How to Fail Your Municipality's Residential Electrical Inspection.

When dealing with electricians who may cut corners, it's essential to be aware of common mistakes they might make, leading to failed inspections. Inspectors are trained to catch these issues, so here's a rundown of real-world reasons electricians fail municipal inspections indicated with an Asterisk *.

1. Grounding/Bonding at Service Entrance
   • Failure: Improper grounding and bonding at the service entrance.
   • Code: NEC 250.20(B)(1), 250.24(A), 250.90  IRC 3607, 3609.
   • Why It Fails: Grounding and bonding are critical for safety. Without proper connections, there’s a higher risk of electrical shock or fire. Inspectors typically check this thoroughly, and improper bonding is a common failure.
   • * Electricians may skimp on grounding metal boxes, water pipes, or gas pipes properly, assuming inspectors won't check each connection.
   • * Neutral and Grounding Wires Tied Together in Subpanels. Electricians improperly bonding neutral and ground wires in subpanels, thinking it’s easier than running a separate ground wire.
   • * Why It Fails: This is a common code violation. Neutrals should only be bonded to the ground in the main service panel, not in subpanels, to prevent potential safety issues.
2. Service Entrance Wiring Incorrect Size
   • Failure: Wires too small to handle the current load. 
   • Code: NEC 310.15(A), IRC 3705.1.
   • Why It Fails: Undersized wiring can overheat, leading to a fire hazard. Inspectors usually verify the wire gauge by referencing circuit loads.
   • Type NM Cable Securing: Not securing Type NM cable properly (within 12 inches of boxes, cabinets, fittings).
   • Code: NEC 334.30.
   • * Some electricians may install wire gauges that are too small for the amperage required for a circuit to save money.
3. Required Lighting In Place &;; Operable
   • Failure: Missing or non-functional lighting.
   • Code: NEC 210.70(A), IRC 3903.
   • Why It Fails: Proper lighting is essential for visibility and safety in key areas like hallways, staircases, and bedrooms.
4. Breakers Incorrectly Sized or Unlabeled
   • Failure: Breakers not correctly sized or missing identification labels.
   • Code: NEC 310.15(A), 110.22(A), IRC 3705, 3404.13.
   • Why It Fails: Incorrectly sized breakers can cause an overload, while unlabeled breakers make it hard to safely control circuits.
5. Panel/Disconnect Not Covered or Lacking Proper Clearance
   • Failure: Panels uncovered or no clearance space.
   • Code: NEC 110.27(A), IRC 3404.9, 110.26(A &;; B).
   • Why It Fails: Panels must be covered for safety, and sufficient clearance (30” x 36”) is needed for easy access. Inspectors are strict about maintaining access and working space around electrical panels to ensure safety in future work or repairs.
6. Neutrals Not Isolated in Sub Panels
   • Failure: Neutral wires bonded to the ground in a sub-panel.
   • Code: NEC 250.24(A)(1), (A)(5), IRC 3607.2.
   • Why It Fails: Neutrals should only be bonded at the main service panel, not sub-panels, to prevent electrical issues.
7. Bonding of Metal Water &;; Gas Piping
   • Failure: Failure to bond metal piping systems to the electrical system.
   • Code: NEC 250.104(A), (A)(1), 250.104(B), IRC 3609.6, 3609.7.
   • Why It Fails: Without bonding, metal pipes can become electrified, causing shock or fire risks.
8. Non-Operable or Non-Tamper Proof Receptacles
   • Failure: Receptacles not working or not tamper-resistant.
   • Code: NEC 406.12(A), IRC 4002.14.
   • Why It Fails: Non-functioning outlets need to be repaired or replaced, and tamper-proof outlets are a requirement to prevent children from electrical shocks.
9. Bathrooms
   • Failure: Faulty GFCI protection or improper placement of fixtures.
   • Code: Typically involves NEC 210.8(A) for GFCI.
   • Why It Fails: Bathrooms require GFCI protection due to the proximity of water to electrical outlets.
10. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) Not Functioning
    • Failure: Missing or non-functional AFCI circuits.
    • Code: NEC 210.12(A), IRC 3902.
    • Why It Fails: AFCIs are required to prevent electrical fires caused by arc faults. Inspectors always test for the presence of these devices.
    • * An electrician might skip installing required Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor areas, hoping it will go unnoticed.
11. Outdoor Receptacles Not Weather-Resistant (WR)
    • Failure: Outdoor receptacles not labeled as weather-resistant.
    • Code: NEC 406.9(A), IRC 4002.8.
    • Why It Fails: Weather-resistant (WR) receptacles are required for outdoor installations to prevent water infiltration.
12. Smoke &;; Carbon Monoxide Detectors Inoperative
    • Failure: Missing or non-functional smoke and CO detectors.
    • Code: IRC 314, IRC 315.
    • Why It Fails: These devices are essential for life safety and are required in specific locations in residential homes.
13. Improper Installation of Smoke and CO Detectors
    • Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the wrong locations or failing to interconnect them as required by code.
    • Why It Fails: Inspectors will check that smoke and CO detectors are installed according to code, which often requires specific placement (e.g., outside bedrooms) and interconnection.
14. Other Specific Areas (Kitchen, Garage, Laundry, etc.)
