Arguing with the electrical inspector
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allenwayne
Senior Member
I have had my share of inspector run ins over the years and I have learned a few things.#1 have your ducks lined up #2 make sure that you know what you are disputing and #3 If the inspector still insists that they are correct the last choice is to go over thier head.Future inspections can and will be a nightmare.I have gone that route but did it with diplomacy.Call the superior and explain the situation,most will understand.I have had the chief even tell me that they will talk to the inspector and as it was it worked out fine.Remember that all inspectors are human and do make mistakes just as we do but to call them on the carpet can create some future BIG problems.An drop of honey can create a bucket of either dispair or if done right a bucket of respect.I even had an inspector appoligize to me for all the tags he wrote 3 years ago saying that he was just overzealous.I told him that we all have our days and now he will call me on minor corrections and we have a great relationship.So just be tactfull and things will go great.Usually !!!!!
electric_instructor
Senior Member
Inspectors?
Inspectors?
I have been an electrician for 26 years, I have worked for many contractors, as well as BEEN a contractor. I have found that seldom is an inspector wrong, VERY seldom. Maybe I've just been lucky/unlucky?
In any event, I have found that to boldly stand face to face, and argue, usually gained me NOTHING!
Here, in Texas, the STATE recently took over the licensing of electricians. However, cities are STILL allowed to make amendments to the "state adopted" 2005 NEC. In other words, some cities STILL only enforce the 96 codes, and others enforce the 2005 code PLUS have added local City amendments! Dallas recently allowed MORE then six motions of the hand, for service disconnects!
Even though most smaller cities utilize multi-trade inspectors, I have found MOST of them to be knowledgable about the electrical codes, and have VERY seldom found good reason to argue with any of them.
I have been "red tagged" very few times, BUT when I was, it was USUALLY MY mistake! I feel that MOST contractors are simply too proud, to admit that they, (or their employees) failed to follow the codes, local, county, state, or national.
I also believe that MANY cities employ inspectors, who are knowledgable, and know the codes, YET they FAIL to "back up" and support the inspector and instead find in favor of the contractors for purely political/monitary reasons. In this case, it DEFEATS the whole purpose of the inspection process! I have seen it work BOTH ways. And I stand behind the inspectors! OTHERWISE who would regulate all of the "FREELANCERS" and "shadetree" electricians out there! The inspector SHOULD be considered our FRIEND, since he/she weeds out the dumbasses. I believe that "GOOD" contractors, who perform quality work SELDOM have problems with ANY inspector!
Inspectors?
I have been an electrician for 26 years, I have worked for many contractors, as well as BEEN a contractor. I have found that seldom is an inspector wrong, VERY seldom. Maybe I've just been lucky/unlucky?
In any event, I have found that to boldly stand face to face, and argue, usually gained me NOTHING!
Here, in Texas, the STATE recently took over the licensing of electricians. However, cities are STILL allowed to make amendments to the "state adopted" 2005 NEC. In other words, some cities STILL only enforce the 96 codes, and others enforce the 2005 code PLUS have added local City amendments! Dallas recently allowed MORE then six motions of the hand, for service disconnects!
Even though most smaller cities utilize multi-trade inspectors, I have found MOST of them to be knowledgable about the electrical codes, and have VERY seldom found good reason to argue with any of them.
I have been "red tagged" very few times, BUT when I was, it was USUALLY MY mistake! I feel that MOST contractors are simply too proud, to admit that they, (or their employees) failed to follow the codes, local, county, state, or national.
I also believe that MANY cities employ inspectors, who are knowledgable, and know the codes, YET they FAIL to "back up" and support the inspector and instead find in favor of the contractors for purely political/monitary reasons. In this case, it DEFEATS the whole purpose of the inspection process! I have seen it work BOTH ways. And I stand behind the inspectors! OTHERWISE who would regulate all of the "FREELANCERS" and "shadetree" electricians out there! The inspector SHOULD be considered our FRIEND, since he/she weeds out the dumbasses. I believe that "GOOD" contractors, who perform quality work SELDOM have problems with ANY inspector!
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