Is there a time limitation that an inspector has to notify a failed inspection?

G

Gsaparky

Member
Location
Massachusetts
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
I recently had an inspection for a small residential bathroom remodel on 2/14/25. I just received an email on 2/24/25, directing me to the online portal for the inspection results. The results stated that it failed the rough inspection due to missing nail plates on 2X3 walls. My electrician says that he offset the holes per 300.5 I believe requiring 1.25". The project has progressed after 10 days from the inspection. The walls are boarded, plastered and painted. He is not one of the most reasonable inspectors around so I have not reached out to him yet. I would rather know my rights first. He is also part time and he does not work on the day that I first received the notice. I have looked but have not found anything for Massachusetts or NEC that states how much time he has to respond to an inspection. I tried to reach out to the Board of Electrical Contractor in Massachusetts but keep getting redirected. An input?
 
Gsaparky said:
The results stated that it failed the rough inspection due to missing nail plates on 2X3 walls.
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You cannot bore a hole in a 2X3 and still be at least 1.25" from each stud face so the nail protection is required. Are you saying that the walls are now closed without the protection in place?
 
Gsaparky said:
I recently had an inspection for a small residential bathroom remodel on 2/14/25. I just received an email on 2/24/25, directing me to the online portal for the inspection results. The results stated that it failed the rough inspection due to missing nail plates on 2X3 walls. My electrician says that he offset the holes per 300.5 I believe requiring 1.25". The project has progressed after 10 days from the inspection. The walls are boarded, plastered and painted. He is not one of the most reasonable inspectors around
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Sounds familiar, its rule 10 they have 72 hours from the time you request to inspect but if you fail you can't cover until approved and if you do not have someone present to meet the inspector onsite you may not get the results for a while. We always make sure someone can meet the inspector onsite, for something like a missed nail plate many will accept a photo of the correction.
 
retirede said:
Rough in shouldn’t be covered up until you get approval. I’d think that would be the GC’s responsibility.
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Often on a small remodel the only permit is electrical, perhaps plumbing so if there even is a GC its a kitchen & bath company they don't really manage like a new construction GC does.
 
Protector plate would have to be used as you are not going to get the 1.25" centered on 2x3 walls, would have to offset at best to only have to use protector plate on one side only. The 1.25" is to the edge of the hole not just the wire. Can't close walls until you get an affirmative pass not just a non response of failure. Inspector would be within his right to say "open up the walls for reinspection and confirmation of compliance".
 
retirede said:
My guess is that since it’s a remodel, the opposite wall was intact so the guy bored the holes towards that wall to keep it 1-1/4 from the open side. If so, it’s still a violation, IMO.
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Are you saying that in a remodel situation like that, with only one side of the wall open, you must bore your holes at least 1-1/4" from the closed side? Because you can't install the nail plate on the closed side?

Seems like at least 80% of the rule is for hanging the wall covering, so 1-1/4" from the open side would suffice for that. 10%+ of the rule is for future picture hanging. : - )

Cheers, Wayne
 
I agree, I usually get a notification the next day with all my online inspectional portals. Last week was a school vacation so I am guessing that he went away for the week.
 
wwhitney said:
Are you saying that in a remodel situation like that, with only one side of the wall open, you must bore your holes at least 1-1/4" from the closed side? Because you can't install the nail plate on the closed side?
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Done this way all the time on a remodel, most practical way to meet the code requirement.
1740568753328.png
(image from NFPA link)

wwhitney said:
Seems like at least 80% of the rule is for hanging the wall covering, so 1-1/4" from the open side would suffice for that. 10%+ of the rule is for future picture hanging. : - )
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Given exception 1 of 300.4(A)(1) it would seem to be the case. Was told the 1.25" also applied to were the cable runs up a 2 by stud and the back edge of a box exit of the cable. Never seen back of box one called out but given the at times, poor aim by the rockers, it would seem to make sense.

Knew one guy hanging rock that could hit a floating piece of MC blind in a wall and drive the screw into the MC shorting it out, not just once but multiple times.
 
Fred B said:
Done this way all the time on a remodel, most practical way to meet the code requirement.
View attachment 2575837
(image from NFPA link)


Given exception 1 of 300.4(A)(1) it would seem to be the case. Was told the 1.25" also applied to were the cable runs up a 2 by stud and the back edge of a box exit of the cable. Never seen back of box one called out but given the at times, poor aim by the rockers, it would seem to make sense.

Knew one guy hanging rock that could hit a floating piece of MC blind in a wall and drive the screw into the MC shorting it out, not just once but multiple times.
Click to expand...
 
Yes I am aware of the rule, I had one of my electricians on site, I am told it was already a bored hole, and yes it still should have had a nail plate. My question was regarding the time frame of notice of failed inspection.
 
jaggedben said:
If there were corrections on a rough inspection I would at least expect the inspector to tell someone on site that it failed. If no responsible person was on site that's on the contractor. Honestly baffled you didn't find out right away.
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If you are having an ELECTRICAL inspection then if there isn't a responsible electrical representative on site I am of the opinion that is on the Electrical Contractor, not the overall contractor.
 
Gsaparky said:
Yes I am aware of the rule, I had one of my electricians on site, I am told it was already a bored hole, and yes it still should have had a nail plate. My question was regarding the time frame of notice of failed inspection.
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The NEC does not have anything to say about inspections, it would be a local issue.

Unfortunately the cost of the repair is probably on you.
 
wwhitney said:
Are you saying that in a remodel situation like that, with only one side of the wall open, you must bore your holes at least 1-1/4" from the closed side? Because you can't install the nail plate on the closed side?

Seems like at least 80% of the rule is for hanging the wall covering, so 1-1/4" from the open side would suffice for that. 10%+ of the rule is for future picture hanging. : - )

Cheers, Wayne
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My interpretation is that any surface of the stud within 1-1/4” of the hole requires a nail plate. Just because a stud surface already has drywall attached before drilling the hole doesn’t relieve the requirement.
 
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