Know the Local Rules, Know the Local Inspectors

Ultimately, the NEC isn’t the final judge and jury of your electrical work. This role belongs to your local electrical inspector who enforces your local electrical code. How does your local code differ from the NEC? It depends on where you live. Some municipalities stick with and solely enforce the NEC; some have additional rules. Remember, your local code determines how you or your electrician will do your electrical work, so you must know the regulations.
The electrical inspector wears a variety of hats. An inspector …

• Interprets the NEC rules and regulations.
• Approves or rejects electrical work.
• Approves fixtures and materials.

Is an inspector always right? Let me put it this way: If you question a judgment or ruling, you had better be able to back it up by quoting chapter and verse from the code. No one is perfect, and an electrical code is an involved and complex document. Mistakes and misinterpretations are made on both sides, but the inspector has the final word. Take some tips from Mr. Etiquette:

• Do your best work, and do it neatly.
• Don’t try to hide anything or take shortcuts.
• If your inspector believes you’ve erred in your work, listen politely and see what you have to do to resolve the problem.

It isn’t the inspector’s job to show you how to do your work. As a homeowner, you’ll have to establish your credibility and competence to do the job, even more so than a trained electrician. An inspection is like the speed limit—you might not like it, but it’s there to protect you.