Some of these threads talk about electrical inspectors as if they were some sort of autocratic monster. I have been an electrical inspector, and later a building official. I, of course, never make mistakes. (if you believe this....) If you approach me without venom, I will respond in kind. The best way to approach is to ask for education. Ask: "Could you please show me where I am making my mistake in reading this code section?" I have reversed myself in the field, and apologized to all concerned. Usually, when I've been wrong, however, I discover it months or years later, on my own. If the electrician does not challenge me, I continue to be wrong until I run across the same or similiar problem in a seminar or my own study.
Dealing with inspectors
- Thread starter earlydean
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charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Dealing with inspectors
You are saying that and giving the impression (OK, that is the way I am reading it) that you are a special case . . . I assure you that you are not. Most inspectors are willing to look at the situation and the Code and work with the electrician (I know this from my own experience). They are just people who are doing their job and trying to make every installation safe.
In light of the above statement, that is why I always say, "The inspector is always correct." They are correct in trying to get a safe job.
You are saying that and giving the impression (OK, that is the way I am reading it) that you are a special case . . . I assure you that you are not. Most inspectors are willing to look at the situation and the Code and work with the electrician (I know this from my own experience). They are just people who are doing their job and trying to make every installation safe.
In light of the above statement, that is why I always say, "The inspector is always correct." They are correct in trying to get a safe job.
Re: Dealing with inspectors
I know I am not anything special. That is not the impression I was trying to make. Most inspectors are willing to listen, and they know that they are sometimes wrong. There are inspectors out there who are terrible! But, they are the minority, thank goodness.
I know I am not anything special. That is not the impression I was trying to make. Most inspectors are willing to listen, and they know that they are sometimes wrong. There are inspectors out there who are terrible! But, they are the minority, thank goodness.
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Dealing with inspectors
Dean, one of the problems of putting things in writing instead of talking face to face is trying to assume inflections, facial clues, body language, etc. I hope you did not take my comments as a put down to you, I really did not mean to do that. It was my intent to encourage everyone to look at the inspector as a person who is trying to do their job and enforce the Code. By doing that they are advancing safety.
I apologize for any put down or insult, it was not intended.
Dean, one of the problems of putting things in writing instead of talking face to face is trying to assume inflections, facial clues, body language, etc. I hope you did not take my comments as a put down to you, I really did not mean to do that. It was my intent to encourage everyone to look at the inspector as a person who is trying to do their job and enforce the Code. By doing that they are advancing safety.
I apologize for any put down or insult, it was not intended.
pappysparks
Member
Re: Dealing with inspectors
I fully agree with Charlie,I've been in this trade since 1957,so I have seen a lot of inspectors.I have always found if you work with them they will work with you.Just my two cents worth.
I fully agree with Charlie,I've been in this trade since 1957,so I have seen a lot of inspectors.I have always found if you work with them they will work with you.Just my two cents worth.
brian john
Senior Member
- Location
- Leesburg, VA
Re: Dealing with inspectors
As in EVERY JOB there are good, bad and the ugly and hopefully the good out way all the rest. Most of the problems I have with inspectors is MOST have a lack of time to do a complete job. An knowable inspector has always been seen as a benefit by me.
There is no way an inspector can do all that is required of him/her in the allotted time. Multiple 12 story high rises in one day, multiple track homes, and (at least around here) they almost NEVER check licenses. I have been licensed since the EXACT day the law allowed in 1972. I have never been asked for a license.
I think more inspectors and enforce the licencing laws would be a big improvement.
As in EVERY JOB there are good, bad and the ugly and hopefully the good out way all the rest. Most of the problems I have with inspectors is MOST have a lack of time to do a complete job. An knowable inspector has always been seen as a benefit by me.
There is no way an inspector can do all that is required of him/her in the allotted time. Multiple 12 story high rises in one day, multiple track homes, and (at least around here) they almost NEVER check licenses. I have been licensed since the EXACT day the law allowed in 1972. I have never been asked for a license.
I think more inspectors and enforce the licencing laws would be a big improvement.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Re: Dealing with inspectors
Brain I know all areas are different but for me in this area the inspector only looks at a license when getting a permit.
