What are the most common mistakes?

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marmathsen said:
This is just for fun, and possibly education.

What are the most common mistakes and code violations you see in our industry?

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In my industry (Solar PV), according to some inspectors I have spoken with the most common mistake is wiring the PV AC disconnect backwards. The inverter goes on the load side, not the line side.
 
marmathsen said:
This is just for fun, and possibly education.

What are the most common mistakes and code violations you see in our industry?

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Around here I would say it's burial depth for cables and conduit. I'm sure that a lot of the work was not inspected but I find cables all the time that are not at correct depth. A common one is UF cable that's not over 6" below grade. Some just under the sod.
 
growler said:
Around here I would say it's burial depth for cables and conduit. I'm sure that a lot of the work was not inspected but I find cables all the time that are not at correct depth. A common one is UF cable that's not over 6" below grade. Some just under the sod.
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And some get exposed and run over by lawn mowers.
 
ggunn said:
In my industry (Solar PV), according to some inspectors I have spoken with the most common mistake is wiring the PV AC disconnect backwards. The inverter goes on the load side, not the line side.
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Actually I've heard that inspectors are requiring it to be wired the other way. And the most common, missing KO seals.
 
How about the most common thing inspectors fail you for when you know it's right but the inspector is not to smart

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We kept a tally based on three inspectors rejections on residential over a long period and for Rough-Ins it was nail plates, box fill and receptacle spacing. Final inspections did not have any real "leaders" but GFCI violations, improper OCP on HVAC equipment, and improper panel schedules were high on the list.
 
As a more generalized issue, I'd say it's a tie between NOT READING the code and ASSuming they know what it says / means (see "Charlie's Rule" thread in Campfire chat), or people reading it and not understanding the difference between "minimum" and "maximum" or ASSuming either one is "must be".
 
cowboyjwc said:
Actually I've heard that inspectors are requiring it to be wired the other way.
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What? I'd ask the inspector if he'd want to be the one to change out the fuses on a line side interconnected system. I'll stand far away and call 911. :D
 
ggunn said:
What? I'd ask the inspector if he'd want to be the one to change out the fuses on a line side interconnected system. I'll stand far away and call 911. :D
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Because they are looking at it like the PV system is feeding to the panel (like it's usually drawn). Being an electrician I always plan check it backwards from the service to the panels. I just heard someone say that an inspector made him change it the other day, in another jurisdiction of course.
 
mistake

mistake

Not making sure your brain is engaged before putting mouth in gear.
 
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