship with the AJH, or and inspector. I don't care if they want my feeder conduit painted pink, if that's what is takes to pass inspection, then I will send out a case of pink paint and get my men started.

Took me a while to get over the 'pride thing - I'm correct, you are not'. I like the 'pink paint' analogy.

You must temper your response to an inspector's barbs vs the size of the project.

Smaller project: 1 quart
Larger project: 1 gallon
Big project: 100 gallons
Any size project with 'smoke shoveler' intervention: priceless . . .

Best Wishes Everyone

[ITO]

To be fair we have some good inspectors who will reason with you, and who in my opinion are very professional, and then we have my "favorite inspector" who likes to read "approved and permitted" plans to make sure I am not making any deviations from what was "approved and permitted".

When I first started out I had the same pride thing, it took a lot of cash and busted concrete to figure it out.

[HighWirey]

To be fair we have some good inspectors who will reason with you, and who in my opinion are very professional, and then we have my "favorite inspector" who likes to read "approved and permitted" plans to make sure I am not making any deviations from what was "approved and permitted".

When I first started out I had the same pride thing, it took a lot of cash and busted concrete to figure it out.

Yes sir,

Most of my inspectors were great.

The first step on any project should be to have a coffee 'sit down' with your inspector, talk about the project scope, explain that you are here to build a safe, spec and code compliant project. If you see me doing anything that upsets your sensitivity, lets speak before you write it up. (we all know that a squalk will migrate to half the folks on our planet)

That 'coffee' hour will pay dividends . . .

[peter d]

I sure am glad that inspectors here look for code compliance and nothing else.

[billsnuff]

i can't believe this got by without comment........

thats worse than a house wired in UF

Was it an EARTH HOME?????????:grin: :grin:

[HighWirey]

I sure am glad that inspectors here look for code compliance and nothing else.

I am not especialy perceptive, but think you are being factious here. No?

[peter d]

I am not especialy perceptive, but think you are being factious here. No?

Not at all. :)

Here, inspectors enforce the NEC and nothing else.

Enforcing plans and job specs is up to the building representative, architect, or engineer or any combination of those.

So, for a real life example, let's say the job specs call for all feeders to be in EMT, and the EC goes ahead and substitutes MC cable instead. The inspector will not fail the job as long as the MC cable is run and sized in code compliant manner. However, the arch./engineer or whoever can make the EC rip out all of the MC feeders and replace them with EMT to meet the job spec.

[hardworkingstiff]

From an inspectors point of view, the thread tiltle is one that somewhat makes the hair on my neck stand :-) ... I just hate when an electrician asks "well, what do YOU want?" as if I have a special Code. I have spent many a year explaining that I "want nothing". I am there to see that the job complies with the NEC. If there is a question, we will look at the book, the National Electrical Code book, not MY book.

I work in areas that the inspectors are well educated and in areas that inspectors are, well let's just say I wouldn't let them wire anything for me. I have found that most all of them are just trying to do their job to the best of their ability. If they know more than I do, they teach me. If we disagree, we learn together. I try to install better than or to the NEC minimum. If I am ignorant on something and the inspector teaches me, I feel blessed.

[LarryFine]

So, for a real life example, let's say the job specs call for all feeders to be in EMT, and the EC goes ahead and substitutes MC cable instead. The inspector will not fail the job as long as the MC cable is run and sized in code compliant manner. However, the arch./engineer or whoever can make the EC rip out all of the MC feeders and replace them with EMT to meet the job spec.
Of course, the inspector will wonder why he has to reinspect something he's already passed. :-?