Residential Electrical

General Inspections for All Areas

• Check wiring methods (usually cable assemblies) for support and suitability for the conditions.
• Check cable installation through or parallel to framing members for ¼-inch (31.8mm) clearance or protective steel plates.
• Check boxes for suitability of use.
• Verify that boxes are installed in accessible locations for all junctions and outlets and pull points.
• Check that cables are secured to boxes.
• Check boxes for conductor fill.
• Check positioning of boxes intended to be flush with combustible and noncombustible finished surfaces.
• Check for splicing devices on all equipment grounding conductors within boxes and bonding connections to metal boxes.
• Check equipment grounding conductors for suitability and size.
• Check boxes used in floors, or for support of ceiling fans, for listing.
• Check recessed fixtures for clearances from combustibles and insulation.

Kitchen Area Inspections

• Check spacing of receptacles for walls and countertops including islands and peninsulas.
• Verify that a minimum of two 20-Amp small appliance branch circuits are used for kitchen receptacles.
• Verify that a wall switched lighting outlet is provided and wired on a general lighting circuit.
• Verify that properly sized circuits have been provided for specific kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers, disposers, ranges, cooktops, trash compactors, and the like.
• Check for additional small appliance branch circuits where there is more than one kitchen.
• Check for other outlets or appliances on small appliance branch circuits.

Dining Room Area Inspections

• Check receptacle outlets for proper spacing.
• Verify that all required receptacle outlets are supplied by small appliance branch circuits.
• Check for wall switch controlled lighting outlet on a general lighting circuit.

Bathroom Area Inspections

• Verify that receptacle outlets are installed adjacent to and within 36 inches (91.5 mm) of each basin.
• Verify that receptacles are supplied by dedicated 20 amp branch circuits.
• Check for a wall switch controlled lighting outlet on a general lighting circuit.

Other Habitable Area Inspections
(Bedrooms, Family Rooms, Dens, etc.)

• Check receptacle outlets for proper spacing.
• Check for wall switch controlled lighting outlets (including switched receptacles).

Hallway Area Inspections

• Check for at least one wall switch controlled (or automatic, remote, or centrally controlled) lighting outlet.
• Verify that hallways 10 ft. (3.05 m) or more have at least one receptacle outlet.

Stairway Area Inspections

• Check for at least one wall switch controlled (or automatic, remote, or centrally controlled) lighting outlet.
• Verify that wall switches are provided at each floor level where there are six or more steps between levels.

Closet Area Inspections

• Check clearances between lighting fixtures and storage spaces if fixtures are installed.

Laundry Area Inspections

• Verify that at least one receptacle outlet is installed for the laundry.
• Verify that a dedicated 20 ampere circuit supplies the laundry outlet(s) and no other outlets.
• Check for a laundry receptacle outlet within 6 ft. (1.83m) of the intended appliance location.
• Check for proper branch circuit conductors, including equipment grounding conductors, for 240 volt dryers (if used).
• Verify that lighting outlets for the area are supplied from general lighting circuits.

Basement and Attic Area Inspections

• Verify that at least one receptacle outlet is provided in unfinished basement areas in addition to any receptacles installed for laundry equipment.
• Verify that a receptacle outlet is provided for servicing mechanical equipment, if any.
• Verify that individual branch circuits are supplied for central heating equipment, if any.
• Verify that a wall switch controlled lighting outlet or a lighting outlet containing a switch is provided at the entrance to equipment requiring servicing.
• Check accessible attics, attic entrances and scuttle holes for clearances from or protection of cable assemblies.

Garage Area Inspections
(Attached or with Electric Power)

• Verify that at least one receptacle outlet is provided.
• Verify that a wall switch controlled lighting outlet is provided.

Outdoor Area Inspections

• Check for at least two receptacle outlets, one each at the front and back of a dwelling.
• Check for wall switch controlled (or remote, central, or automatic controlled) exterior lighting outlets at outdoor entrances or exits with grade-level access.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES,
FEEDERS AND SYSTEM GROUNDING

Services, Feeders and System Grounding Inspections

• Review calculation of service load and determine minimum size of service conductors.
• Verify that service disconnects and over current devices are located outside or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors.
• Verify that service disconnects are grouped together, with no more than six in any one location.
• Check for proper accessibility, working clearances, and dedicated spaces around service equipment.
• Check service-entrance wiring methods for suitability, support, and protection from damage.
• Check for a proper drip loop and weatherhead on overhead services.
• Verify that the point of attachment is adequate and will provide required support and clearances above roofs and grade.
• Check service masts for adequate strength and support.
• Check for proper clearances of service conductors from building openings.
• Check underground service conductors for proper depth, fill, protection, marking, and allowances for ground movement.
• Determine which grounding electrodes are available, and verify that they are bonded together to form a rounding electrode system.
• Check any made electrodes for proper size, type, and installation.
• Verify that grounding electrode conductors are unspliced and protected and that any metal enclosures are bonded and electrically continuous.
• Check grounding electrode conductor(s) for proper sizing.
• Check grounding electrode connections for proper type for protection, and for accessibility.
• Verify that the main bonding jumper is installed and of the proper size and type.
• Verify that interior metal piping systems are bonded, that bonding jumpers are properly sized, and that continuity around removable devices is assured.
• Verify that service raceways and enclosures are properly bonded.

RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL FINAL

General Inspections for All Areas

• Check for correction of any deficiencies noted on previous inspections.
• Check positioning of boxes intended to be flush with combustible and noncombustible finished surfaces.
• Check for proper positioning of receptacles and faceplates on walls.
• Check for gaps around outlet boxes in walls.
• Verify that conductor terminations and splicing methods are compatible with conductor materials.
• Verify that receptacles are bonded to metal boxes and that receptacles, switches, and metal face plates are grounded.
• Check polarity of devices and fixtures.
• Check for splicing devices on all equipment grounding conductors within boxes and for bonding connections to metal boxes.
• Verify that device ratings are compatible with circuit and equipment ratings.
• Check for proper use of connecters and fittings and for protection of cables.
• Check for bushings for equivalent protection for cables entering boxes and other enclosures.
• Verify that unused openings in boxes and other enclosures are closed.
• Verify that appliances, motors, and other equipment are grounded.
• Check buried raceways and cables for proper burial depth.
• Check installation of listed equipment for compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Verify that fire rating of assemblies has been restored at electrical penetrations.
• Check for disconnecting means on both permanently connected and cord and plug connected appliances.

Kitchen Area Inspections

• Check spacing of receptacles for walls and countertops, including islands and peninsulas.
• Verify that a minimum of two 20 amp small appliance branch circuits are used for kitchen receptacles.
• Verify that small appliance branch circuits are used only for receptacles in kitchen, dining room, pantry, and so forth.
• Verify that counter top receptacles are provided with GFCI protection.
• Verify that refrigeration equipment is supplied by a small appliance branch circuit or an individual branch circuit.
• Verify that a wall switched lighting outlet is provided and wired on a general lighting circuit.
• Verify that properly sized circuits are provided for specific kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers, disposers, rangers, cooktops, trash compactors, and the like.
• Check for proper type, length, and use of flexible cords for appliance connections.

Dining Room Area Inspections

• Check receptacle outlets for proper spacing.
• Verify that all required receptacle outlets are supplied by small appliance branch circuits.
• Check for wall switch controlled lighting outlet on a general lighting circuit.

Bathroom Area Inspections

• Verify that receptacle outlets are installed adjacent to and within 36 inches (91.4 mm) of each basin.
• Verify that receptacles are supplied by dedicated 20 amp branch circuits.
• Verify that bathroom receptacles are GFCI protected.
• Check for a wall switch controlled lighting outlet on a general lighting circuit.

Other Habitable Area Inspections
(Bedrooms, Family Rooms, Dens, etc.)

• Check receptacle outlets for proper spacing.
• Check for wall switch controlled lighting outlets (including switched receptacles).
• Check for Arc-fault Circuit interrupter protection on bedroom circuits (Effective January 1, 2002).

Hallway Area Inspections

• Check for at least one wall switch controlled (or automatic, remote, or centrally controlled) lighting outlet.
• Verify that hallways continuous for 10 ft. (3.05 m) or more have at least one receptacle outlet.

Stairway Inspections

• Check for at least one wall switch controlled (or automatic, remote, or centrally controlled) lighting outlet.
• Verify that wall switches are provided at each floor level where there are six or more steps.

Closet Inspections

• Check clearances between lighting fixtures and storage spaces if fixtures are installed.

Laundry Area Inspections

• Verify that at least one receptacle outlet is installed for the laundry.
• Verify that a dedicated 20-A circuit supplies the laundry outlet(s) and no other outlets.
• Check for a laundry receptacle outlet within 6 ft. (1.83 m) of the intended appliance location.
• Check for proper receptacle ratings based on branch-circuit ratings, including receptacles for electric dryers (if used).
• Verify that lighting outlets for the area are supplied from general lighting circuits.

Basement and Attic Inspections

• Verify that at least one receptacle outlet is provided in unfinished basement areas in addition to any receptacles installed for laundry equipment.
• Verify that a receptacle outlet is provided for servicing mechanical equipment, if any.
• Verify that GFCI protection is provided for receptacles in unfinished portions of basements (other than receptacles for laundry, pumps, or specific appliances).
• Verify that individual branch circuits are supplied for central heating equipment, if any.
• Verify that a wall switch controlled lighting outlet or a lighting outlet containing a switch is provided at the entrance to equipment requiring servicing.
• Check accessible attics, attic entrances, and scuttle holes for clearances from or protection of cable assemblies.

Garage Inspections
(Attached or with Electric Power)

• Verify that at least one receptacle outlet is provided.
• Verify that GFCI protection is provided for readily accessible receptacles, other than those for appliances in dedicated spaces.
• Verify that a wall switch controlled lighting outlet is provided.

Outdoor Inspections

• Check for at least two receptacle outlets, one each at front and back of dwelling.
• Verify that outdoor receptacles are GFCI protected unless they are not readily accessible and are supplied by circuits for deicing or snow-melting equipment.
• Check for wall switch controlled (or remote, central, or automatic controlled) exterior lighting outlets at outdoor entrances or exits with grade level access.
• Check for boxes at exterior fixture locations.

Service Equipment Inspections

• Review bonding and grounding if not completed during previous inspections.
• Check over current devices for compatibility with conductors (terminals, ratings, and ampacities).
• Check for proper identification of all over current devices and disconnects.
• Check for open spaces in panelboard fronts.
• Verify that doorbell and other Class 2 wiring and transformers are located in appropriate places (not in service equipment or panelboards).
• Verify that any back-fed over current devices are secured in place.

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