trouble with an inspector

Status
Not open for further replies.
D

drwill

Member
Recently I met with the head building official and the inspector who failed my inspection.I needed some clarification and did not mean to or evan present myself as to embaress him but somehow offense was taken. On each of the subsequent inspections he has found somthing wrong.ie, switch beside door that leads from master bedroom to back porch that if door is left open is behinnd door, cited redily accesible as the reason, and last inspection today was because I didn't have any NO-LOX on my aluminum wires(he said that this was a code requirement, and that he didn't have time to look it up)what code is this guys, any help with these would be helpful. Plus how do you deal with the few bad inspectors out there that have somthinng to prove.

Thanks will D
 
Re: trouble with an inspector

I had a similar experience with a city a few years ago. At first I don't think they were picking on me, just asking for things which were beyond the code. I would say to them, I agree it may be a good idea, but since it is not in the code, I am not required to do that. However, I am still learning, so if you will be so kind to show me in the NEC, I will make the change. On one occasion, I was turned down because my ground rod was not all the way in the ground. (Maybe 1 inch up). The next time I was turned down because they could not see the top of my ground rod! Finally I said this is enough, I went to city hall and found the Chief Inspector's boss and talked with him. He took the side of the inspector. Things did not get better after that, but all the inspectors in the city knew who I was. I began meeting the inspectors at the job with my code book in hand. They soon learned I knew my code book and my work showed it! In the event they found a deficiency, I would not argue, I would make the change and I would thank them. Things slowly changed, I began to pass inspections. We got to know each other better, talk about fake electricians work and shoot the breeze. Now we have a great relationship and if they find a deficiency, they pass the job, tell me about it and I quickly make the correction (after it passed inspection!)
To make a short story even longer, I am not aware of oxide inhibitor being a code requirement other then AHJ. Maybe it is in the manufacturers requirements? I just always use it, I think it helps.
 
Re: trouble with an inspector

Several years ago, aluminum was of the AA-13000 series grade. These alloys exhibited characteristics that warranted the need for antioxidant compounds. Today, per 310.14, aluminum comes in the AA-8000 series of alloys and does not have the same problems the old stuff did. From what I understand, unless the manufacturer of the terminating connector specifies the use of a "conductor preparation compound", it is not needed.

I like Dirkhats approach to the inspector issue. You need to establish a relationship of respect and good communication with your local inspectors.. Attend IAEI meetings and discuss potential issues before they are confronted at the jobsite.
 
Re: trouble with an inspector

A switch behind a door is poor design.But it is not a violation.Read article 100 Readily accessible.If he has a problem with this switch just what does he say about your panels ?

I think you made a mistake if you went to his boss first.Always try to deal with the inspector first.Then if it can't be solved go to his boss.I ran into this at first too.Let them know any unsuported code citations will get him a phone call.They will think twice before writing it unless they can find the number in the book.
 
Re: trouble with an inspector

From your side of the story the guy seems like a real winner. But as they say, the inspector is the final authority. They have the power to accept any installation or reject it if they feel like it. What can you do?
 
Re: trouble with an inspector

Just dont let him see you lose your cool or you might just make his day.
tantrum.gif
 
Re: trouble with an inspector

I to though that I might have a problem with a local inspector. The reason being was I waited for him for 2hrs. on a scheduled inspection and he never showed an didn't even bother to call anyone. I called the city inspections office but couldn't get anybody. Finally someone from another department put me in touch with the director. She was very helpful either saying that there is nothing unusual about waiting that long for an inspector, but I say if your work is done time is money and just sitting around in the summer heat waiting for an inspector doesn't pay the bills. Luckally though he did come back a few weeks later and was in and out with no problems. I thought for sure he was going to go over that job with a fine tooth comb because of the phone call I made. What gets me is you are at the mercy of the AHJ in situations like this it seems that all everything on my side of the bargain has to be right in line the permit filled out correctly, the proper fee's paid, and all work has to be in order you cant make any errors but they can take the sweet time coming out to do the inspection. Anyway thats the way it go's I guess you just have to bite the bullet. Hopefully this specific AHJ will get some more people to man the inspections so they are not spread so thin.
 
Re: trouble with an inspector

Somthing i have noticed is that most inspecters will not write only one item up.They will add 1 or 2 other trivial things like a missing nail plate or a strap too far from a box.That way just in case the 1st item they cited turns out to be a non violation.Saves them from looking bad.
 
Re: trouble with an inspector

They will add 1 or 2 other trivial things like a missing nail plate
Click to expand...
A nail through that romex and a subsequent fire; that missing nail plate won't be so trivial in court.
That said, I do find that I might "overlook" a minor infraction, but add 1 or two to that 1st one, and you got a red tag. IMHO, its not a case of adding "trivial" things to "cover", its a case of two or three trivial things adding up to guarantee a failure.
 
Re: trouble with an inspector

Originally posted by wpaul29:
What gets me is you are at the mercy of the AHJ in situations like this it seems that all everything on my side of the bargain has to be right in line the permit filled out correctly, the proper fee's paid, and all work has to be in order you cant make any errors but they can take the sweet time coming out to do the inspection. Anyway thats the way it go's I guess you just have to bite the bullet. Hopefully this specific AHJ will get some more people to man the inspections so they are not spread so thin.
Click to expand...
You nailed that one on the head (no offense to any inspectors on this board.) In some municipalities this is 100% true. At the moment, I have a GC with smoke coming out of his ears because I haven't gotten a rough inspection. I started calling for that inspection Monday of last week, the inspector will be in tomorrow. In Wisconsin, by law the inspector must complete his inspection within 48 hours of being contacted by the EC. In Milwaukee you have to schedule inspections with the inspector directly, between the hours of 7:30 and 9AM. That being said, if an inspector gets backed up they simply refuse to answer their phone, thus the 48 hour clock doesn't start, thus the EC (me) doesn't get an inspection in a timely manner, thus the GC gets ticked off... but always at the EC and never at the city.
 
Re: trouble with an inspector

Here in Mass the law states that all requests for inspection must be in writing.
Most towns don't adhere to this pratice however we always put our requests in writing with the rough and finish date specified even if they date is listed as "will call." We use this as a CYA measure.
 
Re: trouble with an inspector

I have a similar situation with the inspectors in a county that I have never worked in. They seem to be a little wary of new contractors. I have failed a rough in twice for two different things. If I fail it today I am going to have to go to the courthouse and have a little talk with them about it. I have no problem with correcting things for them but I do have a problem with them not citing everything on the first visit. I am also working with a new building contractor and it kinda makes me look bad not to mention it hurts my pride somewhat.
 
Re: trouble with an inspector

cselectric said:
In Wisconsin, by law the inspector must complete his inspection within 48 hours of being contacted by the EC.
Click to expand...
We use the fax machine to notify one municipality because they don't answer the phone nor return calls! We put the customer contact info on the fax and let the inspector call and schedule his "visit." So far no problems.

I have a job and so do the inspectors. Let's work together! :D
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top