We have licensing investigators that handle license checks.
When they come on site they check all the licenses and apprentice cards.
But truth be known in 20 years I have only seen them on the job 3 times.
Brain I know all areas are different but for me in this area the inspector only looks at a license when getting a permit.
We have licensing investigators that handle license checks.
When they come on site they check all the licenses and apprentice cards.
But truth be known in 20 years I have only seen them on the job 3 times.
rickg
Member
- Location
- Rhode Island
Re: Dealing with inspectors
earlydean, I know EXACTLY what you are saying.
Where do you inspect? I do two small towns with populations of 26,000 & 7,000. Both are part time and are supposed to be (and have been in the past) 3 - 4 hours a day. Almost overnight they have turned into 7 - 8 hours daily (7 months ago) with no end in sight. Our department heads are going after extra $ for salaries. The monies are coming in, but were not budgeted for our departments. It is just plain crazy here!
earlydean, I know EXACTLY what you are saying.
Where do you inspect? I do two small towns with populations of 26,000 & 7,000. Both are part time and are supposed to be (and have been in the past) 3 - 4 hours a day. Almost overnight they have turned into 7 - 8 hours daily (7 months ago) with no end in sight. Our department heads are going after extra $ for salaries. The monies are coming in, but were not budgeted for our departments. It is just plain crazy here!
pierre
Senior Member
- Location
- Westchester County, New York
Re: Dealing with inspectors
Earl
I am in agreement with you, it is always the case that one bad apple spoils the bunch.
Today the general responsibilities of the inspector are not too much different, but their daily routines are much harder, and the job is much different than in the past.
The industry is expanding in leaps and bounds, so how can an inspection be performed in its entirety? I do not have the answer, but I do have suggestions.
1. Pay an inspector more money, so as to attract more for the job position.
2. Hire more inspectors.
3. Train inspectors, so they can keep up with this expanding industry.
4. Charge more for the inspections. This will permit the agencies to pay them more and they will also be able to hire more.
We pay $50 for a standard inspection, that usually includes two trips at the least for a job. How in todays world can anybody, agency or whatever make any money with $50 per inspection is beyond me.
I know there are some who gripe about the cost of inspections today, but I stand firm in saying they are ... . If in business or a homeowner who is performing their own work, would you not want a thorough inspection?, and would you work for the kind of money an inspector is generally paid?
Would inspectors take classes? I am in the process of training the inspectors from our jurisdiction as we speak. I designed the class for 3 hours per week, for 5 weeks. The inspectors have requested me to expand it to 4 hours per week, for 6 months. And they are all doing their homework. I am pleasently surprised and the men in the field have all noticed the change, as these classes have been in session for 6 weeks already. By the way, we do these classes at night on their own time!
There are some who do not want a more thorough inspection, my belief is that it would be great for all who do a good job already, and it might even out the 'playing' field for the guys who are not fond of a thorough inspection.
Pierre
Earl
I am in agreement with you, it is always the case that one bad apple spoils the bunch.
Today the general responsibilities of the inspector are not too much different, but their daily routines are much harder, and the job is much different than in the past.
The industry is expanding in leaps and bounds, so how can an inspection be performed in its entirety? I do not have the answer, but I do have suggestions.
1. Pay an inspector more money, so as to attract more for the job position.
2. Hire more inspectors.
3. Train inspectors, so they can keep up with this expanding industry.
4. Charge more for the inspections. This will permit the agencies to pay them more and they will also be able to hire more.
We pay $50 for a standard inspection, that usually includes two trips at the least for a job. How in todays world can anybody, agency or whatever make any money with $50 per inspection is beyond me.
I know there are some who gripe about the cost of inspections today, but I stand firm in saying they are ... . If in business or a homeowner who is performing their own work, would you not want a thorough inspection?, and would you work for the kind of money an inspector is generally paid?