    • Failures: Any failure related to grounding, GFCI, AFCI protection, correct receptacle placement, and proper fixture installation.
    • Codes: These often revolve around NEC and IRC sections related to specific areas like kitchens, garages, and outdoor spaces.
15. Weather-Resistant Receptacles in Wet Locations
    • Failure: Receptacles installed in wet locations without proper weatherproof enclosures.
    • Code: NEC 406.9(A &;; B).
    • Why It Fails: Wet locations require weatherproof enclosures for safety, even if a plug is inserted.
16. AFCI/GFCI Protection Near Water Sources
    • Failure: Missing AFCI or GFCI protection within 6 feet of sinks, bathtubs, or showers.
    • Code: NEC 210.8, 210.12.
    • Why It Fails: GFCI protection is necessary to prevent electric shock in areas with water.
17. Ceiling Fan Junction Boxes
    • Failure: Ceiling fan mounted on an incorrect junction box not rated for fan installation.
    • Why It Fails: Ceiling fans require a special junction box rated for fans to support the weight and motion of the fixture.
18. Improper Installation of Receptacles
    • Some electricians may not bother installing tamper-resistant receptacles.
    • Why It Fails: Inspectors will check that tamper-resistant outlets are installed correctly in required areas.
19. Insufficient Support and Securing of Cables
    • Electricians may not secure cables within the required 12 inches of a junction box or every 4-1/2 feet along their length.
    • Why It Fails: Loose cables can sag, be damaged, or come into contact with other materials, creating fire hazards. This is an easy-to-spot issue that inspectors routinely flag.
20. Not Enough Outlets
    • Skimping on outlets in places like kitchens or hallways, thinking the homeowner won't mind or won’t know the code requirements.
    • Why It Fails: The code specifies minimum spacing for outlets (e.g., every 12 feet in living spaces). Inspectors will flag any room that doesn’t meet these standards.
21. Junction Boxes Not Accessible
    • Concealing junction boxes behind walls or ceilings, thinking they won't be noticed or that the homeowner won’t care about future access.
    • Why It Fails: All junction boxes must be easily accessible for future maintenance and repairs. Inspectors look closely for these kinds of mistakes.
22. Failing to Use Proper Disconnects
    • Skipping installation of a disconnect switch for major appliances like water heaters or HVAC units.
    • Why It Fails: The code requires disconnects within sight of appliances for safety. If they are missing, inspectors will flag this.
23. Incorrect Breaker Size
    • Using a breaker that is too large for the wire gauge or device, hoping it won't trip frequently and cause issues.
    • Why It Fails: Oversized breakers prevent proper circuit protection and increase the risk of electrical fires. Inspectors routinely check the breaker sizing against the wire gauge.
24. Not Installing Weatherproof Covers on Exterior Outlets
    • Installing regular covers on outdoor outlets instead of weatherproof, "in-use" covers that protect the outlet even when something is plugged in.
    • Why It Fails: This is an easy fail for inspectors, especially in areas where outdoor receptacles are exposed to rain, moisture, or direct weather.
25. Improper Box Fill
    • Cramming too many wires into a small electrical box, making it a fire hazard but thinking the inspector won’t look inside.
    • Why it Fails: There are strict limits on how many wires and connections are allowed in a box of a given size. Inspectors will open boxes to check for overcrowding.
26. Unlabeled Panel
    • Failing to label circuits on the electrical panel, leaving homeowners and future technicians guessing what each breaker controls.
    • Why It Fails: Code requires that all breakers be clearly labeled to their corresponding circuits. Inspectors will almost always check for this during the final inspection.
27. Using the Wrong Type of Conduit
    • Using indoor-rated conduit or non-metallic sheathed cable (NM cable) outdoors or in damp and wet locations outside the structure, thinking it won’t degrade too quickly or that the inspector won't notice.
    • Why It Fails: Outdoor installations require specific conduit types to protect wiring from moisture and physical damage. Inspectors will catch any improper conduit use.
28. Overfilling a Main Electrical Panel
    • Installing too many circuits or breakers in a main panel, exceeding its rated capacity.
    • Why it Fails: Electrical panels are rated for a specific number of circuits, and exceeding that number can cause overheating and fire risks.
29. Not Following Local Code Amendments
    • Ignoring local code amendments that are stricter than national standards, assuming inspectors will only follow NEC guidelines.
    • Why It Fails: Many municipalities adopt their own local amendments to the NEC or IRC. An inspector will enforce these, and unfamiliarity with local codes is a recipe for failure.

Advice Note: Electricians who cut corners or say, "We’ll let it go unless they catch us," put homeowners at risk of serious safety hazards and can cause delays in project completion. Municipal inspectors who do their jobs are thorough and will often catch these mistakes. It’s best to hire electricians who prioritize code compliance from the start.