Failed my inspection today…

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sparky1118

sparky1118

Senior Member
Location
Massachusetts
Occupation
Master Electrician
I’ve been wiring a house on an island for the past few weeks. Turns out I failed the rough inspection. For two reason first one was the kitchen counter outlet was within 24” of the kitchen sink. The second one was I used SER cable for the service. The ceilings in the basement are fairly high for around here. They are about 8’ ceilings. I came in with my SER installed plywood to the wall and secured the SER before it entered the panel. However since it is in about 2-3’ of contact with the cement foundation before it hits the plywood that is against code and said I need to install a 2x4 going vertical to protect the SER from touching the foundation…. I knew he would find something to fail me for since I’m an out of town electrician.


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I think that from what you have described the 2x4 thing is bogus. Do you have any photos?
 
210.52(C)(1) indicates it must be within 24" of sink. If countertop is 12" or wider. And references figure 210.52(C)(1).
 
sparky1118 said:
I’ve been wiring a house on an island for the past few weeks. Turns out I failed the rough inspection. For two reason first one was the kitchen counter outlet was within 24” of the kitchen sink. The second one was I used SER cable for the service. The ceilings in the basement are fairly high for around here. They are about 8’ ceilings. I came in with my SER installed plywood to the wall and secured the SER before it entered the panel. However since it is in about 2-3’ of contact with the cement foundation before it hits the plywood that is against code and said I need to install a 2x4 going vertical to protect the SER from touching the foundation…. I knew he would find something to fail me for since I’m an out of town electrician.


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Fix them both make him happy and move on.
If you're right and prove him wrong how tough do you think the final will be.....
 
qcroanoke said:
Fix them both make him happy and move on.
If you're right and prove him wrong how tough do you think the final will be.....
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Very bad advise! If your work meets NEC and local code requrements tell the inspector you will not fix anything. Caving in to inspectors making up thier own rules just encourages them to make up more stuff.
 
sparky1118 said:
I’ve been wiring a house on an island for the past few weeks. Turns out I failed the rough inspection. For two reason first one was the kitchen counter outlet was within 24” of the kitchen sink. The second one was I used SER cable for the service. The ceilings in the basement are fairly high for around here. They are about 8’ ceilings. I came in with my SER installed plywood to the wall and secured the SER before it entered the panel. However since it is in about 2-3’ of contact with the cement foundation before it hits the plywood that is against code and said I need to install a 2x4 going vertical to protect the SER from touching the foundation…. I knew he would find something to fail me for since I’m an out of town electrician.


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code reference for that supposed SER violation please?
 
curt swartz said:
Very bad advise! If your work meets NEC and local code requrements tell the inspector you will not fix anything. Caving in to inspectors making up thier own rules just encourages them to make up more stuff.
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I agree but he will get me for something I’m sure on the finish and it’s a 45 minute boat ride to get there


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sparky1118 said:
No I said it correctly he said it was WITHIN 24”. He wants it further away from the sink


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A different inspector will show up and fail you on the final because the receptacle is to far from the sink.

I think you should do it in a nice way but you should point out that what he wants is to create a code violation.
 
I would politely show him the code section about counter receptacles, that they HAVE TO BE WITHIN 24" OF A SINK!
Unless there is a local amendment, SER is allowed exposed outdoors. So why would touching a concrete wall in a basement be a violation.
Boat ride or not, I couldn't let this go.
Even if there was a code against placing SER cable against a wall, our inspectors here would just pass the inspection and tell us to add the board.
Your inspector could either have you send them a pic, or they would see on final that the board was added, and go ahead and pass you.
 
Many inspectors are just like any other authorities.. They abuse their power and throw their weight around according to their whims. I've seen a few that need some street justice. They are almost in the same league with cops who steal money and property under "civil" forfeiture.

My respect for authority has diminished a great deal over the years. It was already moderate on a good day.
 
If I had an inspector try to fail me for having an outlet within 24" of a sink, he is going to leave the property instantly or else. And his boss would hear from me right after that. I don't expect inspectors to get everything 100% right all the time, but that measurement is electrical 101 level. I don't tolerate inspectors who are not real electricians.
 
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