Is this the usual MO?

[jjhoward]

I have completed a residential service upgrade, 200 amp service with a 3 gang meter pan. This is a 2 family house in Newark , NJ. One meter for each apt. + 1 house meter. Called for an inspection...

Response from the inspector, "OK, 11:30 to 1:00, have the covers off all the panels, covers off of any troughs. I can't sign off if I can't see inside".

I am not normally at my jobs during the inspections. I think that since this homeowner has paid $305 for this permit, the inspector could break out a screw driver and open the panels.

Is this a normal request anywhere else?

I don't do many jobs in Newark.

Thank you.

 

[nolabama]

not in jersey - but inspectors in here wont touch anything if they dont want to - you better open things for them if you want to pass here

 

[NolaTigaBait]

depends on the inspector...soem just take my word for it and some want to see inside...i got one job inspected and i wasn't there...he couldn't see the gec ( i fished it up the wall with the feeder) and he failed me...he didn't bother to break out the screwdriver which would have taken him all of about 10 seconds

 

[NolaTigaBait]

sup, nola...how's things in the no

 

[mdshunk]

I think general courtesy dictates that you have covers off, but most inspectors I deal with have a 10-in-1 or an electric screwdriver in their back pocket too. How'd you like to be an inspector on a commercial job, spending 1/2 an hour taking covers off and putting them back on? If I'm not going to be around when the inspector comes, I'll put just 2 screws loosely in the covers, just for appearance's sake.

 

[jjhoward]

Marc,
I agree, a commmercial job could be a real effort to open up some big switch gear.

This is a residence, with 2-12/24 panels and 1-20/40 panel all next to each other.

12 screws total, no trough to open, the 3-gang meter pan has removable covers.

I guess he is really busy.

 

[mdshunk]

I guess he is really busy.

Seriously brother, how much can you really expect from a government employee?

 

[stickboy1375]

YOu guys would die if you saw an inspection out where I work. Fist off the guy that shows up is an ex-builder, then they usually just chit-chat with ya, but they do make sure firecaulk is in place and ground rods installed. pretty much about it.

 

[peter d]

YOu guys would die if you saw an inspection out where I work. Fist off the guy that shows up is an ex-builder, then they usually just chit-chat with ya, but they do make sure firecaulk is in place and ground rods installed. pretty much about it.

Yeah, gotta love the small towns.

 

[mdshunk]

Yeah, gotta love the small towns.

I'm not psychic, but I might guess it's also a 3rd party inspection agency. That's sorta their MO.

 

[peter d]

I'm not psychic, but I might guess it's also a 3rd party inspection agency. That's sorta their MO.

No 3rd party ones in Connecticut.. all government employees..but there are many combination inspectors. I've witnessed a similar inspection in CT where the inspector didn't appear to know the slightest thing about electrical work!

 

[stickboy1375]

I'm not psychic, but I might guess it's also a 3rd party inspection agency. That's sorta their MO.

Not out here... This is the real deal, I know all the inspectors in my area, and they are all the same.

 

[infinity]

I don't know about Newark but in the smaller towns and cities I've never opened anything for an inspection. We're usually not even present at a final. They typically take place long after the job is done so the HO, Realtor or GC is there. Had a few finals for service upgrades on empty houses being sold where I left the key on the meter pan and the EI let himself in. Some of those guys are real gentlemen. I think that it's reasonable to assume that he can remove a few screws to perform an inspection if needed.

 

[ctmike]

No 3rd party ones in Connecticut.. all government employees..but there are many combination inspectors. I've witnessed a similar inspection in CT where the inspector didn't appear to know the slightest thing about electrical work!

I have had 3rd party (sub contractors for the town) in Ct and all of the combination inspectors though they have passed thier exams tend to focus more on thier own specialty. After an inspector gets to know you and your work the inspections either get easier or harder

 

[peter d]

I have had 3rd party (sub contractors for the town) in Ct and all of the combination inspectors though they have passed thier exams tend to focus more on thier own specialty. After an inspector gets to know you and your work the inspections either get easier or harder

Really? Well I learned something today. I did not know that CT used 3rd party inspection services. What part of Ct are we talking about here?

 

[ctmike]

I have seen him in branford on a couple of jobs told me they cover vactions extened sick leave etc

 

[emahler]

Really? Well I learned something today. I did not know that CT used 3rd party inspection services. What part of Ct are we talking about here?

if you were a master since you were 3 yrs old, you would have known this...but since you only started at 4, you obviously know nothing...

 

[peter d]

if you were a master since you were 3 yrs old, you would have known this...but since you only started at 4, you obviously know nothing...

Right...you are on to me. I am actually just a trunk slamming hack who can't even wire a single pole switch and a light.

 

[stickboy1375]

I have seen him in branford on a couple of jobs told me they cover vactions extened sick leave etc

Are you sure they are not from the next town over? Thats how they roll in the northwest of CT, they just cover for each other since the towns are big, but not very populated.

 

[ctmike]

Are you sure they are not from the next town over? Thats how they roll in the northeast of CT, they just cover for each other since the towns are big, but not very populated.

I would have recognized him if he was from a neighboring town
I asked him straight out I hadnt seen him in other towns and he told me it was "day work" i belive was his term .