Would inspectors take classes? I am in the process of training the inspectors from our jurisdiction as we speak. I designed the class for 3 hours per week, for 5 weeks. The inspectors have requested me to expand it to 4 hours per week, for 6 months. And they are all doing their homework. I am pleasently surprised and the men in the field have all noticed the change, as these classes have been in session for 6 weeks already. By the way, we do these classes at night on their own time!
There are some who do not want a more thorough inspection, my belief is that it would be great for all who do a good job already, and it might even out the 'playing' field for the guys who are not fond of a thorough inspection.
Pierre
russellroberts
Senior Member
- Location
- Georgia
Re: Dealing with inspectors
We don't have permits or inspections in my home county or surrounding counties in Ga. I would dearly love to see enforcement but it's left up to the counties to do it.
I do work for an EC/Plumbing contractor in NC sometimes,and all the work is permitted/inspected. We deal with 4 different inspectors there and they are good ones. If you have questions they do their best to answer them.
They are real good about taking a few minutes to resolve any problems or sitting down to discuss their interpretations with you and will listen to your point of view.
Most inspectors are just like anyone else,they'll treat you as well as you treat them,and are after the same thing you are,a good safe,code compliant job.
Russell
We don't have permits or inspections in my home county or surrounding counties in Ga. I would dearly love to see enforcement but it's left up to the counties to do it.
I do work for an EC/Plumbing contractor in NC sometimes,and all the work is permitted/inspected. We deal with 4 different inspectors there and they are good ones. If you have questions they do their best to answer them.
They are real good about taking a few minutes to resolve any problems or sitting down to discuss their interpretations with you and will listen to your point of view.
Most inspectors are just like anyone else,they'll treat you as well as you treat them,and are after the same thing you are,a good safe,code compliant job.
Russell
bill addiss
Senior Member
Re: Dealing with inspectors
I don't see mention of it here in this thread, but it first has to be realized that there are a number of different situations out there regarding people doing Electrical Inspections.
By that I mean who they work for, what their specific job duties, qualifications, motivations and personal Liabilities are. The possible solutions are going to be different. It's hard to discuss a subject like this without mixing Apples and Oranges.
Bill
I don't see mention of it here in this thread, but it first has to be realized that there are a number of different situations out there regarding people doing Electrical Inspections.
By that I mean who they work for, what their specific job duties, qualifications, motivations and personal Liabilities are. The possible solutions are going to be different. It's hard to discuss a subject like this without mixing Apples and Oranges.
Bill
karl riley
Senior Member
Re: Dealing with inspectors
Bill, I agree. Inspectors are people with varying degrees of electrical and Code knowledge. Some are full time, some come in at the end of a day after a full day as an electrician and they just want to get home. Some are experienced and helpful, some are fairly ignorant and have ego problems. Just people.
I think the main point is to have a positive attitude and politely ask for the Code reference if you have been Code compliant but the AHJ has turned you down.
Karl
Bill, I agree. Inspectors are people with varying degrees of electrical and Code knowledge. Some are full time, some come in at the end of a day after a full day as an electrician and they just want to get home. Some are experienced and helpful, some are fairly ignorant and have ego problems. Just people.
I think the main point is to have a positive attitude and politely ask for the Code reference if you have been Code compliant but the AHJ has turned you down.
Karl
bill addiss
Senior Member
Re: Dealing with inspectors
Karl,
Yes, besides that some are city employees, some work for private agencies, some get paid by the hour and some by the job. Some can be personally held liable for their actions and some cannot.
A lot of different situations and different types of people.
Bill
Karl,
Yes, besides that some are city employees, some work for private agencies, some get paid by the hour and some by the job. Some can be personally held liable for their actions and some cannot.
A lot of different situations and different types of people.
Bill
electricman2
Senior Member
- Location
- North Carolina
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Re: Dealing with inspectors
I have found this from experience that one of the best things I can have going for me as a contractor is a good working relationship with the inspector in my area. It makes the job easier.
He can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Most of the time the choice is yours.
I have found this from experience that one of the best things I can have going for me as a contractor is a good working relationship with the inspector in my area. It makes the job easier.
He can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Most of the time the choice is yours.
bill addiss
Senior Member
Re: Dealing with inspectors
Bill
Good advice John.
Bill
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