Permits and Inspections
The permit lifecycle
Most electrical work requires a permit before work begins. The permit identifies the scope, the contractor, and the responsible party. Work is inspected at defined stages: rough-in (before concealment), final (after completion and energization testing), and sometimes underground or service stages. Know that concealed work must be inspected before it is covered, and that a failed inspection requires correction and reinspection, often with a fee.
What inspectors check
Inspectors verify code compliance, but they also verify that the permitted scope matches what was installed. Unpermitted work, work beyond the permitted scope, and work concealed before rough-in inspection are common failure points. Temporary power and service energization have their own approval steps.
The traps
- Believing a permit can be pulled after the work is finished; most jurisdictions require it before.
- Confusing inspection (code compliance) with plan review (design approval).
- Assuming a homeowner exemption covers rental property or complex work; exemptions are narrow.
- Forgetting that an inspector's approval does not waive code requirements or liability.
Rule of thumb
Sequence: permit → install → rough-in inspection → conceal → final inspection → energize/approve. If a question describes covering walls before inspection, the answer is usually that the work must be exposed for inspection.
Worked example
A crew installs boxes and cable, then hangs drywall before calling for rough-in. The inspector cannot verify support, box fill, or protection from damage once covered. The correct action is to expose the work for inspection; the drywall must come down in the affected areas before approval.